Durham PreK Program Manager I

Job Summary

The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a passion for children and a desire to work collaboratively to shape an innovative, equitable, locally funded early education initiative. The Durham PreK Manager will have a clear vision for shaping classroom environments that support the highest quality teaching and learning and give each student access to the resources they need to learn and thrive.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Treats information on agency clients, employees and advisory committee members in a confidential manner
• Works collaboratively with the Director of the Durham PreK program to manage preschool services and works with key department team leaders that interface with the program’s activities
• Coordinates PreK Partners planning subcommittees, and joint implementation meetings
• Participates in planning and executing strategies for enhancing Durham PreK, including the Durham PreK website, public events, parent and community informational sessions and social media
• Assists the leadership team with agency relations with parents and families and early education contractors
• Facilitates internal and external communications between staff, early education center directors, teachers, community partners, public and private partners
• Works collaboratively with the Sr. Vice-President and DPK Director to facilitate and support the work of the Durham PreK Governance Committee
• Leads the Quality Subcommittee meetings to include recruitment of members, development of program agenda, and facilitation of meetings
• Assists in the recruitment of Durham PreK “champions” from across the range of organizational sectors in Durham County
• Works with other members of CCSA’s teams to ensure full integration of Durham PreK with at least the following CCSA teams:
  • the family support department to ensure family needs in relation to the project are addressed and a seamless system of reimbursement for children served and for teacher compensation support payments is established,
  • the technical assistance and professional development departments to maximize agency resources and to support Durham’s early educators in meeting the highest quality indicators
• Works collaboratively with the data manager to support tracking of Durham PreK program data
• Assists with grant proposals and program reports, grant-writing, and other needs from relevant departments and divisions
• Plans and leads internal and external events, including webinars and training events
• Participates on relevant workgroups/taskforces, attends hearings and other meetings as assigned
• Supervises Durham PreK staff and interns
• Other duties associated with the Durham PreK project as needed and/or assigned.

Special Skills

• Awareness of and desire to address long-standing inequities in opportunity and achievement in the education system;
• Demonstrates cultural competence and commitment to incorporating racial and ethnic minority contributions in curriculum and diversifying learning opportunities for children;
• Team player with the proven ability to build strong relationships at all levels of an organization, as well as external constituents;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, simultaneously lead multiple projects and effectively prioritize time and tasks;
• Ability to analyze complex situations and systems and respond appropriately;
• Ability to identify issues as they arise and create effective solutions to address these problems;
• Strong oral and written communications skills with internal and external clients;
• Flexible, collaborative approach to the work;
• High level of maturity and empathy and comfort with ambiguity.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early education, social work, or related field and at least five years’ experience in progressively advancing leadership work OR master’s degree with at least two years’ experience
• Experience supervising personnel working in support of early education programs
• Experience supporting early education initiatives, preferably with experience with public policy, advocacy, or community organizing
• Comfort with researching, analyzing, and debriefing complex issues

Special Working Requirements

• An automobile at his/her disposal; a valid, non-suspended NC driver’s license and a current automobile liability policy with continuous coverage. Reasonable accommodations may be made at agency’s discretion.
• Must be able to manipulate and operate office supplies and equipment. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
• No substantiation or criminal conviction of child abuse or neglect
• Some positions may require need for flexible schedules, including potential evening and weekend work
• Must adhere to established health and safety protocols when onsite at CCSA’s physical office locations
• If working remotely or approved for a hybrid work arrangement, must have dependable internet access and a home environment conducive for remote work.
• Some positions may require regional/statewide/national daytime and/or overnight travel

Salary Range: $49,506 – $70,992

CCSA Benefits

CCSA has a generous benefits package. Permanent employees that work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for benefits. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Section 125 Cafeteria Plan
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer contribution to 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid annual and sick leave
• 15 paid days of holiday leave
• Paid child Involvement Leave
• Paid discretionary leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Child Care Tuition payments
  And more…

CCSA also offers many fringe benefits. Some of the fringe benefits include:

• Commitment to diversity and equity
• Casual dress work environment
• Hybrid work schedules / flexible schedules
• Direct deposit
• Standing and emergency payroll advances
• Child Care Referral assistance
  And more…

CCSA has been awarded Living Wage Employer Certifications in Orange and Durham Counties, and is a Family Forward NC Certified Employer.

Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. CCSA is no longer requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employment due to the fact that there is significantly less risk of severe illness.  However, CCSA strongly recommends that employees receive this vaccination in order to minimize the risk of infections in our workplace.