Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

In collaboration with Educare Learning Network (ELN) colleagues, the Family Leadership Coordinator will create and oversee the systems, processes and operations needed to collaborate with internal and external Network partners to deliver effective family engagement and leadership programming across various funding streams. This dedicated individual will serve as a key liaison with policy, research, development, marketing and communications, and other divisions and external partners.

Reporting to the Senior Policy Manager, National Policy Team (NPT) you will:

• Support family leadership and mobilization work of Educare schools across the Educare Learning Network and realization of the family leadership strategy and recommendations developed by the Network.
• Contribute specialized content knowledge of early childhood best practices to various discussions, products and projects, particularly as they relate to innovations in family engagement, advocacy, systems change, policy, research.
• Facilitate and manage internal/external partnerships and be accountable as project liaison for family engagement and family leadership efforts. Includes facilitating, organizing and coordinating the planning, technical execution and monitoring of project work plans and related tasks, timelines, budgets and priorities.
• In collaboration with ELN backbone staff, coordinate and ensure successful implementation of family engagement and family leadership initiatives across the Network including management of budgets, timelines, key deliverables and alignment across various projects.
• Facilitate collaborative decision-making, problem-solving, documentation and communication of progress with internal and external partners across family engagement and family leadership efforts.
• Build and strengthen relationships with internal and external partners including ELN backbone staff, Network staff, families and funders.
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as evidenced by daily interactions, including written and oral communications as well as through actions in professional settings and beyond.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, social Work, Public Administration or related field preferred. Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent life and/or work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience managing projects or working in direct service to children and families.
• Demonstrated ability to organize complex tasks, prioritize multiple tasks, manage time and exercise good judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and participate in teams toward a common objective.
• Knowledge of early childhood education, policy, research, parent, family and community engagement best practices.
• Proficient in budget management.
• Demonstrated independent problem-solving ability.
• Skilled in and managing team projects, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to successfully interface with a diverse range of key stakeholders.
• Ability to understand, analyze, interpret and make good decisions with information and resources received.
• Sensitivity to culturally-diverse staff and populations.
• Reliability in handling confidential information and material.
• Ability to promote and maintain effective internal and external communication between divisions, offices and staff.
• Ability to readily acquire knowledge of a broad array of program, research, policy and organizational issues.
• Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.
• Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.
• Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Salary: $70,000-$75,000

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.