Program Manager

Description

The Program Manager, Early Care and Education (ECE) Provider Engagement leads countywide engagement with ECE programs and organizations to increase participation in First 5 funded initiatives. The Manager will develop, implement and manage the ECE intake process to assess provider needs and collect program data. Ensuring data quality and system relevance, the Manager recommends improvements to simplify administrative processes for ECE programs. Collaborating internally, the Manager facilitates the connection of ECE programs to resources and funding for facilities, business supports, professional development, and workforce needs, while supporting continuous program improvement based on provider characteristics analysis

• Initiate, develop, and expand strong relationships with ECE programs to foster collaboration and support ECE initiatives effectively.
• Develop, implement and oversee an ECE intake and smooth, effective onboarding process that includes program assessment and gathering of program data to best understand program needs and orientation
• Develop and provide presentations for ECE programs who participate in First 5 funded initiatives.
• In partnership with Data and Technology teams, ensure accuracy, relevance, and coordination of data collected and input by ECE programs into First 5 data systems.
• Provide TA and support to develop simplified and streamlined processes between child care voucher administering agencies and ECE programs to minimize administrative burdens.
• Develop, negotiate, and oversee contracts and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) () with ECE programs or related provider-serving organizations, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and organizational standards.
• Monitor contract performance and outcomes and provide regular updates and detailed reports to stakeholders.
• Work closely with staff to connect ECE programs to necessary foundational resources for success (e.g., technology, business training and TA, communications, and family engagement support). 
• Coordinate support to ECE programs with timely and equitable access to grants and technical assistance
• Manage invoices processing and payments related to ECE program or related provider-serving organization contracts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Participate in the development of strategic plans to expand Alameda County’s network of ECE partners, identifying and pursuing new opportunities for engagement and growth.
• Implement robust data collection, interpretation methods, and analytical cycles to gather insights and support the assessment of impact of enhancements on ECE programs, families, and communities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for ECE programs, addressing inquiries, concerns, and fostering positive relationships.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in early care and education to guide program development and engagement strategies.
• Represent the organization at conferences and events, promoting our services, and forging new partnerships within the ECE community.
• Stay informed about relevant local, state, and federal policies and regulations affecting ECE programs, advocating for supportive policies and initiatives that advance the interests of programs and families.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Minimum nine years full-time progressively responsible experience in a public or private organization

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for 4 years’ required service.

Knowledge of:

• Management, supervision, training and team leadership principles and best practices.

• QRIS Matrix, Continuous Quality Improvement Pathways, and other areas important to ECE quality, including DLL, Inclusion, Family Engagement, Equity

• Cross-cultural sensitivity

• ECE workforce competencies and career pathways, such as apprenticeship models,

• Infant and early childhood typical and atypical child development

• Program development, planning, and evaluation and quality assurance methodologies

• Best practices in strategies for providing effective coaching and consultation

• Early care and education settings and quality standards

• Applicable state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to ECE

• Adult learning theory and strategies for effective training methods

• Practices and techniques of programmatic analysis and report preparation

• Principles and practices of contract negotiation, development and management

• Budget creation, monitoring and management, and financial recordkeeping procedures

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Office 365.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with a wide range of people at all levels including but not limited to F5AC staff, partnering agencies, community partners and providers

• Demonstrate experience and leadership in designing and mobilizing effective quality improvement strategies

• Contribute to strategic and strategy level planning

• Plan, monitor and evaluate program and service delivery, using and applying data to identify and resolve programmatic and/or operational issues

• Plan and organize work to ensure organizational and program goals are achieved

• Effectively supervise and provide leadership to program and administrative staff

• Analyze, develop and monitor budgets and program expenditures

• Negotiate, develop, and monitor contracts

• Develop and provide trainings and presentations to diverse audiences

• Plan, facilitate, and contribute to group meetings effectively

• Effectively represent the program and agency in meetings

• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in a variety of contexts

• Work in a multidisciplinary team setting

• Define and address complex problems requiring the analysis of multiple variables or situations; collect, synthesize, and analyze information; consider alternatives; and draw valid conclusions

• Exercise sound judgment within broadly defined practices and procedures to create and select appropriate strategies and make and carry out effective decisions

• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, to staff, the Commission, partners, and the public, including ability to write and produce reports

• Read, analyze and interpret common professional publications, policy documents, financial reports and related business documents and information

• Adapt, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in agency operations and work assignments or procedures

Other:

• Please note that we are currently working remotely but will return to office on a hybrid or full-time basis. The date for in-person work has not been determined.

• All First 5 employees must live and work in California.

• First 5 Alameda County is an independent government agency

First 5 Alameda County Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package with health care options to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage, $1,500 credit per year to spend on benefits, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Employer Paid & Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Retirement Plans including the ACERA Pension Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Plan and more.

We also offer paid vacation, paid time off and sick time. We have 17 paid holidays including the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day as paid time off.

Salary : $93,000 - $130,000