Sr Grants Program Specialist - WA

Learning Care Group•Novi, MI

7d•$71,000 - $76,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Grant Program Specialist supports all areas of State Pre-K grant implementation and compliance for assigned grant programs. The Sr. Grant Program Specialist provides expertise on administrative, curriculum, and training requirements specific to the state requirements and provides informational updates on school programs to internal stakeholders. The Sr. Grant Program Specialist ensures that grant programs adhere to LC processes, grant program guidelines, and the financial/budgetary requirements of the grantor. In addition to the assigned grant programs, the Sr. Grant Program Specialist assists with other state Pre-K programs and grant-related projects, including the writing of new grants and the launch of new grant programs. The Sr. Grant Program Specialist also provides mentoring to new and existing Specialists and works closely with other LC departments to coordinate processes that support optimal grant program compliance. This position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and partner with multiple constituents—members of grant team, various LC departments that support grant programs, school leaders and teachers in the field, and critically—state program providers.

Requirements

Must live in or near Kirkland or Covington, WA.
Bachelor’s Degree preferred; grant management, early childhood, psychology, sociology, business, management focus preferred.
At least 5 years of experience in early childcare program management/grant implementation or management/accreditation management preferred.
Prior experience working with state offices at various levels.
Previous proven experience facilitating Pre-K programs either through direct implementation or providing support and guidance in implementation.
Must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, all essential functions of the job.
Excellent customer service and follow-up skills with both internal and external customers.
Capable of working with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
Effective communication skills, written, verbal and interpersonal.
Excellent time management, organizational skills and ability to meet established deadlines.
Able to work independently and meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, mainly Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Nice To Haves

grant management focus preferred
early childhood focus preferred
psychology focus preferred
sociology focus preferred
business focus preferred
management focus preferred
5 years of experience in early childcare program management/grant implementation or management/accreditation management preferred
Prior experience working with state offices at various levels
Previous proven experience facilitating Pre-K programs either through direct implementation or providing support and guidance in implementation

Responsibilities

Supports all areas of State Pre-K grant implementation and compliance for assigned grant programs.
Provides expertise on administrative, curriculum, and training requirements specific to state requirements.
Provides informational updates on school programs to internal stakeholders.
Ensures grant programs adhere to LC processes, grant program guidelines, and financial/budgetary requirements of the grantor.
Assists with other state Pre-K programs and grant-related projects, including writing new grants and launching new grant programs.
Provides mentoring to new and existing Specialists.
Works closely with other LC departments to coordinate processes that support optimal grant program compliance.
Conducts school visits as required to support successful program implementation.
Provides off-site support via telephone, conference calls, webinars, etc. as needed.
Works with other LCG departments to use funds within program guidelines, focusing on quality for children and families while ensuring financial responsibility.
Provides leadership and expertise to grant and field teams on implementing programs in alignment with initiatives and requirements of both LCG and the grantor.
Develops and maintains relationships with state regulatory agencies and Pre-K offices.
Performs weekly school visits using classroom observation forms to support curriculum implementation to requirements.
Educates parents in available resources, refers families for services, assists families in accessing services, and monitors service completion.
Completes applications for program enrollment and coordinates enrollment and termination/drop activities of children.
Maintains all required records in the program’s electronic management information system.
Engages families in a process of collaborative relationship building to establish mutual trust.
Responsible for child recruitment and maintaining enrollment in collaboration with each assigned site.
Monitors child attendance and contacts parents regarding child’s absenteeism or other issues.
Performs monthly audits on staff files, teacher files, and child files as required by the grant.
Develops school/state-specific plans based on classroom observations and audits to support schools in maintaining or improving program implementation, including budget and quality requirements.
Submits plans to the Grant Manager at the beginning of the program year and provides regular updates including timelines for action steps.
Builds and maintains partnerships with DM and school management to offer the best support for state Pre-K programs and action plans.
Provides regular, effective communication to the Grant Manager to support program implementation and improvement.
Applies understanding of financial aspects of the grant to be compliant with budget/spending and tracking requirements.
Supports onboarding of new Grant Program Specialists in LCG state Pre-K programs.
Leads and/or supports new grant RFP processes as needed.
Supports the expansion of current grant programs and the launch of new grant programs.