Position Function:
Provide direction, management, and oversight of the day-to-day administrative and programmatic operations of the MSU-Extension Head Start/Early Head Start Program and is part of the Executive Leadership Team.
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 (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 Head Start Programs - Hancock County
Anticipated Appointment Date:
November 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties assigned in positions allocated to this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position. The Assistant Program Director is expected to serve as a positive ambassador for the program.
• Provide programmatic oversight of all Head Start/Early Head Start programs including development and maintenance of timelines and scopes of service for grant proposals.
• Develop long and short-range goals and objectives for the Head Start/Early Head Start program, promote consistent standards, and ensure applicable procedures are followed in implementing the scope of service as outlined in grant agreements.
• Coordinate in-service training for all staff.
• Direct complex and time-sensitive projects from conception to completion.
• Ensure that all staff and program operations meet Head Start Performance Standards.
• Provide oversight of training and technical assistance for all program staff.
• Provide input and review of annual performance evaluations for all program staff.
• Coordinate the resolution of human resource administration issues with subordinates and Department of Human Resource Management.
• Assist with Director to develop operational procedures, implement strategic initiatives, and complete projects that impact the local program
• Provides general oversight to assure that all centers in the program are fully compliant with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and Policies and Procedures.
• Build a Program level team that effectively communicates to coordinate services and support, resolve compliance concerns in a timely manner and establishes a culture of excellence.
• Communicates directives, policies and procedures as necessary at center level to families and staff.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other members of the Executive Leadership team and delegate tasks to appropriate staff.
• Communicates with leadership on programmatic status, updates and any concerns regarding the classroom staff or facilities.
• Represent Head Start-Early Head Start at conference events.
• Compile and submit monthly, quarterly, and end of year reports as outlined in grant agreements and university regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility:
• This position will include some supervisory responsibility of other leadership positions.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Behavior, Education, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or a related field.
Experience:
• Three (3) years of management experience related to the Early Education field.
Licensures:
• Valid Driver’s License and the ability to travel as required during performance of assigned tasks.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Behavior, Education, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or a related field.
• Experience related to project management, supervision and/or Early Childhood Administration.
• Four years or more of management experience related to the Early Education field.
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.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Ability to travel out of local area. Overnight travel will be required. Must have reliable transportation, 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.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
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:
October 15, 2025, 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.
