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POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Early Childhood Initiatives and Program Policy (Director) is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and oversight of CLUES' Early Childhood Initiatives, including the Childcare Incubator and program expansion to Greater Minnesota. The Director's primary role is to foster effectiveness, integration, and alignment of early childhood services with community needs, policy, advocacy work, and system's change. The Director will create annual work plans and strategies that support outcome measures, effective community engagement and external relations that develop and cultivate donors.
The Director will support the President and VP of Programs in the design and development of advocacy and policy strategies to support business and economic development programs and asset-building efforts.
The Director will lead efforts to design and launch a successful incubator program to further advance access, education, and programming in support of CLUES' early childhood initiatives. The Director collaborates with community members, system partners, government partners, CLUES staff and senior leadership to gain resources and insights into various facets of early childhood development and the experiences of Latinx families in Minnesota. The Director will also oversee the Family, Friend, and Neighbors (FFN) Providers, with the overall goal of incorporating FFN participants, providers, and partners in the ongoing initiatives and program at CLUES Childcare Incubator and Family Wellness Center.
Department: Community Leadership & Advocacy
Reports to: Vice President of Programs
Location: CLUES St. Paul, MN Office
Position Type: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time. Monday - Friday Office hours, with some evening & weekend 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 ID theft 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.
- Develop and 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.
- Research and develop implementation checklists that incorporate needed requirements for a successful Childcare Incubator launch (Program accreditation, licensing, facilities, and equipment, staffing and ratios, etc.).
- 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 milestones, impact, expenses, challenges, and successes of programs. Ensure timely reporting of grant/contract outcomes and program goals.
- Provide progress reports and corrective action plans when needed to meet or exceed financial and performance targets.
- Understand and adhere to laws, regulations, rules, and policies applicable to services offered by program. Ensure compliance with funder/contract requirements and comply with auditing requirements.
- Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards while ensuring staff within the Early Childhood programs do the same.
Personnel Management & Development
- Oversee staff delivery of early childhood services to clients, including one-on-one client services, classes, and workshops for services provided in the metro are and greater Minnesota.
- Provide leadership and direction to the staff in the department to promote an optimal level of service by consistent high-quality oversight.
- Collaborate with supervisor and Human Resources department to plan, implement, and manage staffing to maximize effectiveness. Recommend staffing structure and personnel decisions including hiring, promotion, disciplinary action and termination to supervisor and HR.
- Effectively supervise department staff, including hiring, providing guidance and direction, training, evaluating performance, initiating corrective action or disciplinary action and other personnel actions.
- Provide direction, training, and coaching to staff, including staff on-the-job training and department orientation. Mentor and encourage staff professional development. Provide constructive feedback as well as positive recognition.
- Designate individual productivity goals for staff based on department goals and hold staff accountable. Provide clear and timely communication to staff regarding expectations and delegated tasks. Maintain regular and timely documentation of staff performance. Meet regularly with department staff to oversee progress toward individual and department goals.
- Nurture a healthy, dynamic, and team-based working environment. Develop a well-functioning team, fostering staff empowerment.
General Duties
- Participating in trainings and events held by the MN Department of Human Services (DHS) and other government/nonprofit partner organizations to develop partnerships and curate resources.
- Promote the mission, operating values, and agency services of CLUES within the community.
- Carry out all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Travel to greater Minnesota (Austin and Willmar) as needed.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change, or add to the duties of this description at any time without advance notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS
- This position is responsible for supervising employees, interns, and volunteers.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Required Education, Experience & Key Abilities*
- Bachelor's degree in business, Nonprofit Management, Early Childhood Development of a related field. Master's Degree preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in project coordination or project management, especially in education, government, community engagement, human services, or related field.
- Develop qualified trainer preferred.
- Experience and training in formal facilitation techniques and conflict resolution preferred.
- Possesses a deep understanding of Latinx culture/values. The ideal candidate is rooted in the Latino community's experience, culture, and traditions and can navigate mainstream systems and experience to make relevant cross-cultural connections. Experience with facilitation of complex discussions with a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that include the ability to build relationships and communicate information effectively with a broad set of stakeholders, including community members and policy makers.
- Strong organizational and self-direction skills and ability to manage complex initiatives with multiple moving elements.
- Understanding of systems change work and its impact on racial and social justice, systemic inequities, barriers to success, and economic mobility.
- Understanding of whole family approaches, especially as related to early childhood systems.
- Ability to build consensus among diverse community interests in pursuit of solutions to complex problems.
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule that may include occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate community participation.
* Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Language Skills
- Effective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing required.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests.
Transportation
- Must have a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver's license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.
Computer Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other common software (e.g., database, reporting, client management systems, etc.).
- Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Background check
- Must pass a criminal background check, driving record check, and DHS background study. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of these, and additional background checks.
ABOUT US
Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) is a non-profit leader in behavioral health and human services. The organization was founded in 1981 with a vision for improving the quality of life of the Latino population in Minnesota. Today, CLUES is Minnesota's largest Latino agency. Our mission is to advance social and economic equity and wellbeing for Latinos by building upon our strengths and cultures, uplifting our community, and activating leadership for systemic change. Although our services focus on the Latino family, our experience and capabilities enable us to serve individuals and families from all walks of life including new immigrants and low-income families who dream of a better future. Our programs and services encompass a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interrelated barriers our community faces, including programming that advances Community Wellness, Community Leadership, and Community Prosperity. Our services uphold and celebrate cultural richness and community assets as we connect individuals and families to resources, skills, institutions, and opportunities. We employ a diverse, multi-cultural staff to ensure our services are linguistically and culturally relevant.
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CLUES
$100,000.00-$110,000.00 (DOQ) - 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 se
life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan
Mar 14, 2025