PROFESSIONAL POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:Program Manager of Early Childhood Education Technical Assistance
Division: Muskie School of Public Service
Department: Cutler Institute for Health & Social Policy
Location: Portland
Schedule: Full-time/Flexible
Reports to: Director Maine Roads to Quality (MRTQ)/Professional Development Network (PDN)
STATEMENT OF THE JOB:The primary purpose of this grant-funded position is to provide leadership and oversight to the MRTQ/PDN Technical Assistance program for early care and education practitioners in Maine, including the County Networks and the Communities of Practice. The Technical Assistance Program Manager oversees all aspects of the Technical Assistance program in order to promote the development of high quality early childhood and youth settings, including the healthy development of children, to promote school readiness and practices that lead to positive outcomes for children. The Manager must be familiar with and understand the early care and youth development education professional development system nationally and state-wide. Functions will include marketing and promotion of the Technical Assistance program, as well as ongoing training and support for the technical assistant consultants and the Regional Network Liaisons. The Technical Assistance Program Manager will also have primary responsibility for creating and implementing a statewide mentoring program to support early care and youth development professionals. This position works closely with the MRTQ/PDN Director toassist the Director with strategic planning for the Professional Development Network.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Oversees the ongoing development of the technical assistance program to include protocols, procedures, and systems for oversight that detail:
- The procedure by which technical assistance requests are processed from the initial intake and contact with programs to closing a technical assistance.
- Assigning a technical assistant consultant.
- Updating the MRTQ Registry with technical assistance activities.
- Ensuring follow through and evaluation of all technical assistance activities.
- Oversees the contract process for Technical Assistance consultants.
- Oversees the facilitation of Communities of Practice and formation of new Communities of Practice.
- Coordinates with partner agencies in the development of high quality training and support for the TA consultants.
- In conjunction with the MRTQ Leadership Team implements the statewide County Networks and formulates a system of supports for Network Liaisons.
- Works with MRTQ Leadership Team to coordinate all aspects of technical assistance with Quality for ME Standards and the Maine Roads to Quality career lattice and Registry.
- Brings expertise in national level knowledge and best practices to MRTQ Leadership Team to improve quality of all components of Professional Development Network.
- Provides quarterly and annual reports and articles relevant to the Technical Assistance being offered statewide and supportprovided to and by the County Networks and Communities of Practice.
- Participates in the delivery of presentations to providers, community groups and relevant stakeholders to explain and discuss Child Care and Early Education Career Development Center goals, activities, and services.
- Participates in Statewide stakeholder meetings, MRTQPDN staff meetings, weekly Leadership Team meetings, and Cutler Institute staff meetings as assigned.
- Additional duties as reasonably assigned.
SPECIAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES*:
- Ability to provide own transportation (fully-insured vehicle), provide proof of a valid driver’s license, and compliance with Maine law regarding vehicle insurance.
- Work on federally funded projects.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Supervises the Education Coordinator, Training Coordinator, and County Network Liaisons; provides oversight to sub-contracted Technical Assistance Professionals and Project Assistants, as needed.
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:Assists PDN Director in managing the PDN budget.
PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO JOB PERFORMANCE:Collaborates with stakeholder groups across the state and maintains connections and relationships with National Accreditation groups and National Technical Assistance Groups.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS:Coordinates with state wide professional development teams to ensure efficient delivery of technical assistance; develops and maintains connection to national-level leaders in early childhood education.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- High level of competence in offering technical assistance to trainers and practitioners.
- Ability to successfully form strong, respectful relationships with project staff and external partners.
- Understanding of adult learning and development.
- Thorough knowledge of QRIS systems and professional development systems on a national and/or state level.
- Knowledge of and direct experience with a variety of child care settings (Center-based, Family Care-based, Head Start, School Age, Public Pre-K), as well as the functions of the Early Care and Education components of the Maine Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS).
- Demonstrated knowledge of early care and education methods and practices.
- Knowledge of and experience in applying national standards to quality improvement for early care and youth programs.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
- High level of organizational skills.
- Ability to serve as a role model and leader regarding best practices, professional relationship, communication skills and networking.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minimum of five years of experience in offering training and technical assistance to early childhood and youth programs.
- Experience with implementingnational quality standards to improve program quality.
- Experience with a variety of early childhood settings.
- Experience facilitating adult learners.
- A minimum of 5 years in a supervisory position.
License/Certifications:
- Valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
Preferred:
- Experience with all early childhood settings and age groups (Center-based, Family Care-based, Head Start, Before and After school , Public Preschool).
- 5-8 years of supervisory experience.
*NOTE: All individuals who are recommended to fill and subsequently offered a position with special essential responsibilities as checked above, or other licensure or certification, shall have the following additional applicable background screening completed (in addition to regular and standard background screening) based on the responsibilities of the position: Credit history screening, and/or Sex offender registry screening, and/or Federal criminal history screening and/or License/certification verification.
Date Approved:4/1/2015
Date Revised:
Job Family:11
Salary Band:05
Unit:UMPSA
CUPA code:470445
Employee:TBD
Position #:00022747