Salary: $138,964.80 - $149,760.00 Annually
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 17320
Department: Office of County Administration
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Central

Position Description
Position Overview:
The Director, Early Childhood and Family Support leads and coordinates the vision, strategy, and cross-sector collaboration related to Harris County's early childhood initiatives that support the healthy development of children - spanning health, safety, family stability, and developmental supports, in addition to early childhood education and childcare. This role will implement the Commissioner's Court vision and priorities for children aged 0 to 5 through cross-department collaborations and external partnerships.

The position will be charged with shaping policy direction, building strategic partnerships, and driving alignment across County departments and external stakeholders. Additionally, the Director will lead the coordination of efforts supporting young children and families across Harris County departments, as well as external stakeholder engagement with other local jurisdictions, nonprofits, childcare providers, healthcare and social service partners, and other early childhood organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads development and implementation of a Countywide early childhood strategy that improves access to affordable, quality childcare and other resources for young children and their families.
• Develops policy and program recommendations to improve the well-being of young children and their families in Harris County, leveraging existing programs/services and resources as much as possible.
• Coordinates initiatives and communications across departments that affect young children and families, including health, education, economic opportunity, housing, transportation, and social services.
• Leads engagement with parents, childcare providers, employers, local jurisdictions, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, health care partners, and other community stakeholders.
• Promotes efforts to integrate early childhood systems and improve the alignment of early childhood programs and services in Harris County focusing on existing services.
• Uses available data, community input, and research to identify service gaps, assess barriers, and recommend practical solutions.
• Develops recommendations on how to increase participation in existing early childhood programs and supports, including outreach to underrepresented and special populations.
• Builds and maintains relationships with local jurisdictions, philanthropic partners, nonprofits, and community organizations to advance a shared early childhood agenda.
• Responds to emerging needs affecting young children and families, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, or disruptions to childcare availability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

• This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. At its discretion, management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requirements

Supporting Job Application Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in program management, policy development, or organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects and solving difficult problems involving various levels and teams within an organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of early childhood systems, including health, developmental, and family-support ecosystems
• Familiarity with early childhood development best practices and the broader determinants of child well-being
• Experience driving systems change across large organizations and/or ecosystems
• Ability to engage effectively external stakeholders, facilitate strategy development, and support the building of a shared vision
• Ability to manage multiple projects and follow through on tasks
• Proficiency in preparing accurate reports, analyzing data, and interpreting information
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary environment and with diverse community-based agencies
• Ability to communicate well orally and in writing
• Ability to establish positive relationships, maintain the highest standard of professional and personal ethics and behavior, and handle sensitive or confidential information discreetly
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions
• Willingness and ability to be flexible with hours to carry out the responsibilities of the position

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences

• Master's or professional degree.

General Information

Position Type and Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
  • Hybrid, work from home is currently offered one day per week but is subject to change.

Salary:

• $138,964.80 - $149,760.00 Annually
• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This position is based in an office environment, where the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets is routine.
• This is largely a sedentary role. However, requirements include the ability to lift up to 10 pounds, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• Some local travel may be required.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Deputy County Administrator, Community Services
• Supervises Positions: : 1 FTE to support Early Childcare Initiatives

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in education, Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field?(Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.)

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following best describes your verifiable years of experience in program management, policy development, or organizational leadership?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years but less than four (4) years
• Four (4) years but less than five (5) years
• Five (5) years or more
• I do not have this experience

03

Do you have a demonstrated track record of managing complex projects and solving difficult problems involving various levels and teams within an organization?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience driving systems change across large organizations and/or ecosystems?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Yes
• No

Required Question