Vice President of Programs (Early Childhood Education, Anti-Hunger, Community In Reach)

Why This Role Matters

The VP will play a critical role in positioning these service areas for long-term sustainability and growth. This role will play a pivotal part in advancing a coordinated continuum of support for children and families - recognizing the direct connection between early learning, nutrition security, and long-term success. This role is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of this umbrella of programs. By blending program excellence with entrepreneurial thinking, the VP will help expand impact, reach more families, and build a more resilient funding model.

Benefits and Compensation

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing. The salary range for this role is $165,000 - $175,000.

By Blending Program Excellence with Entrepreneurial Thinking

This leader will ensure excellence in the administration and compliance of federal, state, and local grants. They will lead efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional federal funding, identify opportunities to monetize existing high-quality programs and expertise, and strengthen financial resilience. This role will blend program excellence with entrepreneurial thinking to help expand impact, reach more families, and build a more resilient funding model.

Strategic Leadership & Program Excellence

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for NVFS’s early childhood, community in reach and anti-hunger portfolio; specifically for early childhood education, this includes Head Start, Early Head Start, and Mixed Delivery programs.
• Ensure services are aligned through a holistic, family-centered approach.
• Champion a two-generation (2Gen) approach, supporting both child development and family wellbeing.
• Ensure all programs maintain high-quality, culturally responsive, and outcomes-driven service delivery.
• Use data and outcomes to drive continuous quality improvement and demonstrate program impact.
• Lead expansion and innovation in service delivery models to meet evolving community needs.

Revenue Diversification & Financial Sustainability

• Develop and implement strategies to diversify funding streams.
• Identify and operationalize opportunities to monetize existing high-quality programs and expertise, such as training and technical assistance for external providers; consulting and capacity-building services; fee-for-service workshops or parent education programs; strategic partnerships and sponsored programming.
• Explore expansion opportunities through public-private partnerships, local government investments, and philanthropic partnerships.
• Partner with Development and Finance teams to align fundraising, philanthropy, and earned revenue strategies.
• Develop business plans and financial models to assess feasibility and scalability of new revenue-generating efforts.

Federal Grant Oversight & Compliance

• Oversee federal, state, and local grants including Head Start and Early Head Start funding, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and strong performance outcomes.
• Ensure readiness for federal monitoring reviews, audits, and recompetition (e.g., DRS).
• Oversee grant planning, budgeting, reporting, and performance management systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop competitive grant applications and continuations.
• Stay informed of policy and funding trends affecting early childhood education, food security and other relevant programs.

External Engagement

• Represent NVFS in regional and state coalitions, advisory groups, and strategic partnerships related to early childhood education and food security.
• Build collaborative relationships with school systems, local jurisdictions, philanthropic organizations, and community partners.
• Serve as a thought leader and advocate for integrated family support systems.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.
• Oversee program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.