Area Manager

Salary: $54,900.00 - $71,900.00 Annually
Location : 1600 Maple St., Longview, WA
Job Type: Exempt - Cyclical
Job Number: 202600306
Division: Head Start / EHS / ECEAP (Division)
Opening Date: 07/29/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Details
At a Glance: LCC's Head Start/Early Head Start/Early Childhood Education Assistance Program is a holistic program that provides quality early childhood education experiences through comprehensive services that support income eligible children and families, prenatal to five. We are committed to building healthier communities by providing school readiness to each child.
Who You Are: The ideal candidate is an inspiring, mission-driven leader who is deeply committed to the Head Start and ECEAP vision of empowering young children and their families. This individual knows that great leadership starts with people-they take pride in coaching, mentoring, and guiding diverse staff members to reach their full potential. Additionally, they enjoy the hands-on aspect of monitoring and coordinating child and family services across centers. If you are a transformational leader seeking a role where your vision and dedication directly impact children, families, and staff, this role is for you. It is also vital that the individual chosen for this role is committed to on-going professional growth to continue Head Start's goals of positively impacting our teams and community.
The Position: As the Area Manager, you hold primary responsibility for coordinating all child and family development services across our Head Start and ECEAP centers. In this pivotal role, you will coach, mentor, supervise, and train direct service staff while designing short-term and long-range planning for both service delivery and professional development. You will serve as the crucial liaison and information conduit between central office leadership and center sites, integrating various program components to ensure smooth, aligned operations. Additionally, you will be directly accountable for site compliance across all federal regulations, Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Performance Standards, and Washington State Child Care Licensing requirements.
This Area Manager position is exempt under FLSA. The position is 40 hours per week, 11.5 months per year. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This position reports directly to the Operations Manager of Head Start/EHS/ECEAP.
Why LCC? Visit our Candidate Hub to learn more about our campus, culture, and benefits.
Successful candidates typically start towards the beginning of the salary range and will receive scheduled salary increases.
Follow Head Start: For more on Lower Columbia College Head Startand join our Social Media page.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities
Supervision

• Mentor, coach, and supervise staff utilizing reflective supervision to evaluate the performances of all members of the direct service teams
• Observe children and provide coaching for behavior management and education programming
• Review child/family files utilizing data management systems and provide support and input to assure program requirements are met

Coordination

• Assure that all Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Performance Standards are met
• Prepare monthly reports on direct service activities for the Operations Manager
• Coordinate and maintain all facility and staff needs

Community Networking

• Maintain and develop new partnerships with local agencies, community service organizations, and educational providers
• Attend and facilitate meetings, design and deliver training and formal presentations

Communications

• Communicate in various ways (phone, email, in-person) with faculty, staff, families, children and other community members with the highest level of professionalism
• Utilize reflective practice

Physical Requirements

Seldom = 1 - 10% of the time


Occasionally = 11 - 33% of the time

Frequently = 34 - 66% of the time

Seldom

• Office furniture rearrangement
• Lifting/carrying office supplies and materials (up to 52 lbs)
• Squat

Occasionally

• Bend over to pick up items
• Extended periods of standing

Frequently

• Sit at desk
• Sit for long periods of time (up to 7 hrs) and during mandatory trainings

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Education requirement:

• Education requirement:
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field with a WA ECE State Certificate (47 credits) or equivalent
    
    • If you don't currently have the listed certificate, you may have the ability to complete it within five years of hire.
• Have two years of experience as a teacher of children in a preschool age (3-5) in the early learning program with at least six months of experience in administration or management or a department approved plan.
• Strong knowledge of theories and practices of Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Experience working with diverse communities and low-income children and families.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills..
• Ability to facilitate small and large group meetings and trainings.
• Strong team leadership skills.
• Ability to collect and interpret data for reports and project trends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Previous experience designing, adjusting, and facilitating trainings for others.
• Knowledge of Head Start, Early Head Start, and ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Knowledge of Washington State Administrative Codes for licensing.

