Early Childhood Program Coordinator
- Staff, full-time (32+ hours per week)
Title: Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Position Number: 999266
Unit/Department: Drake Head Start
FTE: 100%
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
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 leading program delivery and supervising classroom staff. Coordinators are charged with the duty of fostering relationships with agency partners and community members.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's Degree with graduate or undergraduate coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary School Administration.
Minimum of 3 years working with young children and families with direct classroom instruction, administrative, and/or supervision experience.
A current Iowa Driver's License and the ability to be covered under the University's insurance carrier are required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Head Start Experience
Job Duties:
- 40% - Supervise and support assigned staff in the development and implementation of quality early childhood programming and family services. Assess the needs of each program and respond in a timely and collaborative manner to fulfill observed needs. Oversee, coordinate, evaluate, and monitor instruction delivery, classroom management, and center licensing compliance. Empower staff members by encouraging team effort and complete performance appraisals of direct reports.
- 15% - Promote broad public understanding and awareness of Drake University Head Start and its relationship to the community. Collaborate with partners and outside agencies/consultants/vendors. Provide leadership in local, state, and/or regional organizations, as assigned.
- 15% - Assist in the administration and management of Drake University Head Start which includes development of job descriptions, interviewing, and selection of teaching staff. Promote successful classroom performance for each teaching team. Assist with procuring classroom supplies and program budgeting as requested.
- 15% - Collaborate with members of the leadership team to develop and implement procedure updates aligned with legislative developments, trends, and issues that impact children and families. Communicate pertinent information regarding agency goals and expectations to direct reports. Foster a climate of support and collaboration. Create and maintain accurate reports and records within applicable regulations and Performance Standards.
- 5% - Monitor facility and on-site projects to ensure maximum effectiveness, completion, and compliance.
- 5% - Participate in professional development through leading training sessions, attendance at conferences, training opportunities, and seeking out research and evidence-based practices related to early childhood development.
- 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.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email jackie.pafford@drake.edu .
Salary and Benefits:
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
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
