Description

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.


Head Start Director of Compliance and Monitoring

US-TX-San Antonio

Job ID: 2026-6938
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Head Start
Upbring

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values: 

We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.

We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.

We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time. Your Mission in ActionThe Director of Compliance and Monitoring ensures that the Head Start and Early Head Start programs consistently meet all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, including the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act, and Texas Child Care Licensing regulations. This leadership role oversees the Implementation and Compliance Specialists and the Program Trainer, and is responsible for developing, editing, and maintaining procedures that support effective program operations. The Director also oversees training development to ensure staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed for compliance and highquality service delivery. Additionally, the Director leads the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of systems that monitor, evaluate, and strengthen program performance across all service areas. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive internal monitoring systems to ensure full compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards and state licensing regulations 
• Lead preparations for federal and state monitoring reviews, including coordinating responses, documentation, and followup corrective action plans 
• Analyze program data to identify compliance risks, trends, and areas for improvement, and guide continuous quality enhancement efforts 
• Collaborate with department leaders to align policies, procedures, and operational practices with all regulatory and agency standards 
• Update, create, and maintain program procedures to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance across all service areas 
• Oversee the annual SelfAssessment process and the development and implementation of the ongoing Quality Improvement Plan
• Supervise and support Quality Assurance staff and provide training and guidance to program personnel on compliance standards and expectations 
• Ensure all documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping systems meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements 
• Serve as the agency's primary liaison with oversight and regulatory bodies on matters related to program compliance and monitoring 
• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings 
• Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, ongoing, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives 
• Work closely with the management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring 
• Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
• Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff 
• Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods 

Qualifications



Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in a leadership role within Head Start or an early childhood education setting 
• Three (3) years in compliance, quality assurance, or program monitoring 
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Texas Child Care Licensing Minimum Standards 
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing internal monitoring or compliance systems 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field    
• Proficient in data systems and reporting tools (e.g., ChildPlus, or other Head Start databases) 

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 70%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time 
• Position will have exposure to children 
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs. 

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus. Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

PI282061287