Program Specialist

Shine Early Learning

7d • $70,000 • Remote

About The Position

Are you a strategic individual with a passion for growth, innovation, and transforming the landscape of early childhood education? Acelero, Inc. is looking for a dynamic Program Specialist to drive our mission to eliminate the gaps between young children’s potential and their success in school and life. Why Acelero? Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young childrenʼs inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve. Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities. Your Role: As a Program Specialist, you will have a key implementation role within Connecticut’s Local Governance Partner (LGP) system, supporting the development, coordination, and delivery of learning, technical assistance, and engagement strategies for LGPs and their local partners. Working closely with the Project Director and cross-functional Shine teams, the Program Specialist helps translate statewide strategy into high-quality, field-facing resources, learning experiences, and supports. This role is responsible for contributing subject-matter expertise, developing and facilitating learning opportunities, supporting continuous improvement efforts, and maintaining strong relationships with local and statewide stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Public Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in early childhood, family engagement, community-based systems, or related work.
• Experience developing and delivering professional learning in multiple formats (in-person and virtual).
• Experience working with diverse communities and multiple early childhood program types, including family child care and center-based settings.

Nice To Haves

• Connecticut experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Program Implementation & Field Support Support implementation of LGP system activities by developing and delivering learning and engagement resources aligned to OEC priorities and contract deliverables.
• Collaborate with the Project Director to support onboarding, training, and ongoing support for LGP Liaisons, Parent Ambassadors, and Community Tables.
• Serve as a content and implementation resource for LGPs, helping translate policy, guidance, and best practices into usable tools and learning experiences.
• Participate in communities of practice, learning sessions, and feedback loops to support consistency and quality across the statewide LGP system.
• Content Development & Learning Design Research and apply evidence-based practices related to family engagement, community leadership, equity, and early childhood systems.
• Develop and adapt content for multiple formats, including in-person training, virtual learning, peer-to-peer sessions, tools, templates, and job aids.
• Collaborate with internal content experts, instructional designers, and TA staff to ensure materials are accessible, relevant, and aligned to adult learning best practices.
• Support continuous refinement of materials based on data, participant feedback, and implementation learnings.
• Facilitation & Professional Learning Facilitate and co-facilitate virtual and in-person trainings, workshops, and communities of practice as assigned.
• Model inclusive, strengths-based, and relationship-centered facilitation approaches.
• Support capacity-building efforts that elevate parent voice, community collaboration, and equitable access to services.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain collaborative relationships with LGPs, community partners, and statewide stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal Shine teams (communications, data, finance, TA) to support aligned implementation.
• Participate in cross-functional planning meetings, project check-ins, and learning communities.
• Data, Learning & Continuous Improvement Support collection and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative feedback to inform learning and improvement.
• Contribute to documentation of promising practices, implementation challenges, and field insights.
• Assist with preparation of reports, summaries, and learning artifacts as requested.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
• Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees