Head Start Collaboration Dir
Date Posted: Feb 13, 2026
Requisition ID: 472013
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Family & Social Services Administration:
The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) within the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) oversees early childcare, education, and out-of-school-time programs. OECOSL's vision is that every Indiana community will have a strong network of Early Care and Education and Out-of-School Time programs that support the child, the family and local schools. Programs will be high quality, affordable and accessible to enable families to work effectively to obtain economic self-sufficiency. Children will thrive in programs that meet their developmental and educational needs and make them feel welcome, encouraged, and supported. Professionals teaching and caring for children will have the resources, including training and education, needed to operate and maintain high quality programs.
Role Overview:
This role, Indiana State Head Start Collaboration Director, fulfils the responsibilities of the Indiana State Head Start Collaboration Director as defined in the federal Head Start Reauthorization Act. Your role develops and maintains partnerships with Early Childhood System Stakeholders including state agencies, childcare and pre-K programs, local school representatives, and local collaborators in order to build relationships and coordinate services to better serve Hoosier families and children. Your role assists in state efforts to collect data on early learning programs and child outcomes, in supporting the expansion of a high-quality workforce and professional development opportunities for early childhood program staff, and to promote Head Start participation in licensing and the quality rating and improvement system using the Paths to QUALITY system. You will plan and implement the annual Head Start Needs Assessment to identify specific areas of need and work towards Indiana specific priorities as identified by the annual Needs Assessment and agency goals. You will develop and implement the Indiana 5-year strategic plan for the Collaboration Office that include goals and objectives that meet the federal requirements and provide measurable results. This role also completes regular reporting to the federal office and may administer multiple grants. Some in-state travel required.
The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of early childhood systems, child outcomes, early childhood professional development, and federal early childhood funding streams. They will have broad knowledge of federal and state early childhood laws and rules including the Head Start performance standards.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Establish and monitor program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, or to increase productivity.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
Recommend and implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
Prepare reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services.
Direct or coordinate the financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency in the specified program.
Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
Develop, train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Coordinate and deliver communication plans and communications.
Serve on boards of directors and management committees.
Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either
a Master's Degree with 3+ years of experience, or
a Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years of experience, or
a Associate's Degree with 7+ years of experience, or
at least 9+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education.
Extensive knowledge of provider agencies and their programs and services.
Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
Ability to present to both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Ability to prepare monthly finance and accounting reports to maintain program budget and grants.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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