Department Summary:

The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: "Better preparing young children and their families for now and in the future." Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age 5, in classroom settings, home-based programs, and child care partner locations.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting and supporting the Early Head Start and Head Start Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) implementation. The position helps to ensure the greatest number of income-eligible children are recruited and have an opportunity to be considered for selection and enrollment into the Drake University Head Start program, adhering to Selection Criteria Policies and Head Start Program Performance Standards. This position will represent the program within the community and assist families through the application process across the program's six-county service area.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor's Degree

- One year of experience in working with families, recruitment, or marketing

- Computer skills and data entry

- Driver’s License and ability to be ensured by Drake University’s carrier.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Head Start Experience

- Experience with admissions or public relations

Job Duties:

• 50% - Establish and maintain schedule that results in the required number of applications being submitted. This includes completing and submitting initial contact documentation and applications, tracking application and enrollment process and follow up with families. Receiving and/or returning incoming telephone calls and answering caller questions regarding Early Head Start and Head Start within required timeframe. Provide appropriate social service and medical referrals to families and children. Assign and schedule application appointments for other staff and monitor the completion of those appointments.
• 25% - Develop and monitor agency wide recruitment plan for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children and their families in Polk, Boone, Story (Ames only), Jasper, Marion and Warren counties for the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Identify community agencies and/or events appropriate for recruitment. Assist with the development and dissemination of marketing materials related to Drake University Head Start recruitment to include but not limited to brochures, displays, presentations and events. Represent and market Drake University Head Start in a professional manner while attending or working these events. Travel for business purposes within recruitment area.
• 15% - Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality. Monitor incoming applications for accuracy as requested. Contact names in the application pool, return phone calls, continuously update information in order to assist with maintaining an application pool. Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff and visitors.
• 5% - Continue professional growth by attending classes and workshops, reading new materials, and contributing resources to the program.
• 5% - Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations, rules and requirements compliance. Maintain strict confidentiality of all records and documents. Maintain department records and reports in a secure manner. Represent Drake University and Drake University Head Start in a professional manner. Treat clients, co-workers, staff, parents and community members with respect and civility, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at all times. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives. 

Salary and Benefits:

The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits