Assistant Director

Position Function: The Assistant Director of Education is responsible for the dynamic roles of strategic planning and innovation, as well as operational planning and follow-through. This position is key to ensuring successful and high-quality Head Start classrooms throughout the program. The Assistant Director of Education also plans and collaborates with the program leadership to ensure effective and efficient operations across Head Start service areas within the program and play a key role on the impact on Head Start children. Salary Grade: 16 Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department. Department Profile: Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension Service (MSU-ES) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families. In the past decade, MSU-ES has distinguished itself as Mississippi's premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education. Area of Specialization: MSU-Extension Service Head Start Program Anticipated Appointment Date: May 1, 2024. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Assistant Director of Education systematically collects and analyzes data as the basis for decision making for program improvement to accomplish the following. Provides individual and group support for education lead in implementing educational initiatives and coaching. Supervises and coaches the Education team. Plans and implements comprehensive, differentiated and sequential professional development for education staff. Plans and oversees on-boarding of Early Learning/Disabilities Specialists and Education Leaders. Collaborates and coordinates with other service area leadership and initiatives to ensure: Timely and appropriate support for children with atypical needs Parent education and outreach activities are consistent with education goals and activities Consistently contributes to delegate, network and professional excellence through productive leadership and participation in: Delegate planning and leadership (1:1 with DDHSS, policy council relations, leadership team meetings) Participates in (company name) network leadership and collaboration meetings Tracks, monitors and ensures all Education and Disabilities/Mental Health Roadmap milestones are achieved and Transition Rubric benchmarks are met" External community relationships (LEAs, CBOs, higher education, NHSA, state agencies, policymakers) Form a school readiness community that consist of community leaders such as childcare directors, parents, and people of the community. Ensure school readiness goals, early learning standards, and teaching strategy gold aligns with HSELOF (ELOF) Head Start Early Learning Outcome Framework Ensures fiscal management by monitoring educational expenditures. Communicates with leadership on programmatic status, updates and any concerns regarding the classroom staff or facilities. Provide training to staff on education model and practices. Participates in assigned meetings, events and training as required Supervision: Supervises assigned department personnel. Includes the following responsibilities, but are not limited to: hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, and ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and the completion of all work performed by direct reports. Educates direct reports on all department and agency policies and procedures. Meets with assigned staff at least monthly to identify and resolve problems, manage projects, track goals, and review work processes and procedures. Represents the team and/or department at meetings, events, and training as required. Provides feedback and input into performance appraisals of all center directors and service area leads Provides individual and group support for education lead in implementing educational initiatives and coaching. Supervises and coaches the Education team (center directors, teachers, teacher assistants, and floaters). Plans and implements comprehensive, differentiated and sequential professional development for education staff. Serves on the leadership team of the MSU-ES Head Start Program, attending regular meetings and occasional retreats. Participates in annual and quarterly planning to set, plan for, and monitor program goals. Contributes to annual review and revision of program's integrated service plan. Upholds the shared mission and values of university and the MSU Head Start Program. Monitor the data system Shine Insight for screenings and mental health services. Supervises the mental health person by ensuring that the proper services are being conducted. Performs any and all other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Family and Child Development or related field to children and families. Experience: 2 years' of managerial experience. 3+ years' experience teaching in an early childhood setting; experience with supervision, management or coaching. Experience managing a preschool program. Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position. Licensures: Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Physical exam and background checks are required for this position. Obtain certification in CPR and First Aid Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or field related to children and families preferred. Experience with Creative Curriculum model and Teaching Strategies, Gold Assessment system. Reliable in CLASS, ITERS-R and/or ECERS-R. Background in special education/inclusion or prior early childhood experience in leadership role in center based program. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledgeable of MS Child Care Licensing Standards and Head Start Performance Standards Knowledgeable of CLASS Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) Working Conditions and Physical Effort Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Travel required locally and long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and other functions. Instructions for Applying: Link to apply: All applicants MUST apply online at to be considered for this position. The following documents and information are required for application: Cover Letter Resume Contact information for at least three professional references Current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission) An official transcript will be required if selected for employment. Screening Date: April 16, 2024, until filled. Restricted Clause: Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population. What do I do if I need an accommodation? In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: or . If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at or . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.