Deputy Director - Program Design & Evaluation

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionThe Deputy Director of Program Design and Evaluation plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic direction of ABCD’s Head Start & Children’s Services program. This person is responsible for developing and monitoring the implementation of those standardized operational and evaluative systems, which are critical for ensuring the highest quality of service delivery and documentation throughout the ABCD Head Start program. The Deputy Director is also responsible for programmatic development activities, including proposal writing, related to both the continuation and expansion of ABCD Head Start Services. This position collaborates closely with the program department, other agency department staff, and external stakeholders to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

The Deputy Director of Program Design and Evaluation is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures.

All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.

The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form. All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.
Essential DutiesPlanning and Development

• Lead the development, submission and monitoring of grant writing and program planning, as required by funding sources.
• Seek and identify funding opportunities to ensure programmatic development, program improvements and innovation within the program, as identified in assessments, goals and action plans, as well as to support the continuation of existing services.
• Take lead in the preparation of the program’s self-assessment and community assessment processes while monitoring and tracking progress related to respective plans for action for achieving full compliance with each of the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Provide technical assistance to Directors in the areas of program improvement, innovation and local development.
• Plan and facilitate focus groups and other activities to ensure that the perspective of multiple stakeholders are engaged in the planning process and reflected in program goals and plans.
• Manage and support the development of reports and preparations for review visits by funders.
• Supervise and monitor the implementation of newly funded programs.

Evaluation and Data Analytics

• Identify all aspects of the ABCD Head Start program that require standardized operational and evaluative systems to ensure optimal levels of functioning.
• Monitor and evaluate existing standardized operational and evaluative systems, and recommend modifications for strengthening systems, as appropriate.
• Develop new standardized operational and evaluative systems, as needed.
• Create, monitor and facilitate training and technical assistance plans and opportunities to appropriate staff in the implementation of all standardized operational and evaluative systems.
• Analyze, prepare and present data for the annual report, grants, assessments, and other funding opportunities.
• Support dissemination of information through production of data visualizations, public-facing information products, and other mechanisms.[KMP1]
• Responsible for ensuring accuracy of annual Head Start Program Information Report (PIR) data and compiling a summary and analysis of PIR data.
• Research, analyze and summarize policy issues and data relevant to Head Start and the broader early childhood field.
• Collect, aggregate and provide market and competitive data analysis to better position ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services as the best source of assistance for clients.
• Lead the preparation and submission of reports to the Head Start department head and other ABCD departments as needed.

Partnerships & Engagement

• Apply professional expertise and oversight in the areas of ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance) and Family & Community Engagement, ensuring that the program complies with all regulations per applicable Performance Standards and state requirements.
• Provide leadership and maintain working relationships within the local and state child care network, public, private and community organizations.
• Develop new partnerships with corporate and philanthropic community in order to provide broader knowledge, recognition and investment in programs.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with other community agencies to ensure the identification of community resources and educational materials related to services and care for children and families across service area.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with job training programs, higher education institutions and other community agencies to ensure identification of professional development and career advancement opportunities for staff, as well as potential candidate referral sources
• Support with creation and distribution of outreach, educational, branding and marketing materials related to the program’s services and operations;
• Identify and collaborate with new and existing local community agencies to develop a network for advocacy, referrals, and services.
• Coordinate with other ABCD staff that has similar functions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Job Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional research, organizational and analytical skills (quantitative and qualitative), ability to identify key points/trends, and develop succinct summaries of findings with visualizations.
• High proficiency with software such as Word, Powerpoint, Excel and other analytical tools, and ability to manage and maintain large amounts of data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced and diverse environment.
• Demonstrated high-level knowledge and operational experience in the area of early childhood development programs.
• Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Successful experience in personnel management, support and evaluation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
A Bachelor’s degree in human services management, early childhood education or other related field, and a minimum of five years progressively advanced administrative experience in urban human service programs, preferably Head Start. Master’s degree in human services management, early childhood education of other related field preferred.