Limited Duration Preschool Specialist

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

6d • $38 - $47 • Remote

About The Position

Please note: This recruitment will remain open until the closing date (February 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST) or until 150 applications are received - whichever event occurs first. This is a limited duration position. Limited duration can last up to two (2) years, but can end at any time. Multnomah County voters chose to invest in high-quality, culturally affirming, joyous early learning opportunities for all 3 and 4 year-old children. This investment will transform educational experiences for young children and their families and we want you to help make it a success!
As the Limited Duration Preschool Specialist with the Preschool & Early Learning Division in the Department of County Human Services (DCHS), you will play a key role in supporting implementation and success of the Preschool for All (PFA) initiative. You will design and implement program elements and supports for contracted preschool providers with a specific focus on racial equity. You will develop and coordinate projects and draft and implement policies. You will gather and utilize input from providers of color, families, and culturally specific organizations to inform system improvements. You will act as a program representative for the Preschool & Early Learning Division with school districts, community partners, families, and preschool providers. Your leadership, experience, and demonstrated commitment to racial justice will guide Preschool for All to build and sustain strong partnerships with preschool providers that are founded on a shared goal of high-quality, culturally affirming experiences for Black, Indigenous, and Families of Color.

Requirements

• Experience in early childhood education settings and systems
• Advanced knowledge of early childhood systems, early care and education, and preschool quality
• Experience managing contractual relationships
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding equity, inclusion, implicit bias, institutional racism, and other forms of systemic oppression
• Knowledge and understanding of cultures, customs and social experiences of communities experiencing marginalization and barriers to opportunity, especially for Black and Indigenous child care providers and families, and Families and Providers of Color
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed practices that actively resist retraumatization of individuals and communities
• Comfort with change
• Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
• Three (3) years of experience in early education (children ages 0-5 of age)
• Must pass a criminal background check
• This position will require regular travel to preschool sites. Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to self transport throughout Multnomah County.
• Advanced knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and preschool quality including instructional, provider technical support, and inclusion practices.
• Advanced knowledge of early childhood education settings, systems, and structures - specifically with early learning groups between 0 and 5 years of age.
• Advanced abilities to address personal biases.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in advancing racial justice, understanding how systems of oppression intersect, and applying an equity lens in policy and programming processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of policies and strategic planning for a highly visible preschool initiative based on the needs and feedback of preschool families and providers, racial equity, and trauma-informed practices
• Act as subject matter expert about early childhood programs, including preschool best practices, quality measurements, and culturally relevant approaches within the preschool initiative.
• Utilize expertise in early childhood education to provide strategic analysis and support to Policy & Partnerships team and Preschool Partnerships Supervisor in recommending and implementing guidelines, program supports, and procedures for growth of culturally uplifting, developmentally appropriate preschool experiences for children in Multnomah County
• Develop, implement, and maintain communication and reporting systems for Pilot Site programs
• Act as a main point of contact for a caseload of PFA Preschool Providers to provide ongoing support and technical assistance.
• Onboard new preschool programs, provide responsive, ongoing communication and support, and oversee contractual requirements
• Cultivate relationships with partners across multiple jurisdictions, disciplines and community groups to ensure strong communication and collaboration across the new preschool system
• Support the development and ongoing coordination of workflows and communication procedures between providers, PFA systems partners, and the Preschool and Early Learning Division
• Develop and update program guide, workflows, training plans, and other needed documents regarding programmatic requirements and supports
• Develop informational resources and materials; arrange and publicize meetings; schedule speakers; conduct workshops and trainings to preschool providers, educators, coaches and community partners
• Support in gathering time sensitive provider data to the contracting and application and enrollment team to ensure contracts information are accurate and updated
• Facilitate PFA provider information sessions and webinars
• Collaborate and communicate with the other members of the Policy and Partnerships team and Preschool & Early Learning Division to create and implement effective cross-sector strategies
• Support other PEL teams to ensure time-sensitive communication are sent to PFA providers

Benefits

• Multnomah County offers a generous benefits package.
• For more information about our benefit offerings, please visit: https://multco.us/benefits/new-employee-benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level