Associate Director of Engagement and Economic Mobility; San Diego

Salary range: $100,000 - $130,000 DOQ/E

Since 1965, MAAC has empowered individuals and families across San Diego County to achieve self‑sufficiency and economic stability through high‑impact programs and advocacy. With a focus on community advancement, MAAC delivers services in five core areas:
Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. These integrated efforts strengthen communities and foster lasting change.

The Associate Director of Engagement and Economic Mobility plays a key role in managing regional grants, including MAAC’s comprehensive, federally funded school‑readiness programs such as Head Start. Serving a diverse population of low‑income children and families throughout San Diego County, these programs provide holistic services that support optimal physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development for children ages 0–5, while also advancing education, civic engagement, and economic mobility for parents and caregivers.

Within these grants, the Associate Director leads the development of robust family and community engagement strategies, cultivates cross‑sector partnerships, and ensures alignment with Head Start governance standards to enhance economic mobility for MAAC participants and their families.

The Associate Director of Engagement and Economic Mobility provides strategic and operational leadership to advance MAAC’s economic mobility initiatives within a designated region of San Diego County. Reporting to the Director of Economic Mobility and working closely with Child Development Leadership, this role ensures programs are effectively implemented, meet funder requirements, and deliver measurable outcomes that support individuals and families in achieving greater stability and opportunity.

This position is ideal for a systems‑oriented leader who is committed to collaboration across departments, community impact, and who excels in program management, compliance, and team development. The Associate Director oversees regional operations, family and community engagement efforts, launches new grants and initiatives, strengthens processes to improve efficiency, and ensures systems and workflows are aligned for smooth program delivery.

The ideal candidate brings a thoughtful balance of strategic vision and operational excellence—someone who can lead teams, manage complex reporting, budgets, and implement processes and procedures. This role is highly visible in the community and will enhance how the MAAC Child Development Program serves the community.

• Support Head Start’s family and community engagement efforts by implementing regional initiatives that promote family self‑sufficiency and economic mobility, including community resource navigation, workforce development, financial literacy, and access to educational and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to set measurable goals, performance standards, and systems for continuous improvement.
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Drive process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance participant experience.
• Contribute to strategic planning and operational improvements that advance MAAC’s long‑term vision for early childhood education and economic mobility.

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with educational institutions, workforce boards, community organizations, and employers to expand access to services.
• Lead governance efforts for the Child Development Parent Policy Council, including organizing and facilitating regular meetings and training sessions.
• Coordinate with MAAC’s Family Engagement and Family Service Advocates to connect families with external community resources.
• Build relationships with early education programs and providers to support diverse family needs.
• Represent MAAC in collaborative meetings, regional coalitions, and planning efforts focused on school readiness, transitions, and elevating organizational visibility and influence.
• Support the coordination of…