Mobile Community Action (MCA) is currently seeking an Administrator – Head Start, who directs and provides leadership to the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and other family and community service programs as assigned.

The Administrator – Head Start ensures that the development and implementation of programs are consistent with the mission, values and strategic direction of the Agency and the funding sources. Serves as the primary spokesperson for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs and as an advocate for young children and families.

About Mobile Community Action

The Mobile Community Action Head Start Administrator provides leadership for our federal grantee serving over 1,000 children and their families at 15 sites and 71 classrooms in Mobile and Washington Counties, Alabama, and coordinates all grantee functions. (https://www.mcamobile.org/)

Expectations of the Executive Director

The Administrator works with the Executive Director providing leadership in planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating program systems, and representing the Agency in local, regional, state, and national communities.

In addition, is responsible for incorporating Mobile Community Action’s mission, vision, values, and philosophies into daily work and demonstrating a positive attitude and commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for Head Start/Early Head Start and other family/community support programs, ensuring compliance with Head Start, Agency, local, state, and federal regulations, and accreditation and licensure requirements.
• Provides supervision and guidance for Head Start/Early Head Start component specialists and coordinators and other centralized positions, as assigned. 
• Ensures that policies and procedures are developed, implemented, and monitored that maximize the physical, human, and financial resources of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs through evaluations that result in the reduction of risk and the promotion of positive program outcomes.
• Ensures an organizational structure and staffing pattern is developed and implemented to effectively accomplish the Agency’s goals and objectives. Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff in collaboration with the specialists and coordinators.
• Establishes and maintains a system to effectively promote and monitor positive child and family outcomes.
• Provides ongoing strategic, expert advice, counsel and support to the program management staff and as requested or directed to the senior management staff and/or Head Start Policy Council and MCA Board of Directors.
• Provides direction to the development of program strategic and annual operational plans.
• Initiates and monitors the development of operating and capital program budgets according to Agency guidelines and the budget calendar; monitors expenses/revenues and ensures that budget expectations are met while ensuring program quality and the achievement of goals.
• Collaborates with the MCA Board’s Community Services Committee for fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources and developing proposals.
• Ensures the development, evaluation, revision, and ongoing implementation of a marketing plan for Head Start and other programs. Provides direction and approval for all program publications.
• Serves as an advocate for young children and families by identifying local issues and organizing and educating appropriate constituencies for change; and advocating for system change on local, state, and national levels in accordance with the Agency’s guidelines.
• Engages in community outreach and promotes, fosters, and maintains appropriate relationships with Agency staff, local, state and Federal Head Start staff, funding sources, and outside entities to ensure the success of the programs.
• Serves on external boards and committees that are beneficial to the Head Start and family development programs and/or to the Agency.
• Represents Head Start to Mobile Community Action programs and committees, as well as externally to governmental agencies, funding sources, and other appropriate constituencies.
• Keeps MCA’s senior management staff apprised of all issues that have potential for impact on the safety of Head Start staff and families; the success of the goals of Head Start, other family service programs, and the Division; and/or the public image of the Agency/program.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Masters degree required in a related Administrative, Business, Liberal Arts, Education or Social Sciences discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified including, but not limited, to supervision of management level staff, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous Head Start management experience required.

• Required to be fully vaccinated against COVID (this includes the boosters), with proof provided.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

• Proven leadership skills with an ability to provide complete information and advice, setting out potential risks and consequences.
• Skilled in formulating policies, developing, and implementing new strategies and procedures, and budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Ability to act with discretion and professionalism in all situations.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures, and continuous quality improvement management philosophies and practices.
• Ability to facilitate consensus-building among decision-makers; conceptualize long term and strategic impacts and implications of program related strategies and translate the plans into actions; conceptualize innovative and visionary programs to improve the quality of life for young children and their families; manage the resolution of critical/high profile/political issues; foster a collaborative work environment; supervise and develop management staff; develop and deliver presentations.
• Ability to utilize computer systems and software necessary to perform position functions. Basic Windows PC, web browsing (i.e., Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.), and Microsoft Outlook skills required.  Other Microsoft Office application knowledge, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype, Zoom, and OneDrive desired.
• Driving (Agency and/or personal vehicle) is required for this position.  Driver must be at least 21 years of age, with a minimum of 2 years of driving experience, and a valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence.   There can be no state issued restrictions on the licenses that would impede driver’s ability to operate the vehicle as required by the Agency, and there must not be more than three (3) points on their driving record.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range:   $83,000 - $92,077
• Major medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and supplemental insurance
• Pre-tax Deductions – Cafeteria 125 Plan
• Retirement Plan with 401-K Matching
• Paid Time Off (Sick and Vacation)

To Express Your Interest

To make a recommendation or apply for consideration:

1. Submit a cover letter and resume including education, skills, experiences, employment history, as well as any special certifications and licenses prior to Monday, May 16, 2022.
2. Send via email to jobs@tateassociatesllc.com with “Head Start Administrator” in the subject line.
3. Go to 2022Search.com to complete and return the employment application and candidate assessment.
4. Email a list of five (5) professional references to include name, position, address, email address, and phone number.

The successful candidate will start July 1, 2022. 

Note:  Relocation expenses will not be provided.

To ensure your interest is received timely, PLEASE follow the submission process. 

And PLEASE – no direct emails or phone calls to MCA.  They are focused on the mission, while we’re focused on the Head Start Administrator search. 

Specific questions, outside of the submission instructions, should be addressed to Melva Tate, Search Consultant at melva@tateassociatesllc.com or 1-800-647-0451.  Thank you.