Program Officer

SUMMARY

The Program Officer is responsible for leading and managing a comprehensive array of services and community engagement that promotes excellent services to early childhood and youth programs, children, and families. This position will also coordinate the execution and evaluation of operational plans and programs that support leadership and innovation in promoting quality child care, successful early childhood development and quality after-school care.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervision of all Program Directors/Managers, ExCELcoaches, Assistant Program Officer, and ultimate oversight of all program staff
• Works in partnership with Executive Director to conduct organizational planning and create a unified leadership perspective
•  Leads the development of program strategy and indicators of success for the advancement of the quality and impact of services
• Directly supervises program leads to maintain accurate project management records and status reports in accordance with contractual obligations, internal performance measures, and acceptable business practices
• Supports board and organizational committees as assigned
• Systems-thinker who works to maximize synergies among program areas and external partners (increasing cross-referral and growing utilization of U4C services)
• Develops, implements, and manages program aspects of annual budget
• Positions organization to successfully compete for public and private grants, contracts, and partnerships. Identifies and develops program and partnership opportunities
• Assists in the cultivation, management, and writing of public and private grants
• Guide development of cohesive and comprehensive outcome-oriented evaluations
• Maintains appropriate relationships with other social service agencies, community advocates, funding organizations, and federal, state, and local government representatives
• Represents U4C on strategically-aligned boards and committees
• Participate in agency committees, events, and staff meetings
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• College degree (4 year) or equivalent industry experience required
• Masters degree in relevant field preferred (i.e. non-profit management, early childhood, etc)
• Minimum 5 years experience in early childhood and/or after school programing or youth development
• Preferred 3 years of managerial or supervisory experience, ideally in a non-profit agency
• Experience developing and working under the guidance and direction of an Executive Director

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Understanding of early childhood and youth development best practices, and awareness of local service provider landscape
• Develop a deep working knowledge of all U4C programming and operational details
• Proven leadership experience
• Strong fiscal discipline and ability to identify and pursue funding opportunities within current contracts and develop new sources
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; organize, facilitate, and present information in a concise manner to a variety of audiences
• Team-oriented and able to work and succeed in a diverse environment
• Problem-solving, coaching, and delegation skills
• Self-starter
• Results oriented; resourceful
• Knowledge of personal computers and related software applications

TRAVEL

• Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation as needed, and carry automobile insurance with the required level ($300,000/$100,000) of liability insurance

This position will be evaluated during the first 90 days and annually on the following guidelines (which are subject to revision):

LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION

• Be a proactive and supportive member of the leadership team
• Observe and provide appropriate feedback regarding staff performance
• Provide effective reflective supervision and coaching
• Build a culture of effective leadership with all program leads to ensure these managerial standards are modeled across all programmatic departments
• Ensure process of annual performance reviews are carried out for all program staff

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Identify community tables, partnerships, and opportunities at which U4C should be engaged
• Cultivate effective relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders
• Be an effective professional ambassador for U4C
• Develop an understanding and sense of empathy for U4C’s target clientele and be an effective communicator with clientele in the community

STEWARDSHIP & QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Monitor quality implementation of all programs and operations
• Assure fidelity of tracking and implementation of all contracts and funds, ensuring resources are deployed as efficiently and prudently as possible
• Assure all deadlines for applications, reports, and correspondence for grants (all projects) are met in a timely manner
• Work continuously to assure quality improvement and innovation; Gathering feedback from agency clients and community partners to identify growth areas

BUDGET AND DEVELOPMENT

• Familiarity with all program budgets
• Assure direct reports effectively maintain budget/fiscal records, and facilitate regular budget meetings among programs and Director of Finance & Operations
• Works appropriately with Executive Director and Director of Finance and Operations to monitor budgets
• Work with Executive Director, Development staff, and Program Directors to identify, pursue, implement, and report on appropriate grants and funding opportunities

PRESENTATION SKILLS

• Appropriately solves problems in a timely manner
• Demonstrates excellent detail-oriented practices
• Excellent organizational skills
• Professional business communication
• Effective public presentation skills
• Strong time and project management skills
• Works independently as well as part of a team and follows through on assignments and prioritizes completing tasks

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Demonstrates professional conduct with staff and public face-to face interaction
• Demonstrates professionalism in corresponding with staff and public through email or other written communication
• Being proactive in providing constructive feedback to help team members improve
• Effective conflict resolution skills, using approved de-escalation techniques when needed

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

• Takes initiative in professional growth by demonstrating leadership qualities, communicating effectively to staff, and building relationships
• Demonstrates ability to receive feedback on work performance and areas for growth

WORKPLACE STANDARDS

• Exemplifies desired agency culture
• Adheres to company time and attendance standards
• Meets dress code standards
• Adheres to ethical, professional and organizational standards
• Maintains a safe work environment
• Attends and participates in mandatory trainings and meetings
• Performs all duties in an ethical manner
• Conserves agency resources
• Completes tasks within assigned timelines and manages time effectively
• Demonstrates knowledge of agency policy and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

To apply for this position please send resume and cover letter to rachel@gladiatorRDS.com.

United 4 Children is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.