Director of Early Childhood Initiatives

POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Early Childhood Initiatives is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and oversight of CLUES’ early childhood programming. This includes leading the Childcare Incubator and programming in Greater Minnesota. The Director’s primary role is to ensure the effectiveness, integration, and alignment of early childhood services with community needs and broader systemic improvements. To drive success, the Director will establish annual work plans, implement data-driven outcome strategies, manage external relations, and actively cultivate donor  this role, the Director collaborates with community members, system partners, government agencies, and CLUES leadership to gain insights into early childhood development and the unique experiences of Latine families in Minnesota.

Additionally, the Director will oversee the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Providers program, strategically integrating FFN participants, providers, and partners into CLUES' Childcare Incubator and Family Wellness Center initiatives.

Department:
Early Childhood Initiatives

Reports to:

Vice President of Programs

Location:

CLUES St. Paul, MN Offices Position Type:
Regular

Schedule:

Full-Time. Generally, Monday – Friday business hours.

Estimated Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 per year (depending on experience & qualifications).Benefits:
Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies—includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and  protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Program Design, Development, & Management Develop and implement the vision and strategy for services; plan and organize work relevant to core and strategic priorities for the organization and early childhood programs.

Lead the design and development of early childhood initiatives, including Childcare Incubator and FFN programming based on the vision and strategic goals of the organization.

Oversee all components of FFN Programming, including pre-licensing trainings, licensing achievement, microbusiness planning, development, and start-up cost; best practices, including staffing rations, safety, and education curriculums and quality of services.

Create work plans for early childhood initiatives including managing, evaluating progress, and ensuring expected outcomes are achieved.

Develop policies and procedures for initiatives reflecting the Code of Ethical Conduct for the early childhood field, while following compliance and best-practice standards.

Collaborate with state licensing agencies and local childcare resource and referral agencies to ensure initiatives are compliant and follow field best-practices.

Advocate for and support policies and legislation that promote and support capacity building, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion within the early childhood field.

Develop initiative and program operating procedures and guidelines (curriculum, program schedule, family involvement and participation, payment structure and policy, eligibility criteria for participation and program registration, documentation procedures and requirements, etc.)Provide oversight to the Early Childhood services offered in Spanish & English in the metro area and in Greater Minnesota (Austin and Willmar).Create a supportive, participant-centered environment to effectively respond to the needs of participants and their families.

Ensure the delivery of services is linguistically and culturally appropriate.

Financial Management and Compliance Ensure appropriate use of financial resources by effectively managing program finances, including program budget and resource allocations relative to financial targets and goals, with the support of the VP of Programs.

Collaborate with Development Staff to assess funding opportunities and write proposals leading to the long-term sustainability of programs.

Continuously assess programs effectiveness, responsiveness, and adaptability.

Lead team in tracking, analyzing, and reporting on…