Programs Director

Programs Director Richland County First Steps
Columbia, South Carolina
Full-Time- Exempt Position Overview Richland County First Steps (RCFS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Programs Director to serve as a key member of the organization's leadership team. This position is responsible for the strategic oversight, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs serving children from prenatal to age five and their families. The Programs Director will provide leadership for program operations, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, manage program budgets and grants, and foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role requires a collaborative leader with strong supervisory skills, extensive knowledge of early childhood systems, and the ability to build meaningful partnerships that advance the mission of the organization. Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of evidence-based programs supporting young children and families.
• Ensure programs promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development while strengthening caregiver-child relationships.
• Supervise, mentor, and support program staff, fostering a culture of high performance, engagement, and professional growth.
• Monitor program outcomes and utilize data to evaluate effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead the implementation of new initiatives aligned with the organization's strategic priorities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Oversee program planning and budgeting and support grant development, reporting, and compliance activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen community partnerships and enhance service delivery.
• Serve as a representative of RCFS at meetings, conferences, and community events as needed.

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Administration, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in leadership, program management, compliance, or a related field.
• Experience with Early Head Start, Head Start, or similar early childhood education initiatives strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale programs, budgets, grants, and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of early childhood education systems and family support services.
• Strong understanding of Head Start Performance Standards, funding requirements, and compliance practices.
• Proven leadership, personnel management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience using data to evaluate program performance and inform decision-making.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and program management and reporting systems.

Why Join Richland County First Steps? At Richland County First Steps, our mission is to help children and families enter kindergarten ready to thrive. We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for children and families while fostering a workplace culture built on collaboration, service, and excellence. If you are a strategic leader who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to making a lasting impact in our community, we encourage you to apply.