Early Head Start Director

Early Head Start DirectorLocation: Milwaukee, WIWork type: Hybrid (work from home + site visits) Salary: $70,000 annually plus great benefitsThis is a rare opportunity to build an Early Head Start Child Care Partnership program from the ground up - bringing your vision, expertise, and passion for early childhood to a mission-driven organization that genuinely values the people behind the work. About WECAWisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building a foundation for lifelong learning for Wisconsin's youngest children. We support early childhood professionals through advocacy, professional development, and quality improvement "” and we bring that same intentionality to how we treat our own team.We believe in work-life balance not just as a policy, but as a practice. Our culture is people-first, collaborative, and deeply mission-driven. When you join WECA, you're joining a team that cares about the work and about each other.The RoleAs Early Head Start Director, you'll lead WECA's Early Head Start Child Care Partnership (CCP) program "” a multi-site initiative serving infants and toddlers across the Milwaukee area. This is a hybrid position: you'll have the flexibility to work from home while spending meaningful time visiting and building relationships with community-based child care partner sites.You'll supervise an Education Manager, Monitoring & Compliance Manager, and Comprehensive Services Manager "” guiding a dedicated team to deliver integrated, high-quality services aligned with federal Head Start Performance Standards. Because this program is being built from the ground up, you'll have real ownership over its direction, culture, and outcomes.What You'll DoOwn overall program leadership across multiple community partner sites "” this is your program to shape and growDevelop and sustain strong community partnerships to expand reach and impact for Milwaukee's youngest childrenEnsure full compliance with federal and state regulations and Head Start Performance StandardsLead strategic planning and use data to drive continuous program improvementHire, train, coach, and evaluate a passionate, high-performing teamManage program budgets in collaboration with the financial teamCoordinate across education, family services, health, inclusion, and compliance to ensure integrated service deliveryLead community needs assessments and translate findings into program planningPrepare for and lead federal and state program reviews and auditsWhat We're Looking ForBachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field5+ years of experience managing early childhood programs, with deep expertise in infant/toddler developmentStrong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and regulatory complianceProven track record in fiscal oversight and strategic program planningExceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skillsBased in or able to relocate to the Milwaukee areaSpanish/English bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.BenefitsWe take care of our people. Here's what you can expect:Vacation & Time Off: 10 vacation days in year one, 12 sick days per year (bank up to 240 hrs), plus 13 paid holidaysHoliday Week: WECA closes the week between Christmas and New Year's "” fully paid for all staff401(k) Match: Company matches 100% up to 3% of salary, plus 50% on the next 2%Health Insurance: Medical, dental (company paid), and vision insuranceIncome Protection: Life insurance, short-term & long-term disability "” all company paidAdditional Coverage: Accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance options availableFlexible Spending: FSA and dependent care account optionsWisconsin Early Childhood Association works to build a foundation for a lifetime of learning for Wisconsin's young children by promoting excellence in early education programs, supporting professionalism in the early childhood workforce, and calling for greater investment in quality early child care. WECA's mission is to meet the professional needs of adults who nurture and teach Wisconsin's young children through a rich continuum of services. WECA does not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, developmental disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Created: 2026-05-09