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Head Start Program Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Save the children

Program Aide

Ripley, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

Save the children

Program Aide

Newbern, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

Save The Children Federation

Program Aide

Ripley, TN

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

Save The Children Federation

Program Aide

Newbern, TN

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

Save the children

Program Aide On-Call

Moscow, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Education & Inclusion or Center Director Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs Save the Children For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right ...

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All JobsHead Start Program JobsHead Start Program Director JobsHead Start Program Director Jobs in Tennessee

Head Start Program Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.8K

$71K

$124.3K

How much do head start program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director in Tennessee is $70,972.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Start Program Director vs Head Start Center Supervisor?

AspectHead Start Program DirectorHead Start Center Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or associate's degree; experience in early childhood education or supervision
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple centers or programs, administrative settingManages daily operations of a single center, direct supervision of staff
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, compliance, staff management, community relationsStaff supervision, classroom quality, parent engagement, daily operations

The Head Start Program Director typically oversees multiple centers and handles administrative and strategic responsibilities, requiring higher credentials. In contrast, the Head Start Center Supervisor manages daily operations at a single center, focusing on staff and classroom quality. Both roles are vital but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Start Program Director?

To thrive as a Head Start Program Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program administration, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards, ChildPlus software, and grant management systems is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in managing staff, building community partnerships, and ensuring program quality. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality educational services to children and families while maintaining compliance with federal and state requirements.

What is a Head Start Program Director?

A Head Start Program Director is responsible for overseeing the operations of a Head Start program, which provides early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. The director manages staff, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, develops program policies, and oversees budgets and grants. Their goal is to ensure that children are prepared for school and that families receive the support they need. This role also involves collaborating with community organizations and engaging with parents to strengthen program outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by Head Start Program Directors, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Head Start Program Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing compliance with federal regulations, managing diverse teams, and ensuring high-quality early childhood education for all children served. Candidates should be prepared to implement effective systems for staff supervision, budget management, and community engagement. Developing strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills is essential for addressing these challenges and fostering a positive, supportive environment for both staff and families.
What are popular job titles related to Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee? For Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Head Start Program Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Head Start Program Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Head Start Program Director job openings:
Head Start Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Start Program Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,972 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Teacher - Early Head Start Program

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$32K - $39K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Teacher - Early Head Start Program
Division
Research and Sponsored Programs
Department
COE Learning Sciences
Number of hours per week
40
Days to be worked
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Months per year
Fiscal (12 months)
If modified, list months
Job Type
Full-Time
Campus
Other
If other location, please indicate
Henry, Gibson and Weakley Counties
Position Number
106940
Advertised Salary
$32,760- $39,312
Pay Basis
Semi-Monthly
Job Description
Tennessee State University invites applications for the position of Teacher-Early Head Start Program in Henry, Gibson and Weakley Counties.
This professional will direct the activities of children and families in the Early Head Start program. Provide developmentally appropriate quality care for children ages 0-3 in a child care center. Develop individualized lesson plans for children in their caseload. Participate in meetings involving children and families to help assess, plan, and coordinate core service delivery.
Be a responsible, mature, caring individual with experience in early childhood development, parenting education and family case management services. Knowledge of state, regional and local family resources preferred. Ability to make decisions in accordance with established procedures. Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with, parents, children, coworkers and the public.
Must be able to do the following:
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the basic principles of appropriate early childhood development;
  • Work as a team member, establish and maintain effective, working relationships with staff, children and families;
  • Maintain respectful relationships and communication with staff, families, children and the community;
  • Organize, manage, and control work flow;
  • Work with individuals from various ethnic; cultural, socio-economic and educational backgrounds;
  • Work collaboratively with Mentor Teachers, Center Managers, Coordinators and Directors;
  • Complete and submit required paperwork and reports as scheduled;
  • Participate in program group activities, such as parent meetings, advisory committee meetings, and family social events, as appropriate and assigned.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
A minimum of a Child Development Credential (CDA) required. An Infant/Toddler CDA, degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field preferred.
Knowledge of psychological and biological needs of infants and toddlers. Ability to prepare and present educational materials. Professional knowledge of instructional methods, materials, and program development.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.
Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.
An unofficial transcript may be attached in the "Transcript" section.
You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.
Open Date
05/14/2026
Close Date
Job Category
Clerical
Requisition Number
Benefits
Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more. Visit https://www.tnstate.edu/hr/benefits.aspx for more information.
Quick Link
https://jobs.tnstate.edu/postings/10634

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