A Preschool or Childcare Director manages and directs programs for very young children. Supervises child care workers and pre-school teachers. Proposes policies, program fees and budgets for approval by a program board or administrative agency or implements policies of a national organization. Meets with parents and staff to discuss the development, learning and behavior of children in the program or center. Orders supplies and monitors maintenance and cleaning at a facility. Ensures that the program or center meets state and federal guidelines.
Saint Paul, MN Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $110,000 a year 22 hours ago Benefits AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Stakeholder engagement Microsoft Excel Computer literacy Writing skills Change management Client database systems Driver's License Cultural competency Working with families Meeting facilitation Productivity software Full Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Early Childhood Initiatives is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and oversight of CLUES' early childhood programming. This includes leading the Childcare Incubator and programming in Greater Minnesota. The Director's primary role is to ensure the effectiveness, integration, and alignment of early childhood services with community needs and broader systemic improvements. To drive success, the Director will establish annual work plans, implement data-driven outcome strategies, manage external relations, and actively cultivate donor opportunities. In this role, the Director collaborates with community members, system partners, government agencies, and CLUES leadership to gain insights into early childhood development and the unique experiences of Latine families in Minnesota. Additionally, the Director will oversee the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Providers program, strategically integrating FFN participants, providers, and partners into CLUES' Childcare Incubator and Family Wellness Center initiatives.
Department:
Early Childhood Initiatives Reports to:
Vice President of Programs Location:
CLUES St.
Paul, MN Offices Position Type:
Regular Schedule:
Full-Time. Generally, Monday - Friday business hours.
Estimated Salary:
$100,000 - $110,000 per year (depending on experience & qualifications).
Benefits:
Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies—includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Program Design, Development, & Management Develop and implement the vision and strategy for services; plan and organize work relevant to core and strategic priorities for the organization and early childhood programs. Lead the design and development of early childhood initiatives, including Childcare Incubator and FFN programming based on the vision and strategic goals of the organization. Oversee all components of FFN Programming, including pre-licensing trainings, licensing achievement, microbusiness planning, development, and start-up cost; best practices, including staffing rations, safety, and education curriculums and quality of services. Create work plans for early childhood initiatives including managing, evaluating progress, and ensuring expected outcomes are achieved. Develop policies and procedures for initiatives reflecting the Code of Ethical Conduct for the early childhood field, while following compliance and best-practice standards. Collaborate with state licensing agencies and local childcare resource and referral agencies to ensure initiatives are compliant and follow field best-practices. Advocate for and support policies and legislation that promote and support capacity building, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion within the early childhood field. Develop initiative and program operating procedures and guidelines (curriculum, program schedule, family involvement and participation, payment structure and policy, eligibility criteria for participation and program registration, documentation procedures and requirements, etc.) Provide oversight to the Early Childhood services offered in Spanish & English in the metro area and in Greater Minnesota (Austin and Willmar). Create a supportive, participant-centered environment to effectively respond to the needs of participants and their families. Ensure the delivery of services is linguistically and culturally appropriate. Financial Management and Compliance Ensure appropriate use of financial resources by effectively managing program finances, including program budget and resource allocations relative to financial targets and goals, with the support of the VP of Programs. Collaborate with Development Staff to assess funding opportunities and write proposals leading to the long-term sustainability of programs. Continuously assess programs effectiveness, responsiveness, and adaptability. Lead team in tracking, analyzing, and reporting on milestones, impact, expenses, challenges, and successes of programs. Ensure timely reporting of grant/contract outcomes and program goals. Provide progress reports and corrective action plans when needed to meet or exceed financial and performance targets. Understand and adhere to laws, regulations, rules, and policies applicable to services offered by program. Ensure compliance with funder/contract requirements and comply with auditing requirements. Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards while ensuring staff within the Early Childhood programs do the same. Personnel Management & Development Oversee staff delivery of early childhood services to clients, including one-on-one client services, classes, and workshops for services provided in the metro are and greater Minnesota. Provide leadership and direction to the staff in the department to promote an optimal level of service by consistent high-quality oversight. Collaborate with supervisor and Human Resources department to plan, implement, and manage staffing to maximize effectiveness. Recommend staffing structure and personnel decisions including hiring, promotion, disciplinary action and termination to supervisor and HR. Effectively supervise department staff, including hiring, providing guidance and direction, training, evaluating performance, initiating corrective action or disciplinary action and other personnel actions. Provide direction, training, and coaching to staff, including staff on-the-job training and department orientation. Mentor and encourage staff professional development. Provide constructive feedback as well as positive recognition. Designate individual productivity goals for staff based on department goals and hold staff accountable. Provide clear and timely communication to staff regarding expectations and delegated tasks. Maintain regular and timely documentation of staff performance. Meet regularly with department staff to oversee progress toward individual and department goals. Nurture a healthy, dynamic, and team-based working environment. Develop a well-functioning team, fostering staff empowerment. General Duties Participating in trainings and events held by the MN Department of Human Services (DHS) and other government/nonprofit partner organizations to develop partnerships and curate resources. Promote the mission, operating values, and agency services of CLUES within the community. Carry out all other duties as assigned by supervisor. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change, or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education, Experience & Key Abilities Bachelor's degree in business, Nonprofit Management, Early Childhood Development of a related field. Master's Degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. 3-5 years of experience in project coordination or project management, especially in education, government, community engagement, human services, or related field. Develop qualified trainer preferred. Experience and training in formal facilitation techniques and conflict resolution preferred. Possesses a deep understanding of Latinx culture/values. The ideal candidate is rooted in the Latino community's experience, culture, and traditions and can navigate mainstream systems and experience to make relevant cross-cultural connections. Experience with facilitation of complex discussions with a diverse group of stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that include the ability to build relationships and communicate information effectively with a broad set of stakeholders, including community members and policy makers. Strong organizational and self-direction skills and ability to manage complex initiatives with multiple moving elements. Understanding of systems change work and its impact on racial and social justice, systemic inequities, barriers to success, and economic mobility. Understanding of whole family approaches, especially as related to early childhood systems. Ability to build consensus among diverse community interests in pursuit of solutions to complex problems. Ability to maintain a flexible schedule that may include occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate community participation. Language Skills Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing, required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests. Transportation Must have a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver's license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check. Computer Skills Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other common software (e.g., database, reporting, client management systems, etc.). Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Background check Must pass a criminal background check, driving record check, and DHS background study. As a condition of continued employment, employee may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of these, and additional background checks.
