Childcare Program Manager

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) seeks a Childcare Program Manager to oversee ongoing implementation of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), other childcare investments and initiatives, and the performance management of four Early Education Specialists and one Senior Early Education Specialist. The role supports DEEL’s mission to improve outcomes for Seattle children, youth, and families, eliminate opportunity gaps, and advance racial equity. The department’s work is guided by equity, results, stewardship, transparency, and collaboration. The manager leads program operations and quality assurance, develops and updates policies, procedures, systems, and workflows, and addresses complex customer matters. The role also oversees childcare contracts, grants, data processes, and program evaluation, and works with City staff, community partners, funders, public health and professional development partners, and Seattle Public Schools. The position is hybrid, with employees expected to work in the office three days each week and travel frequently to meetings and trainings. Work schedules are agreed upon with the supervisor and may vary according to business needs. The position is classified as Manager 1, Exempt, is outside the Civil Service System, and is not eligible for overtime.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience managing childcare, early childhood, and/or education-focused programs.
Commitment to listening, making space for diverse perspectives, and achieving educational equity.
Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively at all levels.
Experience with continuous quality improvement and change management processes.
Experience working with marginalized communities.
Experience supervising individuals who provide direct service to the community.
Experience writing and monitoring contracts, grants, or other program standards.
Experience creating and implementing policy.
Knowledge of childcare WACs, Early Achievers QRIS, or other regulations.
Knowledge of childcare licensing and childcare business operations.
Knowledge of government processes.
Knowledge of effective professional development practices and experience supporting a high-functioning, professional team.
Knowledge of race and social justice, especially in early learning, childcare, and/or Seattle communities.
Excellent strategic planning skills and ability to manage work and priorities independently.
Ability to promote employee learning and development.
Ability to serve as an escalation point for elevated, complex, or unusual issues.
Ability to work in diverse communities and conduct effective outreach through authentic relationship development.
Ability to apply culturally responsive practices when working with students and families impacted by systemic educational inequities, including youth from low socioeconomic, immigrant, and/or emergent bilingual backgrounds.
Ability to travel frequently to meetings and trainings.
Successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

Set goals for the work unit and lead the team’s work.
Directly supervise and evaluate four Early Education Specialists and one Senior Early Education Specialist.
Review and update program policies and procedures; develop systems, processes, and workflows to maximize productivity and efficiency.
Resolve customer requests, including policy exceptions and program complaints, and ensure high-quality customer service from the Operations Unit.
Create standard data-management procedures for the Child Information and Provider database and serve as the team’s subject matter expert.
Serve as lead for the Emergency Child Care Initiative if needed by the City.
Advise the division on childcare business operations and licensing regulations.
Develop and implement quality assurance processes and protocols, particularly using data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
Assist with evaluating childcare programs and recommend continuous improvement plans to support effective and efficient City investments in early learning.
Develop and monitor childcare investment contracts with community-based partners; facilitate community grant funding processes and manage childcare investment contracts.
Coordinate with City managers and staff, funders, community-based agencies, public health and professional development partners, and stakeholders to analyze program outcomes, program quality, and child outcomes.
Create standard data-management procedures and serve as a subject matter expert on the data system in partnership with IT.
Serve as the primary liaison with Seattle Public Schools community partnerships to monitor childcare settings in schools, identify improvement opportunities, and support childcare provider partnerships with SPS.