Executive Director

Serves as the Chief Executive Officer of an Oregon nonprofit corporation designated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Oversees a budget of $8-15 million and nearly 300 employees to provide a wide range of programs and services, out of multiple sites, to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive.  

Provide enthusiastic leadership in the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of all components of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Overseas governance functions of the organization. Represent agency in the local, regional, and national communities, promoting sound organizational and management innovations. 

1. Model professional, trustworthy behavior and effective communications; hold the organization to the same standards. 
2. Ensure that the organization’s business practices are effective, efficient, and provide both the controls and support needed for the agency to achieve its goals and maintain compliance with all applicable authorities.
3. Provide vision, motivation and leadership to all Head Start employees, and the community with an eye to the future.
4. Implement with clear decision-making authority and accountability of all positions. 
5. Ensure oversight of the organization to assure that all programs, services, and systems are developed in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, and congruent with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards and Early Learning Division requirements. 
6. Champion the importance and value of a diverse, equitable and inclusive agency environment for clients, staff and visitors. Model behaviors which support the overall philosophy and design of the organization. 

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the members of the Board of Directors, the Policy Council, and Head Start staff.
2. Plan, guide and advise the Board of Directors on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.  
3. Provide accurate, complete and timely information required by the Board to fulfill its fiduciary and governance responsibility. 
4. Ensure that staffing, systems, and procedures are in place to effectively carry out the policies of the Board, as well as to meet all applicable funding and legal requirements.  
5. Oversee strategic planning process

1. Effectively represent the organization to its diverse public through regular communications, collaborations and committee involvement at local, state, regional and national levels. 
2. Act as a conduit/link for input and exchange of information, and to promote innovation at all levels between the state, regional and national early childhood and Head Start organizations.

1. Hire,  and supervise the directors of the organization: Head Start/Early Head Director, Human Resources Director, Finance Director, Operations Director.
2. Facilitate resolution of conflicts.

• Promote consistent exchange of information to all stakeholders.  
• Proven ability to communicate ideas and information clearly and persuasively in verbal and written form, including public speaking.
• Frequent telephone and in-person contact with Board members, staff, parents, community leaders and service providers to exchange information, promote the values of the agency and advocate for program participants.
• Written correspondence, issue papers, memos and grant application materials to generate revenue, and disseminate general information and educational materials.
• Formal presentations to community groups, Board of Directors, funding sources and staff as needed.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start’s policy on confidentiality

• Balancing budget constraints with growing service needs.
• Redesigning the organization to promote a self-managed work environment.
• Effective agency advocacy within a commitment to the larger community.
• Negotiating a volatile political climate.
• Embracing resistance to change.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree with relevant emphasis plus two (2) years upper management experience in the private, nonprofit, or public sector OR or Bachelor’s Degree with relevant emphasis plus five (5) years upper management experience in the private, nonprofit, or public sector OR five (5) years of Executive Director experience in a comparable nonprofit organization. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.  
• Proven, successful experience in accounting to a Board of Directors or other Council of policymakers.  
• Proven, successful experience in overall planning and management of multiple programs, complex budgets and senior staff. 

• Strong working knowledge of Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, Early Learning Division and Childcare Division regulations.
• Knowledge of nonprofit business practices, including accounting, budgeting, personnel, and grants management. 
• Proven ability to work in and collaborate with diverse socio-economic and multi-cultural communities. 
• Participatory management style, experience with work teams and proven skills in problem solving and conflict resolution. 
• Working knowledge of local community needs and resources. 
• Experience working with low-income issues and diverse groups of people 
• Extensive public speaking 
• Knowledge of effective marketing, public relations 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet and e-mail. 
• Understanding of software systems utilized by the agency (Word365, Childplus, MIP Microix) 
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License / proof of auto insurance / annual DMV check. 
• Current enrollment in Child Care Division-Central Background Registry

• Most work is conducted in an office environment with moderate to extensive phone use. 
• Extensive use of video terminal and keyboarding.
• Substantial problem solving in response to legislative action and political pressure.
• Substantial trans-disciplinary decision-making in the execution of program delivery.
• Ability to apply principles of leadership and management in daily practice.
• Ability to act quickly in emergency situations.
• Frequent local and out of state travel required.

We endeavor to create an environment that values all people of any ability, age, family structure, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status. We strive to create this environment through our curriculum, interactions, staffing, policies and procedures. As staff and volunteers of HSOLC, we accept the responsibility to help every member of our program feel safe, respected and valued. We will foster a safe environment that promotes inclusion and equitable learning environments with a heart for sensitivity, a head for critical thinking and a hand in change. An inclusive environment will encourage all employees and families to contribute their perspectives and capabilities.

• Position Exempt/Non Bargaining Unit
• Supervised by Board of Directors’ Chairperson.
• 50 weeks per year.

Updates on April 13, 1994. March 22, 2011. March 2022. June 2024

Board Approval 04/19/2011. August 2021. April 2022.

This job description was last updated on 03/2022. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Head Start of Lane County is an EEO Employer.
Head Start of Lane County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Are you able to perform all of the duties stated in the job description?

Signature : _____________________________________  Date: _______________

Print Name: __________________________________________________________