Assistant Director - Early Head Start

Position overview

The Assistant Director for Early Head Start supports the program director in delivering dependable, high-quality services in line with federal, state, local, and university rules. This role helps guide human resources processes, training and technical assistance, governance support, internal operations, planning, evaluation, and ongoing quality improvement.

The position is part of the program leadership team and includes delegated authority to help maintain continuity, staff stability, and shared governance across a rural service area spread over multiple counties.

Early Head Start is a $1.8 million federal grant program that serves 116 low-income pregnant women, infants, and toddlers in Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry Counties every week throughout the year. The program has a strong record of annual renewal and has maintained successful grant renewals for more than a decade. It employs 21 full-time permanent staff members and must meet federal standards for both the quality and quantity of services at all times.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range for this position is fixed at $72,641 minimum to $72,641 maximum. Pay placement depends on qualifications, education, experience, and skills.

EWU offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, retirement, life and disability insurance, vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays each year, tuition waiver benefits for employees and eligible family members, discounted sports tickets, access to campus workout facilities for a minimum fee, and free STA bus transportation.

This role is a 12-month appointment at 100% full-time equivalency, with a regular work schedule of 40 hours per week, usually Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM depending on program needs. The work is onsite.

Key duties

The Assistant Director helps ensure that Early Head Start services are delivered consistently and in compliance with applicable requirements. The role supports internal systems, staff development, governance activities, and operational coordination, while also contributing to program planning and continuous improvement.

Compliance and working conditions

All duties must be carried out in accordance with federal, state, local, and university statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as the organization’s mission, goals, objectives, and values.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background screening. The position involves handling university funds or items of value and requires unsupervised access to children under 16, vulnerable adults, or developmentally disabled individuals.

A personal vehicle is required for job-related travel. A valid driver’s license and proof of private auto insurance are required, and mileage will be reimbursed at approved state rates. Travel will occur within the Spokane area and occasionally to Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties in all seasons.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Sponsorship for an employment visa is not available.

New hires must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of MMR immunity or vaccination before starting. Waivers may be available for medical or sincerely held religious reasons.

Employees hired between April 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 are not eligible for cost-of-living increases, if authorized, until July 1, 2027.

After hire, employees must complete training through Canvas, including Workplace Belonging training and asynchronous New Employee Orientation. Interviews may be held through Zoom, and candidates must be able to use Zoom and related technology with camera enabled if required.

Physical and safety requirements

The position includes pre-placement physical requirements and post-hire medical monitoring. A copy of the Essential Functions Analysis can be requested from Human Resource Services for more detail on physical demands.

Protective equipment may include latex or nitrile gloves, a face covering when required, a blood-borne pathogen kit, a face mask, gloves, and traction footwear for inclement weather. University, local, regional, and state protection mandates must be followed as needed.

About the organization

Eastern Washington University is a regional public university serving more than 10,000 students. As the region’s polytechnic institution, it focuses on hands-on learning and career-ready education. The university’s main campus is in Cheney, with additional programs in Spokane and other locations across the state.

EWU is recognized for student success and was named a 2024-2025 College of Distinction. It was also listed by Money magazine among the Best Colleges in America 2024.

Equal opportunity

EWU maintains an inclusive hiring environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, age, marital status, family status, veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C status, breastfeeding status, disability, or use of a service animal or guide dog, as required by law.

Tribal land acknowledgment

EWU recognizes the Spokane Tribe and other tribal nations connected to the land, including the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Nez Perce Tribe. The university acknowledges the ongoing cultural, historical, and governmental significance of tribal communities and honors tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships.

Selection timeline

Applications close on July 13, 2026, and screening begins that same day. All materials will be kept confidential, and references will not be contacted until candidates are notified.

Additional notes

This role is intended for mission-driven professionals who want to support children and families through high-quality early learning and family services. EWU encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

The job description is a general guide to the typical responsibilities of the role and duties may change depending on departmental and institutional needs.

Required qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, Social Work, or another related service field relevant to Head Start.
• At least one year of experience supervising or leading in an organizational setting.
• Background in coordinating training, onboarding, or organizational systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Capacity to balance multiple priorities and deadlines in a regulated environment.
• Experience using a trauma-informed and relationship-centered approach with staff and families.
• Ability to meet all required health screenings and background-check requirements, both at hiring and on an ongoing basis.
• Ability to use a responsive, flexible approach that supports universal access for students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Preferred qualifications

• A master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, or Family Services.
• Previous experience in Early Head Start or Head Start.
• Background in higher education or nonprofit settings.
• Experience supporting governance or shared decision-making groups.
• Experience serving rural or geographically distributed communities.
• Former or current Head Start or Early Head Start parents are encouraged to apply.

Other requirements

• Infant/toddler CPR and first aid certification within 30 days after hire.
• TB test completed within one year before hire.
• Staff health exam before hire.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and private auto insurance before hire.
• Food handler’s permit within 30 days after hire.
• HIV and blood-borne pathogens training within 30 days after hire.
• Access to a personal vehicle for local travel.
• Three personal and three professional references before hire.
• Criminal background declarations before hire.
• Successful completion of all required background checks under 45 CFR Part 1302.90, including state criminal history fingerprint checks, sex offender registry checks, FBI fingerprint-based criminal history checks within 90 days of hire, and child abuse and neglect registry checks within 90 days of hire.
• Ongoing repetition of all four criminal background checks at least every five years.