Job Summary

Leads the operations and growth of the Technical Assistance-Quality Initiatives (TAQI) department, managing local and regional  early childhood quality enhancement coaching initiatives and professional development activities. Assures that coaching delivery  models effectively support early childhood professionals and adhere to top-tier standards regarding developmentally appropriate instruction, trauma-informed care, and racial equity. Holds accountability for personnel management, project development  lifecycles, and the execution and optimization of all departmental budgets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Department Operations 
  • Direct local and regional early childhood quality enhancement coaching initiatives and professional development plans to ensure measurable improvements in program quality. 
  • Align coaching services and professional development activities with institutional goals and early childhood best practices.
  • Oversee project development lifecycles from inception to completion, establishing timelines, key performance indicators, and  deliverables. 
• Quality Assurance & Framework Integration 
  • Ensure all technical assistance and coaching services adhere to high standards of developmentally appropriate instructional  supports. 
  • Embed trauma-informed care principles and racially equitable practices into all service delivery models and coaching toolkits.
  • Evaluate service efficacy regularly to ensure the needs of diverse early childhood professionals and young children are met  comprehensively. 
• Team Supervision & Performance Culture 
  • Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities to a team of early childhood coaches and regional  leaders. 
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performing culture centered on equity, continuous learning, and accountability.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and design professional development plans for department personnel.
  • Organize and facilitate meetings for Triangle child care directors and family child care providers surrounding early childhood education quality improvement and advocacy efforts 
  • Oversee the organization of special events such as the ASK Conference, Provider Appreciation and Week of Young Child
  • Serve as an agency representative to funded partners and on a local, state and national level 
• Fiscal & Contract Management 
  • Maintain accountability for the construction and implementation of all departmental and grant-funded budgets.
  • Ensure compliance with funding source requirements, reporting guidelines, and organizational financial policies.
  • Set goals and measurable outcomes, review program contracts annually to match grant and contract deliverables, evaluate and  monitor progress toward goals 
  • Translate grant and contract requirements into internal work plans and monitor outcomes.  
  • Manage, aggregate and analyze data and individual program outcomes. Translate outcomes into accurate reports for multiple  funding sources. 
  • Identify and secure resources to sustain and expand departmental initiatives. 
  • Perform other tasks assigned by agency leadership.

Special Skills

• Deep expertise in early childhood instructional supports, trauma-informed practices, and racial equity frameworks.
• Strong capabilities in personnel management, with a demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop remote or regional teams.
• Exceptional communication skills for engaging with early childhood professionals, community partners, and funding stakeholders.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education Leadership, Public Administration, or a closely related field. 
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood programs, including direct management of coaching  or technical assistance teams. Experience as a child care program director is required. 
• Proven track record of managing multi-funded, complex budgets and cross-functional projects.

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 the 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 Early Years’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 some regional/statewide/national daytime and/or overnight travel.

Early Years Benefits

Early Years 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
• Paid wellness leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Child Care Tuition payments
• And more…

Early Years also offers many fringe benefits. Some of the fringe benefits include:

• Casual dress work environment
• Direct deposit
• Standing and emergency payroll advances
• Child Care Referral assistance
• And more…

Early Years 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. Early Years is no longer requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employment due to the fact that there is significantly less risk of severe illness.  However, Early Years strongly recommends that employees receive this vaccination in order to minimize the risk of infections in our workplace. 

Job Features

Job Category	Exempt
Division	EEQD&E- Early Education Quality and Workforce Support
Department	TA Quality Initiatives
Hiring Range	$62,993 – $72,441