Early Learning Systems Advisor

Neighborhood House•Portland, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Learning Systems (ELS) Advisor provides leadership support, partnership liaison functions, and resource development to strengthen Oregon’s early learning systems. Working closely with the Associate Director of Early Learning Systems, this role supports fiscal oversight, contract compliance, partnership development, and new fund development to sustain and expand services. The ELS Advisor plays a key role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, statewide child care business sustainability supports that improve access and stability for Oregon families, while advancing strategic growth, data-informed decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood/child care systems and the child care business environment (operations, sustainability, and key funding/quality drivers).
Strong partnership liaison skills, including the ability to build trust, facilitate collaboration, and communicate effectively with cross-sector stakeholders.
Project coordination skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables with accuracy and follow-through.
Experience supporting contract compliance and program deliverables, including organizing documentation and tracking requirements.
Ability to support fiscal oversight activities such as budget tracking, invoice review support, expenditure monitoring, and basic financial documentation.
Strong data, reporting, and quality assurance skills, including maintaining accurate records and meeting submission deadlines.
Excellent written communication skills, including ability to draft and edit program materials, reports, and proposal content.
High level of professionalism, discretion, reliability, and commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and community-centered work.
Reliable transportation.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Social Services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination/administration, partnership development, contract administration, fund development support, or related work.
Demonstrated experience supporting fiscal oversight functions (e.g., budget tracking, invoice documentation, expenditure monitoring) and/or contract compliance activities.
Experience with data collection, reporting, and documentation practices for grants, contracts, or public/private funding.
Master Trainer Credential.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) or multilingual communication skills.
Experience with fund development, including grant writing, proposal development, and/or responding to RFPs.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint) and virtual meeting platforms.
Experience entering, maintaining, and tracking records in a CRM system or database with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance.
Familiarity with Oregon early learning/child care partners and systems (e.g., CCR&Rs, state agencies, regional coalitions) and/or statewide implementation efforts.
Coursework or certification in project management, adult learning, coaching or data management.
Experience working with or alongside child care providers and/or early learning organizations strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the Associate Director with statewide expansion and infrastructure development for SSA.
Collaborate with leadership and partners on goal setting, work planning, and strategic growth.
Stay informed on trends and emerging needs in Oregon’s child care sector and provide strategic recommendations to strengthen business sustainability supports.
Support continuous quality improvement by identifying opportunities to improve service delivery, tools, and resources.
Work closely with the Associate Director and team to ensure integrated services and consistent client experience across the statewide system.
Support data collection, quality assurance, and reporting requirements; ensure accurate submissions to funders and partners.
Assist with fiscal oversight activities as assigned (e.g., tracking budgets, monitoring expenditures, preparing documentation for review).
Support contract compliance by tracking deliverables, timelines, and documentation to ensure requirements are met.
Collaborate with the Associate Director and Director on fund development strategies, including proposal development, grant writing, and responding to RFPs.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and new partners to expand services, strengthen referral pathways, and increase funding opportunities.
Coordinate partnership communications and support meetings, materials, and follow-up to advance shared outcomes.
Contribute to the development of tools, resources, and collateral that support partner engagement and statewide implementation.