Description

Executive Director (ED)

Lead. Inspire. Elevate Head Start.

About Head Start WEST

Region 9 Head Start Association, DBA Head Start WEST, is seeking a mission-driven, strategic, and visionary Executive Director to lead one of the most dynamic and influential Head Start associations in the country. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced executive who thrives at the intersection of strategy, operations, and advocacy—and who is committed to strengthening children, families, and early childhood professionals across the western region.

As Executive Director, you will serve as the chief executive of the organization, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors to set vision, drive strategy, and ensure operational excellence. You will lead staff, steward resources, expand partnerships, and elevate the voice and impact of Head Start programs across the region.

 
About the Role of Executive Director

Head Start WEST connects, strengthens, and advocates for Head Start and early childhood programs across the western region. Our work supports over 150 programs, their staff, and the children and families they serve.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the organization, ensuring strong operations, high-impact services, financial sustainability, and meaningful member engagement.  The Executive Director will have the opportunity to collaborate in several professional networks including the national and state associations in the Head Start community.

Head Start WEST is a multi-state organization, aligned with the Western Regional Office of Head Start.  Travel will be required.

Strategic Opportunities and Challenges

R9HSA/Head Start WEST is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: every child and family deserves the opportunity to thrive in school and in life. This purpose drives our work and the partnerships we build across the western region.

The Head Start community is navigating a period of significant change. Shifting political landscapes, workforce pressures, evolving family needs, and increased public scrutiny have created new challenges—and new opportunities—for early childhood leaders.

At the same time, resilience, innovation, and commitment within the Head Start community have never been stronger.

The next Executive Director will play a critical role in helping the organization respond strategically to this moment by:

• advancing innovative professional learning opportunities,
• strengthening community and peer networks,
• elevating the value of the comprehensive services model,
• and positioning Head Start WEST as a trusted regional and national voice for children, families, and early childhood professionals.

This role calls for a visionary and collaborative leader who can navigate complexity, inspire partnerships, and help shape the future of Head Start across the region.

 
Benefits

        Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience - $125-$150k

        Performance-based bonuses

        Relocation support, negotiable

        Annual performance evaluation

        Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Holiday Pay

        Health Insurance Reimbursement

        SIMPLE IRA Retirement Match

        A positive, mission-driven work environment

What You’ll Lead

Organizational & Strategic Leadership

        Set and execute the organization’s strategic vision in partnership with the Board of Directors.

        Serve as the primary advisor to the Board and support effective governance and decision-making.

        Lead organizational planning, goal setting, and performance measurement.

        Develop staff and consultants, continually building capacity.

        Represent the association at the regional and national level, advancing policy and advocacy priorities.

        Cultivate and strengthen relationships with member programs, public agencies, funders, and partners.

        Deploying technologies to ensure effective performance by staff, volunteers and board members.

 
Professional Learning & Member Engagement

        Oversee the design and delivery of conferences, training, and events, that inspire and equip early childhood leaders.

        Ensure alignment of all member services with evolving program needs.

        Strengthen membership engagement and expand service offerings.

        Guide evaluation and continuous improvement of programs and services.

        Conduct annual needs assessment of professional learning needs by members.

        Create communities of practice and networks to build capacity and strengthen member organizations.

        Oversee scholarship programs and disaster relief efforts.

Communications & Public Presence

        Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.

        Oversee communications strategy across web, email, social media, and publications.

        Elevate the visibility and influence of Head Start programs and the association’s impact.

        Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, media, and stakeholders.

Business & Operational Management

        Provide full oversight of organizational operations, including finance, HR, and compliance.

        Lead budgeting, financial planning, and reporting in partnership with the Finance Committee and Board.

        Ensure sound fiscal management, revenue diversification, and long-term sustainability.

        Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and business controls.

        Guarantee annual business filings including federal taxes, state registry and county requirements.

        Identify and develop new revenue opportunities and strategic initiatives.

        Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture.

Requirements

What You Bring

        Visionary leadership with the ability to translate strategy into action.

        Strong executive presence and exceptional communication skills, including presentations, trainings and facilitation.

        Demonstrated financial and operational leadership experience.

        Proven ability to build partnerships and influence across diverse stakeholders.

        Deep commitment to equity, community impact, and early childhood education.

Qualifications

        Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, education, public administration, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.

        5–7+ years of senior leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit, association, or mission-driven organization.

        Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.

 
Why You’ll Love Working with Us

        Mission-driven culture focused on supporting children, families, and early childhood professionals.

        Opportunity to lead a respected, high-impact regional organization.

        Collaborative environment that values innovation, strategy, and leadership.

        Ability to shape regional and national impact in early childhood education

Final Thought

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected and growing organization at a pivotal moment. The Executive Director will play a critical role in shaping the future of Head Start WEST and strengthening the systems that support children, families, and communities across the region.