Position Function:
Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of the administrative and programmatic operations of the MSU Extension Head Start/Early Head Start Program as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Salary Grade: 17
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 (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.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 1, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following examples are intended to illustrate the types of duties assigned to positions allocated to this classification. The absence of specific duty statements does not exclude those responsibilities from the position. The Associate Director is expected to serve as a positive ambassador and representative of the program.
1. Provide programmatic leadership and oversight of all Head Start and Early Head Start programs, including the development, implementation, and monitoring of grant timelines and scopes of service.
2. Develop and oversee long- and short-range goals and objectives for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs; promote consistent standards; and ensure compliance with grant agreements, policies, and procedures.
3. Lead and coordinate in-service training and professional development initiatives for all program staff.
4. Direct complex, high-priority, and time-sensitive projects from planning through implementation and completion.
5. Ensure program operations and staff practices fully align with Head Start Program Performance Standards and other applicable regulations.
6. Provide leadership and oversight of training and technical assistance efforts to support continuous improvement across all program areas.
7. Provide input into and review annual performance evaluations for program staff, in collaboration with program leadership.
8. Coordinate the resolution of human resource matters in partnership with program leadership and the Department of Human Resource Management.
9. Collaborate with the Director to develop operational procedures, implement strategic initiatives, and complete projects impacting local program operations.
10. Provide overall oversight to ensure all program centers maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, and established policies and procedures.
11. Build and sustain an effective program-level leadership team that promotes communication, timely resolution of compliance issues, coordinated service delivery, and a culture of excellence.
12. Communicate directives, policies, and procedures to staff and families at the center level as needed.
13. Collaborate with members of the Executive Leadership Team and delegate responsibilities to appropriate staff to support program goals.
14. Communicate regularly with leadership regarding program status, operational updates, and concerns related to classroom staff or facilities.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Assistant Program Director
Assistant Director of Monitoring and Compliance
Assistant Director of Education
Administrative Assistant
Project Coordinator
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Behavior, Education, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or a related field
Experience:
• At least 5 years experience related to Early Childhood training and/or technical assistance.
• 5-7 years of management experience
Preferred Qualifications:
.• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Behavior, Education, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or a related field --or-- any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.
• Experience related to project management, supervision and/or Early Childhood Administration.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
.• Ability to outline and communicate organizational goals and objectives.
• Ability to independently perform high quality work following well-defined policies and procedures while simultaneously performing in a team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with effective public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations, and university financial policies and procedures.
• Ability to engage in multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment and collaboration of multiple project teams.
• Project development and maintenance skills.
• Employee development and maintenance skills.
• Ability to supervise and train management staff to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
.• Ability to travel out of local area. Overnight travel will be required. Use of personal car required.
• Irregular hours may be anticipated; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to this position.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.
The following documents and information are required for application:
• Cover Letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• 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:
January 30, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
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: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
