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Head Start Program Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Kids for the Future

Program Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $155/hr

Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start programs. * Experience with GrantSolutions, HSES, AMS, and Smartsheet. * Experience managing performance-based Federal service contracts. Education and ...

New

Northrop Grumman

Program Director

Linthicum, MD · On-site

Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret ... The director will be tasked with ensuring successful execution of existing development programs as ...

New

kgs

Instructional Designer (REMOTE)

Washington, DC · Remote

$73K - $99K/yr

Ensure course content remains current, accurate, and aligned with Head Start Program Performance Standards, OHS priorities, ACF requirements, and learner needs. * Recommend course refresh ...

kgs

Instructional Designer (REMOTE)

Washington, DC · Remote

$73K - $99K/yr

Ensure course content remains current, accurate, and aligned with Head Start Program Performance Standards, OHS priorities, ACF requirements, and learner needs. * Recommend course refresh ...

Leidos

Program Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Direct enterprise cyber incident response activities, ensuring rapid detection, analysis ... start. Because of the critical nature of this role, any future personnel substitutions are subject ...

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All JobsHead Start Program JobsHead Start Program Director JobsHead Start Program Director Jobs in Washington

Head Start Program Director information

See Washington salary details

$33.4K

$88.6K

$155.2K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for head start program director in Washington is $88,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $104,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Head Start Program Director jobs in Washington?

For Head Start Program Director jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Start Program Director jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Start Program Director jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Head Start Program Director jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Head Start Program Director job openings:

Head Start Program Director jobs near you

Head Start Administrative & Customer Service Support

Peers and Partners

Washington, DC • On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate meetings, schedules, appointments, activities, and logistics.

  • Prepare and format correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and other documents.

  • Support planning and coordination of OHS meetings, events, trainings, and other activities.

Job description

Important Information About This Talent Pool
This posting is intended to identify qualified candidates for anticipated ACF/OHS opportunities.
Submission of an application does not guarantee employment or placement into a specific position. Qualified candidates may be contacted for additional screening as staffing needs, labor categories, work arrangements, and project requirements are finalized.
Peers and Partners, Inc. (Peers) is building a talent pool of experienced administrative and customer service professionals to support anticipated opportunities with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS). Anticipated work may support OHS federal staff, Regional Offices, Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients, and other stakeholders through administrative coordination, meeting and event support, document preparation, inquiry management, scheduling, records maintenance, data entry, and customer service activities. Peers is seeking highly organized professionals who can manage multiple priorities, communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders, maintain accurate documentation, and provide responsive administrative and operational support in a complex program environment. Direct Head Start/Early Head Start experience is highly valued but is not required for every administrative support assignment. Candidates with strong experience supporting federal, public-sector, nonprofit, early childhood, or other complex organizational environments are encouraged to apply.
This posting is being used to establish a qualified candidate pool for anticipated ACF/OHS opportunities. Specific responsibilities, work arrangements, and hiring timelines will be determined as project requirements are finalized.
Position
Administrative Assistant / Administrative Support
Administrative support professionals may provide a combination of administrative, operational, customer service, documentation, meeting coordination, and data support to OHS teams.
Potential responsibilities may include:
  • Coordinate meetings, schedules, appointments, activities, and logistics.
  • Schedule meetings and manage calendars and related communications.
  • Prepare agendas, meeting materials, notes, summaries, and action items.
  • Coordinate meeting rooms, virtual meeting arrangements, and other logistical needs.
  • Support planning and coordination of OHS meetings, events, trainings, and other activities.
  • Prepare and format correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and other documents.
  • Draft, edit, proofread, and finalize program and administrative documentation.
  • Conduct basic research on program topics and issues as assigned.
  • Maintain administrative records, files, tracking systems, and documentation.
  • Perform data entry and assist with database and system updates.
  • Track requests, assignments, deadlines, and follow-up activities.
  • Route external inquiries and complaints to the appropriate staff.
  • Track grant-recipient requests and assist with timely follow-up.
  • Support preparation of accurate responses to inquiries.
  • Document inquiries, requests, and follow-up activities in required systems.
  • Communicate professionally with federal staff, grant recipients, contractors, and other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Assist with preparation of training materials, webinars, presentations, and meeting resources.
  • Provide additional administrative and operational support as assigned.

Competitive Candidates Will Typically Have
  • An associate degree or higher in a field related to the work.
  • At least two years of relevant professional administrative, operational, customer service, or program-support experience.
  • Demonstrated experience coordinating meetings, schedules, logistics, and follow-up activities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Experience preparing professional reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, presentations, meeting materials, and other documents.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines accurately.
  • Experience working with web-based systems, databases, tracking tools, or other business applications.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Experience providing customer service or stakeholder support.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience supporting federal, state, local, nonprofit, early childhood, or other public-sector programs preferred.
  • Head Start/Early Head Start experience highly desirable.

Head Start and Federal Experience
Direct Head Start/Early Head Start experience is highly valued because many assignments may involve interaction with OHS staff, Head Start grant recipients, and Head Start-related documentation and terminology.
Particularly competitive candidates may have experience with:
  • Head Start and/or Early Head Start programs.
  • OHS or ACF operations.
  • Federal or federally funded programs.
  • Head Start grant recipients.
  • Federal contractors.
  • Customer or stakeholder support.
  • Program or grant documentation.
  • HSES, GrantSolutions, AMS, Smartsheet, or other federal/program information systems.

Core Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate:
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Professional written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to provide responsive and courteous customer and stakeholder support.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Strong judgment when handling inquiries and sensitive information.
  • Ability to follow established procedures and workflows.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based collaboration tools.
  • Ability to work professionally with Government staff, grant recipients, contractors, and other partners.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to satisfy applicable federal background, security, and system-access requirements.
Work Arrangement
Work arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of individual assignments and may include remote, telework, travel, or on-site support. Candidates nationwide are encouraged to apply. Specific work-location requirements will be communicated as positions are finalized.

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