Sr Director Programs & Research and Evaluation

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH BOARD First Things First (Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board) is an essential leader and partner in creating a family-centered, equitable, high-quality early childhood system that supports the development, well-being, health and early education of all Arizona’s children, birth to age 5. Created by voter initiative in 2006, First Things First is governed by a state Board with 28 regional partnership councils.

First Things First is a decentralized organization that engages diverse constituencies to accomplish its mission. Organizational values include a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; a focus on accountability, transparency, coordination and collaboration; and an emphasis on the outcomes that will ensure young children start kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Sr Director Programs & Research and Evaluation

Job Location:

Address: 4000 N Central Avenue, Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Posting Details:

Salary: 99,000
Grade: 25

Job Summary:

The Programs & Research and Evaluation Senior Director works under the direction of the Chief Program & Evaluation Officer and is a member of the senior leadership team responsible for leading an integrated portfolio combining program strategy development, implementation, and evaluation. The Senior Director oversees the planning and execution of agency-wide research, strategy development and implementation, and evaluation studies in alignment to the FTF Strategic Plan.

Simultaneously, this position is responsible for directing programmatic grant processes and technical assistance to ensure strategies are supported by research evidence and best practice, aligned with regional needs and Board priorities, and connected to measurable outcomes. Additionally, the Senior Director oversees data systems development, manages vendor performance, disseminates findings to key stakeholders, and provides direct supervision to Program and Evaluation Specialists.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties Program Leadership & Strategy Development and Implementation

• Supervise and support Program Specialists in the development, revision, and implementation of early education, literacy and family support and children’s health strategies, services, and programs, ensuring alignment with current research evidence, effective practices, and regional/tribal needs.
• Lead the programmatic aspects of the grant process—including development and revision of standards of practice, scopes of work, and theories of change—ensuring work is cohesive, supported by research evidence, and connected to outcomes.
• Develop and implement an approach to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to monitor program implementation, provide timely technical assistance and ensure grant partner accountability.
• Guide Program Specialists to use data to support staff across FTF teams and FTF councils with strategy implementation and strategic priorities.
• Possess strong communication skills to lead and facilitate discussions with regional councils, state agencies and other system partners, and grant partners to solicit and listen to feedback, navigate differing…