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Head Start Program Director Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Head Start Program Director information

See Texas salary details

$27.5K

$72.9K

$127.6K

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

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director in Texas is $72,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $86,200.00 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 Texas? For Head Start Program Director jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Start Program Director jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Head Start Program Director jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Head Start Program Director jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Head Start Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Start Program Director job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,851 per year, or $35 per hour.

Head Start Program Director

Innovative Network of Knowledge

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

It's a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world!
Academic Req: Bachelor's Degree, Masters preferred
Certifications: Preferred Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. CLASS Reliability preferred.
Work Experience: Seven (7) years of experience in supervision of staff, fiscal management, and administration of complex programs or projects. Preferred: Experience with federal, state, or local grants and contracts; Experience with private or non-profit organizations; Experience with non-profit administration.
Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables:
1. Ensure a multi-state federal program, fiscal, and human resource management structure that provides effective management and oversight of all program areas and fiduciary responsibilities to enable delivery of high-quality services in all program services. (HSPPS §1302.101)
2. Maintain effective communication with a dedicated Board of Directors, active policy council, program staff, community partners, and federal entities in accordance with federal regulations and performance standards.
3. Ensure submission of all applications, reports, and other documentation within timeframes established in federal regulations and performance standards to ensure compliance with any audit.
4. Manage ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement for achieving program goals that ensure child safety; delivery of high-quality program services; and compliance with program, licensing, contract, and fiscal standards, including in-kind contributions. (HSPPS §1302.100)
5. Serve as primary liaison with federal agencies, auditors, and oversight bodies.
6. Reinforce organizational culture, accountability, and mission alignment across all teams.
7. Negotiate and confer with the President on contracts, leases, and vendor agreements in coordination with Executive Vice President and legal counsel.
Other Responsibilities:
1. Provide regular and ongoing supervision to support individual staff professional development and continuous program quality improvement. (HSPPS §1302.101)
2. Ensure budget and staffing patterns promote continuity of care for all children enrolled; allow sufficient time for staff to participate in appropriate training and professional development; and allow for provision of the full range of services. (HSPPS §1302.101)
3. Ensure automated accounting and record keeping systems are adequate for effective oversight. (HSPPS §1302.101)
4. Evaluate, expand and/or revise program delivery models based on program goals and outcomes.
5. Negotiate and approve lease agreements, human resources agreements, and other vendor contracts, including governing body approvals and coordination with General Counsel as appropriate.
6. Facilitate service expansion planning, budget preparation and long and short-term strategic planning for the agency.
7. Perform other job duties as assigned.
Measurable Deliverables:
1. All program personnel respect and promote the safety, health, and unique identity of each child and family enrolled in INK Head Start and Early Head Start programs. (HSPPS §1302.90)
2. All staff, consultants, and contractors engaged in the delivery of program services have sufficient knowledge, training and experience, and competencies to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of their positions and to ensure high-quality service delivery in accordance with the program performance standards. (HSPPS §1302.91)
3. Effective coordination, command and control is achieved through management by objectives.
4. Programs and budgets comply with contractual and operational requirements.
5. 100% on-time submission rate for all federal applications, reports, and required deliverables across all programs.
6. Achieve or exceed 90% of federally established program performance indicators to include: enrollment, attendance, screenings, and family engagement benchmarks.
7. Maintain full enrollment across all federally funded programs, with waitlists established where applicable.
8. Demonstrate year over year improvement in key child and family outcome metrics as defined by program standards.
Requirements:
1. Demonstrated leadership skills through command presence and reinforcement of agency mission, vision, and culture to drive a passionate, engaged, and accountable workforce.
2. Strong written and oral communication skills to inspire, grow, manage, and coach a high-performing team.
3. Professional interpersonal and presentation skills to support all stakeholders, including internal and external constituents.
4. Strong "people acumen" and knowledge of human resources policy requirements and personnel management strategies.
5. Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
6. Ability to balance an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to business development with sound business practices.
7. Possess sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
8. Ability to work independently.
English (United States)
If you like to work with people that believe they can make a difference in the world, this is the company for you!
EEO Statement
In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state laws (e.g., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, or any other classification made unlawful or prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, such as age, citizenship status, veteran or military status, or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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