Deputy Director

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for growth, innovation, and transforming the landscape of early childhood education? Shine Early Learning is looking for a dynamic Deputy Director in Kentucky to drive our mission to eliminate the gaps between young children’s potential and their success in school and life.

Why Acelero?

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young childrenʼs inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

Your Role:

As a Deputy Director, you will be responsible for providing overall leadership to an interdisciplinary team of family engagement and health staff to ensure implementation of all aspects of Acelero Learning’s family engagement approach. The Deputy Director applies the dynamic functions of strategic planning, operational planning, innovation, and follow through to execute high-quality two-generation strategies that improve child and family outcomes and ensure school readiness.

The individual in this role is key to ensuring successful and high-quality Head Start classrooms throughout the program.

What You’ll Do:

• Collect and analyze data as the basis for decision making for program improvement; provide individual and group support to staff in implementation of educational initiatives and coaching.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and the Senior Director of Partnership Management (SPDM) to plan and oversee the interviewing, hiring, and onboarding process of all family service and health staffing positions as identified in the organizational structure (including but not limited to Family and Health Coordinators, Family Advocates, ERSEA Assistants).
• Collaborate with the Director of Family Services and Health to develop systems for eligibility ,recruitment, selection, and enrollment/intake process for returning and new families; develop a comprehensive recruitment plan that will lead to the program becoming fully enrolled.
• Work with the SDPM to advance internal systems and external partnerships to ensure that all children participating in the program are up to date on EPSDT preventive care, follow-up evaluation and treatment, and have access to high quality medical and dental homes and health insurance.
• Support the training and partnership development required to conduct on-site health screenings and exams within required HSPS timelines for children lacking community access to these services.
• Ensure all child files are created and maintained in accordance with The Head Start program’s table of contents and meet local licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with the SDPM to plan and implement initial, differentiated, and sequential professional development for family service and health staff that will lead to the successful implementation of the Shine Early Learning Family Services and Health approach; support program leadership to utilize the Head Start program’s competency -based Success Rubrics and reflective coaching and supervision models.
• Implement policies, procedures, and tools that support program implementation, utilizing a stepwise approach during the transitional phases of program start-up and building upon that to ensure high quality service delivery
• Develop Memorandums of Understanding with key community-based organizations that will allow referrals to the HS program; outlines available services and the roles and responsibilities of both organizations.
• Ensure the establishment of Center Parent Committees and assists the Head Start Director in forming an active Policy Council at the grantee level; supports the team in the development of a Health Services Advisory Committee.
• Support the quality of family engagement efforts through professional development, supervision and coaching to fully implement the Family Services & Health approach.
• Implement a research-based curriculum that extends the classroom curriculum into the family's home, modeling high quality adult-child interactions that teachers use in their classrooms for families around four Family Life Practices.
• Identify strategies and continuous quality improvement processes to strengthen strategy execution and staff capacity to achieve child and family outcomes within vendor programs.
• Monitor the quality and reliability of data at the family, coach, center, and program levels; conduct formal and informal qualitative audits and review data trends to assess execution of program strategies; ensures program compliance with Head Start Performance Standards (HSPS) and The Head Start Program’s Integrated Service Plan and Policies and Procedures.
• Manage Head Start service area leadership and oversees initiatives to ensure that the following are met: timely and appropriate support for children with atypical needs; family education and outreach activities are consistent with education goals and activities; family engagement and health and wellness efforts are well executed and aligned with promoting children’s school readiness and healthy development; comprehensive health and developmental screenings and follow up completed within timeframes set by Head Start Performance Standards and executed according to program’s Integrated Service Plan and policy and procedures.
• Contribute to both the partner and Shine Early Learning’s professional excellence through productive leadership and participation in grantee planning and leadership, Shine Early Learning network leadership and collaboration, and external community relationships (LEAs, CBOs, higher education, NHSA, state agencies, policymakers, etc.).
• Ensure fiscal management by monitoring expenditures.
• Participate in assigned meetings, events and training as required.
• Supervision
• Supervise assigned department personnel. Includes the following responsibilities, but are not limited to: hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, and ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and the completion of all work performed by direct reports.
• Educate direct reports on all department and company policies and procedures.
• Meet with assigned staff regularly to identify and resolve problems, manage projects, track goals, and review work processes and procedures.
• Represent team and/or department at meetings, events, and training as required.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, family and child development, social work, public health, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with Head Start, Early Head Start and special education strongly preferred.
• 5 years of experience in program management, including operational and team management, and continuous improvement for early childhood programs.
• Experience leading and inspiring a highly effective team, with a strong commitment to staff development.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• When/Where/How Much: When: Fall 2026
• Where: Louisville, KY
• How Much:The range for this position is $80,000-$86,000 annually.
• Why You’ll Love Working with Us: A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
• A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
• Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
• Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks
• If you’re ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join us as our next Deputy Director in Kentucky. Together, we’ll help every child reach their fullest potential!
• We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.