Bright Beginnings Initiative Coordinator

Bright Beginnings Initiative Coordinator 1125 Baldwin Street, Salinas, CA 93906 Hybrid work $33.41 - $42.64 an hour - Full-time $33.41 - $42.64 an hour - Full-time Date posted: April 24, 2026

Pay:

$69,487.88 - $88,686.09 per year structured within a 6-step scale that accounts for experience and qualifications (equivalent of $33.41 - $42.64 per hour)

Title:

Bright Beginnings Initiative Coordinator Status:

This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position.

Classification:

Program Officer 1

Reports To:

Bright Beginnings Initiative Director Direct Reports:

N/A Location:

This position is based in Salinas, California.

Schedule:

Regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

ABOUT US

Through the Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative, we work together to ensure that all children have all they need to be ready for school and ready for life. We aim to double school readiness countywide, with a focus on narrowing the equity gap. Taking a holistic approach and bringing together parents, teachers, caregivers, educators, health practitioners, service providers, businesses and funders, our collective work is organized across four overarching areas that support young children and their families: fair systems, resilient parents, supported families, and prepared caregivers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Bright Beginnings Initiative Coordinator provides cross-functional coordination and logistical support to the Bright Beginnings Initiative backbone team to enhance administrative and programmatic effectiveness. This role ensures that core projects, executive priorities, and the overall Initiative runs smoothly and that team members are well-supported across a range of backbone functions. Approximately 60% of duties is in direct support of the Initiative Director, 20% in support of other team members, and 20% as lead staff on a project. Acts as a key connector across team, partners, and projects to keep work aligned and moving forward Brings structure to priorities by organizing workflows, timelines, and communications Helps ensure information is clear, accessible, and responsive to diverse audiences Anticipates needs and supports a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment Contributes to community-centered work by supporting engagement, inclusion, and feedback efforts Strengthens overall initiative impact by helping translate ideas into coordinated action

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications (est. 20%) Support implementation of the Initiative's messaging strategy through content development, production, and systems management. Draft, format, copyedit, and coordinate production of reports, newsletters, presentations, web content, and social media. Maintain messaging assets, shared folders, and contact/constituent databases. Coordinate translation and interpretation services to ensure accessible, culturally relevant materials. Community Engagement & Advocacy (est. 20%) Support implementation of the Initiative's community outreach, inclusion and advocacy strategy through logistical and direct support . Prepare and distribute outreach materials (flyers, newsletters, toolkits); coordinate tabling, direct and web delivery, and follow-up. Track outreach activities, visibility opportunities, and promotional materials inventory. Document community feedback and outreach themes; prepare surveys, summaries and other materials. Support civic engagement through training, public comments/testimony, issue briefs, and advocacy events. Prepare meeting packets, slide decks, and talking points for external meetings with government and community partners. Track and stock giveaways, such as flyers, pens, books, etc. Projects & Events (est. 20%) Support end-to-end coordination for virtual and in-person collaborative action teams (e.g., projects, programs, and events with partners). Coordinate logistics including scheduling, RSVPs, set-up and break-down, run-of-show, venues, tech, food, child care, supplies, printing, and purchasing. Support participant recruitment and engagement communications. Support preparation of visuals and materials to support meeting design and flow. Coordinate follow-up documentation and debrief processes. Organizational Capacity Building (est. 20%) Support the Initiative's organizational capacity (e.g., continuous improvement cycles, impact measurement, feedback cycles, funding readiness) through logistics, data input, progress tracking, basic research, documentation. Coordinate site visits, trainings, evaluation activities, and partner/funder meetings, including preparation of materials and notes. Support tracking of attendance, participant feedback, and engagement data; ensure timely and accurate data entry into tracking systems. Provide light analysis and formatting for dashboards, reporting, and evaluation deliverables. Research and monitor grant and training opportunities. Support grant or project proposal development. Internal Operations (est. 20%) Support operational and administrative duties for the entire team, through logistics, administration and purchasing. Coordinate governance and backbone meeting logistics. Prepare paperwork and coordinate travel logistics, reimbursements, purchasing, and facilities requests. Maintain internal files, supplies, and project management systems.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Any combination of experience, education, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed previously. Typical ways to acquire those skills and abilities include: Minimum of 2 - 4 years relevant experience in program coordination, project support, administration or operations. Bachelor's degree or AA Degree in related field with an additional 2 years of experience OR Equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Equity-Centered:

Willingness to support racial, social, and economic equity through all aspects of the work.

Adaptability & Responsiveness:

Strong organizational skills, and ability to adjust to shifting priorities, timelines, and team needs.

Collaboration & Team Support:

Ability to work effectively within a team environment, proactively supporting colleagues and contributing to shared goals.

Partner & Stakeholder Relationships:

Experience supporting relationships with partners, stakeholders, and community members through direct communication, scheduling, follow-up, and coordination of shared activities.

Documentation & Administrative Support:

Ability to prepare and maintain organized materials such as meeting notes, reports, presentations, and tracking systems to support team operations and projects.

Project & Logistics Coordination:

Ability to coordinate projects and events with multiple stakeholders, including managing timelines, logistics, materials, and documentation with attention to detail.

Operational Systems & Tools:

Working knowledge of systems such as project management tools (e.g., Asana), Microsoft 365/Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Canva, Social Media to support coordination, communication, and documentation.

Data Tracking & Continuous Improvement Support:

Ability to track progress on activities, maintain data systems, and support basic data reporting and analysis.

PREFERRED

Experience supporting education, philanthropy, government, public health, early childhood systems, or other related fields Biliterate in English & Spanish Familiarity with Monterey County's communities and organizations. Familiarity with procurement, cross-sector and/or multi-disciplinary collaboration, group facilitation, community organizing.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel within Monterey County and neighboring counties to attend meetings as needed, with potential occasional travel out of the area and/or state. Documented eligibility to work in the United States. Full-time availability during business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flexibility may be required for events, meetings or to meet project deadlines, including occasional evening or weekend work. Employees will be expected to be onsite for key meetings and collaborative work while having the flexibility to work from home on other days.

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS

First 5 Monterey County hosts and provides fiscal sponsorship to Bright Beginnings; and as an employee of First 5 Monterey County, it is expected that you will:

Embrace Collaboration:

Actively seek input from colleagues, value diverse perspectives, and work effectively as part of a team.

Demonstrate Empathy:

Understand and respond to the needs and feelings of others, fostering positive relationships and a supportive work environment.

Practice Effective Communication:

Communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing. Maintain a

Positive Attitude:

Approach challenges with a positive mindset and a willingness to reach a collaborative solution approach.

Respect Others:

Treat colleagues with dignity and respect, avoiding any form of bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior.

WHAT WE OFFER

F5MC featured benefits include vacation leave; paid sick leave; 9 paid holidays; plus 5 weekdays from December 25 - 31; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; 7% F5MC provided retirement contribution of 7% of the annual base pay; and bilingual pay allowance (if applicable). First 5 Monterey is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment in any unlawful manner, including on any basis protected by federal, California, or local law.

Pay:

$33.41 - $42.64 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Salinas, CA 93906