Director of Children's Developmental Services

"Supportive. Flexible. Diverse. Passionate." These qualities are what team members love most about HopeSparks. Learn more here.

Salary: $115,000 - $140,000 DOE

New hires are typically brought into the role between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range, based on qualifications and experience. Placement above the midpoint is uncommon and generally reserved for internal candidates or individuals with highly specialized experience.

Application Timeline

Applications will be accepted through July 17, 2026. Initial interviews are anticipated in late July, with final hiring decisions expected in mid-August 2026.

Position Summary

The Director of Children's Developmental Services is an executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and continued growth of HopeSparks' largest program, serving infants, young children, and families throughout Pierce County through Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) services.

This position leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 60 professionals dedicated to providing high-quality, family-centered developmental and behavioral health services for infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and their caregivers. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, operations, compliance, financial performance, and continuous quality improvement of the Children's Developmental Services Program. Working closely with agency leadership, the Director ensures the delivery of coordinated, evidence-based services while maintaining compliance with federal, state, county, and contractual requirements. This position also cultivates strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, educational partners, and funding agencies to strengthen the early childhood system of care throughout Pierce County.

HopeSparks believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhance our ability to fulfill our mission. We strive for equity and justice in the way people are treated and the opportunities they have to succeed by working to address racism, inequitable treatment, and other barriers to inclusion. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds (including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities) to apply and join us in our work. Please see our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our website.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for HopeSparks' Children's Developmental Services Program, including ESIT and IECMH services.


• Provide leadership and support to a multidisciplinary team of more than 60 professionals by developing leaders, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.


• Oversee program operations, quality improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance, and service excellence across all Children's Developmental Services disciplines.


• Collaborate with agency leadership to develop and manage program budgets, monitor financial performance, and support long-term sustainability.


• Ensure compliance with IDEA Part C requirements, ESIT standards, county contracts, billing requirements, and agency policies.


• Utilize program data and performance metrics to guide strategic planning, operational improvements, and continuous quality improvement efforts.


• Partner with internal departments to strengthen operational systems, billing processes, onboarding, training, and electronic health record utilization.


• Represent HopeSparks with county, regional, and statewide early childhood organizations and initiatives, serving as the agency's primary representative for Children's Developmental Services.


• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, school districts, early learning partners, community organizations, and funding agencies.


• Promote integrated, family-centered, evidence-based services that improve outcomes for children and families throughout Pierce County.

Qualifications

• Higher education degree or extensive experience in Child Development, ESIT, Early Childhood Mental Health, or a related field.


• At least 5 years of experience in program operations, leadership, and supervision.


• Knowledge of ESIT funding, billing requirements, and IDEA Part C regulations.


• Knowledge of insurance billing best practices.


• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.


• Strategic thinking and creativity.


• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred.


• Intermediate computer skills in Word, Excel, and Google Workspace.


• First Aid and CPR certification.


• Valid Washington State driver's license, automobile insurance.


• Must pass state and national background checks.

Job Conditions

This is a full-time, onsite leadership position based in Pierce County. Work is performed in HopeSparks office locations, community partner settings, and other community locations as needed to support program operations and partnerships.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position while working at a computer for extended periods.


• Ability to travel throughout Pierce County to agency offices, community partners, and meetings.


• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, families, community partners, and public agencies.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.


• Ability to lead teams through organizational growth, operational change, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Benefits

HopeSparks offers full benefits to all team members working 30 or more hours per week. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, Life, Long Term Disability, 403b retirement, 9 paid holidays and generous PTO accrual. Soft Benefits that may also be available: Mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development opportunities, closure weeks (additional time off), flexible hours/schedule, continuing education funds available.

This position will adhere to all confidentiality guidelines as outlined by HIPAA and the Office of Civil Rights. This highest degree of confidentiality is required at all times.

HopeSparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any persons on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran.