Children’s Services Director

CommUnify is celebrating 55 years serving the community! Our Mission Statement: We serve Santa Barbara County’s vulnerable populations through education and coordinated services so they may achieve economic stability, improve overall well-being and thrive. 

We are in search of a Children’s Services Director. This position will be responsible for providing the day-to-day management, oversight, staff supervision, coordination, and direction of Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Development programs. The Children’s Services Director will provide vision and leadership to staff aligned with CommUnify’s mission, vision, and values. These duties will be accomplished in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Policies and Procedures, and State of California Licensing Requirements. The Children’s Services Director has operational responsibility for meeting all federal, state, and local grant requirements, rules, regulations, and program standards.

CommUnify provides employees with a positive work environment and the ability to balance work & home along with excellent benefits. Our benefit package includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance including sick, vacation, and personal leave with 11 paid holiday’s and a fully vested retirement plan with an up to 5% match.

Position is full-time with full benefits and starts between $94,931.20 – $115,336.00 annually. 

The Children’s Services Director will manage subordinate supervisors who supervise employees in the program. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the work units. Also directly supervises non-supervisory employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, program policies, funding source requirements, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; coaching; mentoring; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

Leadership Team Values Statement: We are united with our community to elevate the underserved and celebrate diversity working together to promote our common goals and demonstrate impact.

• Trust: We treat everyone with compassion, dignity, and respect, committing to ensure all information is held in confidence.
• Collaboration: As partners, we are accountable for our actions and strive for results that have positive community impact.
• Communication: We exchange relevant ideas and information that promote our common goals.
• Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and equity that provides opportunities for shared voices, decision-making and meaningful contributions

Leadership Team Expectations

1. Shared Ownership: We make the best decision for the organization.
2. Trust: We model vulnerability, explaining personal perspectives and sharing our mistakes when they arise.
3. Equity & Inclusion: We promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization and our work.
4. Constructive Conflict: We engage in respectful, timely debate and conversations.
5. Collaboration: We actively listen to and consider the ideas of our teammates and proactively share ideas and information.
6. Accountability: We uphold our team commitments and behaviors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Other duties may be assigned.

• Upholds the Leadership Team Core Values with self and within department.
• Collects departmental data specific to DEI accomplishments to be used for annual evaluation.
• Maintains knowledge of diversity-related issues, legislation, and best practices.
• Reviews program policies and procedures to ensure standards create a culture of belonging and do not create disparate impact on staff or clients.
• Provide program planning, day-to-day management of staff, operations oversight – including personnel administration and supervision, and the completion and oversight of program staff members’ annual performance evaluations.
• Accountable for the funding acquisition, budget management, review of monthly financial expenditure reports, all required program reports, semi-annual reports, annual reports, program action plans, federal and state monitoring report responses, and their submission in a timely manner.
• Provide staff training, development, coaching, and mentoring of program staff. Builds a staff that advances the agency and program’s mission by hiring and promoting qualified staff who support the program’s philosophy and goals and who culturally and linguistically represent the community and program by training all staff on the agency and program’s history, philosophy, and requirements.
• Provide direction and supervision to Management Staff responsible for program planning, implementations, and monitoring in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. Conducts monthly Program Development Team meetings and as needed, provides information and updates from Head Start, CDE, and Agency.
• Ensure the staffing structure supports the program’s mission and goals by maintaining an adequate number of qualified staff who meet position requirements.
• Provide administration, maintenance, and oversight of Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Development facilities, materials, and equipment to meet Head Start Program Performance Standards, State of California Child Care Licensing Regulations, and local codes.
• Ensure that all facilities and equipment are safe and provide a healthy environment consistent with local/state codes, Head Start Program Performance, and Community Standards.
• Develop and implement systems of evaluation and organizational self-assessment, including preparing and disseminating an annual evaluation report with a focus on continuous quality improvement.
• Responsible for community relations and advocacy. Builds an understanding of the program by communicating its philosophy, mission, and services to staff, families, and the community and by supporting staff to do the same.
• Direct and oversee the completion and the program management of:
  • Community Assessment every 5 years
  • Annual Program Self-Assessment
  • Contractual agreements;
  • MOUs and partnership agreements with local partners and community stakeholders.
• Negotiate MOUs and interagency agreements for continued program quality improvement and comprehensive integration of services.
• Serve as the primary contact with Region IX and State Department of Education consultants.
• Maintain an inventory of property in keeping with funding source regulations and agency-wide practices.
• Attend Leadership Team meetings and other agency-driven committees as requested.
• Plan and lead monthly Policy Council meetings.
• Supports the Board of Directors and Policy Council members in making informed decisions about program plans (e.g., strategic, improvements, and service areas) and policies by training representatives on the program’s philosophy and requirements and by providing them with accurate and timely information.
• Support staff retention by creating an environment that fosters equity and provides opportunities for professional growth, and helps staff advance the program.
• Advance excellence and progress in the field by advocating for high-quality child and family services at the program, community, state, and federal levels.
• Performs other related duties as requested by Chief Executive Officer.

Education and Experience Bachelors Degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field, Masters degree preferred. Must have a California Department of Education Early Childhood Development Program Director Permit with 5 years of management/leadership experience in programs (of similar size and complexity as that operated at CommUnify) under the requirements of the Department of Education or Head Start, preferably in a non-profit, community-based social service Agency or an educational organization.

Computer Skills To perform this position successfully, an individual must have a working knowledge of Internet software; Purchase Order systems; Project Management software; Spreadsheet software, and Word Processing software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Current Valid California Driver’s License and proof of insurance with the ability to qualify for coverage under the Agency insurance plan. Must hold a valid Program Director permit.

Please note: CommUnify has a mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy with ability to request a vaccination accommodation due to medical or religious reasons.

CommUnify, AA/EOE