The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.

Supplemental Information
Prior to First Day of Employment

• Washington State Patrol Background Check
• Sex Offender Registry Check
• TB test completed within the last year
• Valid driver's license
• Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting)
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Policy Council Approval
• Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of
• Health to include:
• MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles

How to apply:

An online application must be completed for consideration. Click "Apply" at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):

• Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position
• Resume
• References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor
• Unofficial transcripts (if applicable)

Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Residency Requirement

To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.
Lower Columbia College Human Resources

For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or email us directly at View email address on click.appcast.io.
Equal Employment Opportunity

Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, View email address on click.appcast.io, Phone number, View phone number on click.appcast.io, Phone number/TTY View phone number on click.appcast.io.

• Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.
• The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.
• The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.

Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.
Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan.
Conditions of Employment

• If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to the WFSE HE collective bargaining agreement.
• The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.
• If you are hired and are proficient in Spanish, you will have to take a Spanish proficiency test to receive the 5% assignment pay.

Anticipated Start Date

LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.
Insurance
We offer an affordable benefits package that delivers choice, access, value, and stability to you and your family. You have medical and dental coverage, life insurance, long-term disability, and the option to enroll in a medical Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Program. For more information on health care benefits, please visit


Retirement
Employees participate in either the State Board Retirement Plan administered through TIAA-CREF or PERS Plan 3 administered through the Department of Retirement Systems. Both plans are matched by LCC. There are also two supplemental tax-deferred retirement plans you can elect to participate in: the State Board Voluntary Investment Program and the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program.

Vacation
Paid leave and paid holidays are prorated based on FTE. The vacation accrual amounts listed below reflect a 12 month, 40 hour per week employee.

• 0 - 5th years of employment - 16 hours per month / 24 days per year
• Starting 6th year of employment and Exempt Administrators - 18.667 hours per month / 28 days per year

Personal Holidays

• Five (5) Personal Holidays per year

Sick Leave

• One day (8 hours) per month

LCC also offers exempt employees paid and unpaid leaves including bereavement, civil duty, disability, emergency, maternity/paternity, medical, military, professional and share leave.

Paid Holidays
Employees get 11 paid holidays per calendar year.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Tuition Waiver
For interested exempt employees, LCC offers $10 classes. State employees also qualify for tuition discounts with other various colleges and universities across the state ().

Red Devil Wellbeing
is LCC's employee wellness program that strives to help employees improve and maintain their wellbeing enabling them to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.


Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the


On-site Childcare Center
Theis a state licensed program that offers high quality childcare for children ages 1 month through kindergarten entry to students, staff and faculty. The center is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program is a participant of the Washington State Early Achievers quality rating and improvement system and rated a level 4-Quality Level of Excellence. Our teachers are trained in the Early Childhood Education field.

Additional Leave

• Leave Sharing
• Parental Leave
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Leave Without Pay

01


Please describe any other ways outside of education and direct experience that you believe demonstrate your ability to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position (items not covered in cover letter or other application materials).
02


Please describe your experience working with diverse populations.
03


Do you have two years of experience as a teacher of preschool children (ages 3-5) with at least six months of administrative experience?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have an Early Childhood Education State Certificate or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05


If you answered no to the above question, are you willing to obtain it within five years of hire?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you currently reside in or are you willing to relocate to Washington or Oregon to obtain employment at Lower Columbia College?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer?

• Yes
• No

08


Will you now or will you in the future require employment visa sponsorship in the United States?

• Yes
• No

09


OPTIONAL: If you answered yes to the previous question, you can use this field to provide an explanation.
10


How did you hear about this position?

• LCC Website
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• Word of Mouth
• Indeed
• WorkSource
• Washington State Jobs Board
• Partners in diversity
• Higher Ed Jobs
• Other Recruitment Site
• Diversity listserv

Required Question