Save the Children US · 1 day ago
Senior Managing Director/Deputy Executive Director, Head Start
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$139K/yr - $191K/yr
10+ years expSave the Children US is dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide. The Senior Managing Director, Head Start Program will be responsible for overseeing the multi-state strategy and performance of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, ensuring high-quality implementation and compliance with standards.
CharityMedicalNon Profit
Responsibilities
Oversee the translation of program design into scalable, high quality delivery frameworks and lead the implementation strategy of Head Start and Early Head Start programs across assigned states
Ensure programs consistently meet or exceed Head Start quality, compliance, and performance standards by driving cross-functional collaboration with Quality & Compliance, Monitoring & Evaluation, program development, and shared services to address trends, improve efficiency, align resources, and enhance program outcomes at scale
Provide executive oversight and leadership to State Program Directors, strengthening leadership capability, accountability, and consistent execution through coaching, performance management, and clear performance expectations
Lead cross‑state operational readiness and start‑up efforts, ensuring new or expanding programs are implemented on time, within scope, and aligned to Head Start standards and delivery expectations
Integrate best practices and emerging research in early childhood education, applying insights to strengthen program design, implementation, and impact in targeted Head Start and Early Head Start communities
Serve as a technical lead for resource development efforts in order to strengthen the diversity and sustainability of Head Start program funding; support the development of donor proposals and reports and cultivate donor relationships through in-person meetings, site visits and other engagement events
Build and maintain relationships between SCUS and other relevant organizations, including government entities and community organizations, to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs effectiveness and alignment
Provide technical guidance and programmatic expertise in advocacy and policy engagement efforts as needed, contributing to development of policy agendas and participate in meetings with local, state and federal officials as needed
Contribute to activities that increase brand visibility and program awareness, share knowledge products and results, represent Save the Children to the local press as needed, and identify other media-worthy moments that highlight our work
Actively contribute as a member of the Head Start Leadership Team and Extended Senior Management, helping set direction and ensure alignment between strategy, execution, and outcomes
Review and authorize program plans, budgets, and amendments, ensuring alignment between funding, geographic strategy, and implementation capacity
Partner with leadership to execute divisional and departmental priorities, including the development and scaling of Head Start Flagship programs
Directly supervise and develop a geographically dispersed team of 4–7 State Program Directors, fostering high performance, strong collaboration, and a positive workplace culture
Champion cross‑functional collaboration with shared services, operations, and quality teams to improve efficiency, consistency, and program impact
Qualification
Required
Minimum of a Bachelor Degree or equivalent experience, plus at least 10 years of relevant experience
Thorough knowledge of, and experience working with, Head Start standards and regulations, business practices, and program development, implementation, and monitoring of services
Experience providing ongoing technical assistance, training, and direction to diverse communities, individuals and groups, ensuring consistency with SCUS's mission and methodology
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; engaging presenter capable of presenting to technical information to a non-technical audience
Willingness and ability to travel up to 35%
Professional proficiency in MS Office suite
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
Demonstrated commitment to fostering and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging
This position may require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain essential functions of the job. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver's license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles
Preferred
Master's degree in Early Childhood Development, Human Services, or related field
Experience managing a network of multiple Early/Head Start programs across multiple states (4 or more)
A clear understanding of issues related to poverty in rural communities and the ability to convey that understanding in a clear and easily understood way
Candidates living in Southeastern United States
Benefits
Flexible schedules and time off: Flexible schedules, generous PTO, 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays and hybrid working opportunities
Health: Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family
Family: A variety of paid leaves: caregiver, parental/adoption, critical child illness and fertility benefits
Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees
Retirement: A retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)
Wellness: 15 safety and wellness days annually (if hired on or after July 1, safety and wellness days prorated to 8 days), mental health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events
Employee Assistance Program: free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services
Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships
Company
Save the Children US
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Save the Children US has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (5)
2024 (2)
2022 (2)
2021 (2)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.65MKey Investors
Education Cannot WaitAmazon Web Services
2025-11-18Grant· $0.65M
2022-11-29Grant
Leadership Team
Ken Murdoch
Current Director of US Programs Operations and Logistics - Former VP/CIO of IT and Building Op's
Recent News
2025-12-11
Company data provided by crunchbase