Early Learning Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early Learning Program Manager provides leadership and direction to Akin’s Head Start and ECEAP programs across multiple communities. Ensures effective and efficient utilization of employee personnel, fiscal resources and facilities, and monitors program(s) performance. May develop contracts and community partnerships that enhance the services provided to families. Responsible for Head Start/ECEAP content area across Early Learning programs statewide.

Responsible for quality service delivery and customer satisfaction that is in alignment with Akin’s mission, vision, and values. Oversees the implementation of services to meet or exceed Head Start and ECEAP Performance Standards. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides leadership, direction and supervision to the Early Learning programs and employees
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with clients, employees, volunteers, and community partners
• Develops contracts and partnerships with community organizations to enhance the delivery and coordination of quality services to families and children
• Works as a team member with Early Learning Senior Leadership Team to provide leadership and oversight to all components of Akin’s Early Learning programs
• Ensures the Early Learning programs meet or exceed the Akin, grant, accreditation standards and Head Start/ECEAP Performance Standards
• Collaborates with Program Managers/Operations Managers to develop and implement Early Learning professional development opportunities
• Leads statewide content work through regular meetings and training opportunities.
• Ensures all records and statistics are properly maintained and meet grant and licensing requirements
• Develops and implements reporting processes to ensure timely, quality information is presented to funders as specified by contracts
• Collaborates with Foundation Department and Early Learning Leadership to discover and apply for funding opportunities to maintain and/or expand existing programming.
• Provides leadership and direction for assigned content area, including training, monitoring and ongoing content specific team meetings
• Assists in the development of, and is responsible for, monitoring program budget and related revenues and expenditures
• In collaboration with the Policy Council, Parent Committee, Early Learning Staff, and Senior Leadership Team, conducts an annual program assessment and evaluation of programs
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish positive goal-oriented relationships with staff and families
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meetings with competing priorities, timelines and deadlines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to make successful presentations
• Strong organizational, problem solving, analytical, interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals at all levels within the organization
• Ability to develop working relationships and partnerships and work collaboratively with teams
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize responsibly
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in a professional and ethical manner
• Demonstrated ability to lead or support teams with diverse identities and backgrounds, including implementing inclusive practices across recruitment, supervision, and service delivery.
• Working knowledge of the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, and a track record of incorporating these values into decision-making and team development.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, printers, phones)
• Typical office lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period
• Limited travel to other site locations within the state

HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS:

Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push/pull up to 30 pounds
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years’ management and supervisory experience, which reflects progressive responsibilities in hiring, firing, training, performance evaluations, conflict resolution and disciplinary counseling
• 5+ years’ experience in the development and implementation of child and family development programs including developing contracts and community partnerships
• Successful experience as a team leader
• Proof of physical exam (updated every three years)
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided.
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer
• A valid driver's license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting

REQUIRED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE

• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne pathogen training
• Food Handler’s Permit

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior Head Start/ECEAP experience
• BA in Child Development, Family Development or related field
• Bilingual in English and Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Hindi, Oromo, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, or Urdu.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $67,897.44 - $81,469.44 per year, typically within the first half of this range. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.