Early Learning Career Pathways Program Manager

Department: Instructional Services

Program: School Improvement

Reports to: Designated Supervisory Personnel

Classification/Range: Confidential Contracted/ADM06

Schedule: 210 days per year

POSITION PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for the strategic development of career pathways in alignment with the early learning workforce development priorities associated with Multnomah County’s Preschool for All (PFA) initiative.

NATURE & SCOPE:

Through partnerships with key stakeholders such as Multnomah County’s Preschool & Early Learning (PEL) Division, component school districts, institutions of higher education, and worksite partners, this position supports early learning educational programming (including CTE and ECE) in the region leading to early childhood employment opportunities. Additionally, the role oversees contract administration for PFA, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and alignment with PFA’s recruitment, evaluation, and program goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with Multnomah County’s Preschool & Early Learning (PEL) Division to implement and update the county-specific preschool strategic plan for CTE/ECE programming.
• Collaborate with PEL Division, local school districts, Multnomah Early Childhood Program, Childcare Resource & Referral (CCR&R), Oregon Center for Career Development (OCCD), Worksystems, and early learning partners to create equitable and responsive workforce opportunities.
• Conduct initial and ongoing needs assessment analysis for MESD Early Childhood Career Pathways.
• Act as the primary liaison for Preschool for All (PFA) workforce development, coordinating administrative aspects of the PFA contract and ensuring compliance with contractual and reporting requirements.
• Engage leaders, principals, counselors, and teachers to build awareness of early learning benefits and career pathways in the early childhood education (ECE) field.
• Partner with community colleges and universities to establish pathways for high school students interested in ECE careers.
• Attend career sessions to promote ECE career opportunities.
• Develop worksite placements and connections for ECE/CTE students; build relationships with school career counselors and support staff.
• Serve as the primary ECE contact for CTE teachers and counselors within each district (including PPS).
• Connect CTE programming with high school district early learning efforts.
• Support PFA evaluation, research, and recruitment efforts.
• Work with Worksystems to align CTE worksite placements with broader worksite opportunities.
• Participate in regional planning and goal-setting initiatives.
• Provide leadership in ECE program compliance with ODE CTE program standards through collaboration with CTE Regional Coordinators and ODE Ed Specialists.
• Develop alternative CTE teacher licensure pathways for industry professionals.
• Foster alignment between secondary and post-secondary ECE programs.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to support workforce diversification by identifying, creating and communicating equitable pathways for underrepresented groups.
• Plan and facilitate professional learning and community of practice opportunities for staff.
• Attend team meetings and maintain regular attendance to support organizational and program goals.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through and student focus.

Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness.

Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective and collaborative manner.

Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble and courageous.

Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.

Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with programming outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality
• Possess strong interpersonal skills to develop collaborative relationships with district, agency, county-level partners, parents and state staff.
• Demonstrated ability in coordinating or assisting in the coordination of multiple agency programs.
• Ability to work across complex organizations with conflicting policies and cultures.
• Demonstrate leadership and project organizational skills and the ability to manage complex projects simultaneously.
• Expertise in various decision-making models.
• Experience managing groups to achieve outcomes.
• Extensive experience using data to inform planning.
• Small and large group facilitation.
• Deep commitment to equity and closing of historical outcome gaps.
• Demonstrate effective human relation skills, which include the ability to listen and accept differing opinions, ability to use negotiation and mediation skills to control conflict.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and own transportation.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Bilingual or multilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and/or Somali
• TSPC licensure or equivalent administrative credentials preferred but not required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree in education, early childhood education, program development, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in teaching, early childhood education, workforce development, or program administration.
• Understanding of the early childhood field, including career pathways and workforce priorities.
• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical office environment subject to moderate noise. Work is performed hybrid with the supervisor’s approval.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 
  Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Vision: Visual acuity to read and interpret written and electronic information.
• Dexterity: Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Hearing/Speaking: Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information so others will understand.
• Emotional/Psychological: Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in challenging situations, remain empathetic and understanding towards individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs, handle stress and pressure effectively, and adapt to change in the workplace.

BENEFITS:

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents

• Three medical insurance plan options:
• • Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), or
  • Health Savings Account (HSA), or
  • Opt-Out option
• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Selection of one annual additional benefit option:
• • Two (2) additional Floating Holidays
  • One (1) additional Floating Holiday AND $500 MESD Paid contribution to a Section 125 Medical Flexible Savings Account
  • One (1) additional Floating Holiday AND $500 paid contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • $1000 MESD paid contribution to their Section 125 Flexible Spending Account
  • $1000 MESD paid contribution to their Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Employee must be enrolled in a HSA-eligible medical plan through MESD

• Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment.

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.