Associate Director of Early Learning Systems

Neighborhood House•Portland, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Early Learning Systems is a senior-level management position that leads Neighborhood House’s child care business alliance program, designed to improve child outcomes and strengthen the capacity of the childcare sector. The initiative supports child-care providers in multiple languages by offering both business coaching and pedagogical training and support. The Associate Director oversees operations across 7 regions with anticipated expansion into additional regions.

Requirements

Knowledge of childcare at a systems level, including equity, inclusion, and access to technical assistance.
Grant writing experience.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including public speaking, advocacy, and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of Oregon childcare state licensing requirements.
Experience working with government funding partners and “managing up” to funders.
Strategic business acumen with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Extensive experience in planning, budgeting, and fiscal management, preferably within childcare and education organizations.
Demonstrated success managing early education funding streams.
Supervisory experience, including mentorship, goal setting, performance management and staff development.
Business advising or coaching experience (e.g. small business advising, business financial advising, business strategy).
Program partnership development experience.
Experience leading projects and initiatives in partnership, with a strong ability to manage third-party contracts.
Valid Oregon Driver’s License and ability to travel regionally by car at least 8 times per year.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures and communicate effectively with individuals whose English language skills are limited.
Understanding the challenges facing the childcare sector, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Bachelor's degree in a related field (business, childcare, education) or ORO Step 10 or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years of experience in nonprofit management, leadership, or startup initiatives.
Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

Conversational Spanish skills preferred.
Political advocacy experience.
2 years of experience leading the improvement of childcare systems
Master's Degree

Responsibilities

Provide visionary and policy leadership for the Shared Services Alliance (SSA)—a multi-entity consortium comprised of Neighborhood House, funders, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), and statewide child care resource agencies - serving as a key thought partner in statewide expansion planning.
Lead regional partners in goal setting and outcomes aligned with the SSA plan and Neighborhood House’s mission and values.
Lead infrastructure development, implementation, and promotion of the SSA mission.
Lead strategic planning for statewide growth, infrastructure development, and long-term sustainability of the child care business alliance program.
Collaborate with organizational leadership, state leaders, funders, and community stakeholders.
Stay current on developments in the childcare sector, making strategic recommendations as needed.
Assure regular, transparent communication loops between child care business alliance program staff, partners, and funders and practitioners.
Oversee implementation of SSA goals, ensuring alignment with Neighborhood House’s mission and values.
Manage third-party contracts to ensure high-quality service delivery and accountability.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with clients, funders, donors, community partners, and other key stakeholders.
Collaborate with the project advisory committee, foundations, and government funders to ensure alignment on best practices. Advocate as necessary to assure adherence to partnership agreements.
Advocate with public agencies for funding support.
Represent NH and the child care business alliance program by sharing program successes in public settings.
Support equitable access to technical assistance for providers, particularly those in underserved and rural communities.
Advocate for and implement improved childcare methods, systems, and approaches to meet the evolving needs of the childcare system.
Foster accountable partnerships with SSA partners.
Engage in statewide advocacy efforts to support long-term funding.
Work in partnership with our grant writing team to pursue grant opportunities.
Manage budgeting, forecasting, and sustainable revenue development in collaboration with the Director, finance team, and senior leadership.
Ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with funder requirements.
Provide consistent supervision, coaching, and mentorship to staff, fostering professional growth and continuous skill development.
Set clear goals and expectations, and manage performance in alignment with organizational policies.
Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that supports engagement and retention.
Ensure staff have the tools, resources, and training needed to be successful in their roles.
Communicate openly with staff through regular 1:1 check-ins, feedback, and team meetings.
Promote a culture of respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Stay current on developments and trends in the nonprofit sector, making recommendations for project strategies and implementation as needed.
Actively participate in NH community engagement opportunities.
Attend NH community events and represent the organization and the child care business alliance program at partner meetings and community events as needed.
Attend and actively participate in organizational leadership meetings.