Director/Sr. Director, Clare Swan ELC

• Ensure all programs align with Cook Inlet Tribal Council's mission, Tribal priorities, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and 477 Plan requirements.
• Lead strategic planning, program design, and continuous quality improvement for CSELC while providing updates to Policy Council and CITC Board of Directors.
• Oversee administration, compliance, and fiscal management of grant-funded initiatives, including budgets, contracts, audits, financial reporting, and evaluations.
• Monitor goals, objectives, and reporting requirements to ensure consistent achievement and timely, accurate data collection.
• Maintain full compliance with licensing, health and safety regulations, and all applicable federal, state, and tribal requirements.
• Recruit, train, and retain high-performing workforce including Teacher Apprentices, emphasizing professional development and organizational stability.
• Train staff on trauma-informed practices in partnership with mental health and wellness teams.
• Cultivate partnerships with tribal, educational, health, and cultural organizations to promote integrated service delivery.
• Represent CITC in statewide and national forums on early childhood education, cultural revitalization, and family engagement.
• Lead CSELC Advisory Council meetings and build strong relationships with contributing members.
• Serve as strategic member of CITC Leadership Council (CLC) and act as liaison with granting agencies.
• Manage diverse funding sources and business models with fiscal responsibility, ensuring financial, legal, and HR compliance.
• Make sound, informed decisions using effective leadership and conflict resolution strategies.
• Uphold CITC's mission, values, and ThriveAbility Plan while maintaining team morale, professionalism, and collaborative relationships.
• Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.

• Perform all duties and responsibilities above with an advanced level of proficiency.
• Provide executive-level strategic guidance for multi-site, multi-grant early learning programs across the organization.
• Lead organizational change initiatives and system-wide improvements in early childhood education services.
• Develop and implement innovative program models that integrate Indigenous education practices with evidence-based approaches.
• Mentor and develop senior leadership team members across CSELC programs.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management, staff, and affiliated-company employees.
• Excellent organizational, follow-up, follow-through, and detail-oriented skills.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Unquestionable personal code of ethics, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Exceptional leadership and systems-thinking skills across diverse funding and program models.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and integrate educational, health, cultural, and workforce services.
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities and needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.

• Continued employment is contingent upon completion of satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.
• Valid Alaska driver's license and insurable under CITC's automotive insurance, which requires a driver to be at least 21 years of age and have had a driver's license for at least three years.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration, Education Leadership, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education or social services, including supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Tribal governance, and the unique needs of Alaska Native/American Indian children and families.

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration, Education Leadership, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education or social services, including supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Tribal governance, and the unique needs of Alaska Native/American Indian children and families.

• Advanced/Master's degree and/or professional certifications.
• Experience managing multi-site, multi-grant early learning programs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care models and Indigenous education practices.

• May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
• The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council