This individual is responsible for representing the Head Start perspective in work to coordinate and align early childhood state systems as reflected in the Early Childhood Colorado Framework. The director will work as part of an integrated early childhood team that includes Colorado’s Early Childhood Leadership Commission, Early Childhood Councils Advisory Team, and Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems grant, in order to advance comprehensive early childhood policies and systems that are dedicated to improving outcomes for children. The director will also serve on Colorado’s Early Childhood Leadership Commission. Additionally, the director will work closely with the Colorado Head Start Association, Head Start programs, and relevant state agencies and private partners, to fulfill the goals and objectives of Colorado’s Head Start State Collaboration grant. Duties and Responsibilities:
• Actively contribute to the early childhood policy team within the Lt. Governor’s office on state early childhood policy and systems initiatives.
• Provide leadership on key state early childhood initiatives that align with the Head Start Collaboration priorities (i.e. early learning professional development, comprehensive early learning guidelines) and the priorities of the Lt. Governor’s early childhood policy team.
• Promote policy development and best practices that strengthen alignment and collaboration between Head Start and other early childhood policy and systems efforts.
• Serve on the Early Childhood Leadership Commission.
• Work with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Region VIII office, National Office of Head Start (OHS) and OHS Senior Advisor for State Collaboration.
• Respond to national initiatives as directed by the National Office of Head Start.
• Serve as a liaison to the Colorado Head Start Association.
• Serve as a liaison between the Head Start state-based Technical Assistance Project and various committees, task forces, and working groups to carry out the goals of the project.
• Assure proper representation of Head Start from the Association in areas of policy-making related to families and children.
• Track Federal and State legislation that impacts issues for Head Start, early childhood education and other related issues.
• Prepare briefings, reports, grants and policy papers as required.
• Manage requirements of Head Start Collaboration Grant and other complementary early childhood team initiatives including needs assessments, strategic plans, reports, and budgets.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Head Start State Collaboration Office.
• Actively participate in required local, regional and national meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications:
• Minimum of a Baccalaureate degree (Masters preferred) in education, early education, family studies, public policy, or a related field.
• Three years experience in early childhood policymaking or community-based service delivery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Head Start philosophy and a minimum of one year experience working in or with a Head Start program.
• Knowledge of Colorado’s early childhood system and issues affecting families and children.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to cultivate and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders and respect diverse opinions.
• Comfort directing administrative and support staff.
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, including facilitation skills.
• Comfortable working in a political environment.
• The ability to conceptualize and coordinate project logistics including meetings, travel, conferences, etc.
Salary - $60,000 – $70,000 annually plus benefits, based on experience and qualifications
Deadline for application: February 15, 2011
Send resume and cover letter to:
Office of Lt. Governor Joe Garcia
130 State Capitol
Denver, Colorado 80203
Or Email to: molly.yost@state.co.us
