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Careers

Head Start California (HSC) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting California's Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which serve more than 70,000 children and their families each year. Our Sacramento office is conveniently located near downtown and offers free on-site parking for employees.

Open Position(s):

Administrative Assistant (AA)

Head Start California (HSC), a 501(c)(3) association, is seeking to add a new Administrative Assistant (AA) to our team. We serve Head Start teachers, health professionals, and administrators who, in turn, serve our state’s children from at-risk backgrounds. By joining the HSC team, you’ll become part of a decades-long movement to end the generational cycle of poverty with early education and interventions.

The AA supports the key operational, database, and event logistics needs of the association. The role requires a high degree of organization, meticulous attention to detail, and flexibility, as the priorities of the position will frequently shift. The AA works with all staff and reports to the Executive Director.

The AA advances the interests of HSC through five primary responsibilities:

  • Daily Operations, Office Logistics & Finance – Keep daily office operations running smoothly.
  • Support HSC Events & Conferences - Help with speakers and exhibitors, collateral and preparation, and on-site event execution.
    • Wellness Symposium (September), Health Institute (November), Annual Conference (February), Managers & Directors Institute (May), and Advocacy Day (May). Ideally, you will be able to travel out of Sacramento to attend some events – especially the annual conference (with all travel expenses paid).
  • Board Governance & Committee Support – Coordinate logistics for HSC leadership.
  • Member Engagement & Programmatic Support – Strengthen member connections, helping with membership renewal and cluster meeting logistics.
  • Database Support, Cleanup & Reporting – Maintain system integrity across HSC platforms.

Please view the full job description here.

Skills and abilities needed for success in this position include:

  • Excellent time-management skills with the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks assigned by multiple team members effectively.
  • Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to a positive team culture. Strong communication skills, and the ability to build relationships.
  • High level of attention to detail and ability to complete repetitive tasks with a high level of accuracy.
  • Strong organization and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from diverse people and cultures.
  • Familiar with technology, specifically Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, etc.), Canva, and Zoom.
  • Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to travel to HSC events.

Ideal and preferred qualifications include:

  • An associate’s degree in a related field; or
  • 1 year paid or volunteer experience in an administrative role, or other tasks relevant to this position and a diploma or equivalent
  • Familiarity with event management platforms—such as PheedLoop—is highly desirable
  • Familiarity with association management software—such as Novi AMS (the platform we use)—is highly desirable
  • Knowledge of and/or interest in Head Start (preference will be given to Head Start parents, alumni, or former staff)
  • Bilingual

This is a part-time non-exempt position working 20 hours a week with a compensation range of $23.00 – $25.00 per hour, with a tentative start date of October 1, 2026. This position is primarily remote, with one partial day per week in our Sacramento, CA office, plus in-office event preparation days as needed. HSC offers paid sick leave and a 403(b) retirement plan with automatic 4% employer contribution.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to edwin@headstartca.org by August 31, 2026. In your cover letter, be sure to tell us why you want to work for Head Start California. Incomplete applications will not be considered and only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Head Start California is an equal opportunity employer.