CCRR Small Business Development Specialist

About the Role

This position supports the referral, education, business, and training needs of childcare directors and their local community, focusing on opening and maintaining a small business. The role requires meeting the Small Business Support Specialist requirements in the TN CCR&R Scope of Services. The position must live in and travel frequently throughout the assigned Tennessee region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Two years minimum experience as a director or owner of a child care center.
• Three to five years of experience in this or a related field.
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and ability to work well independently.
• Systems thinker with the ability to see the broad picture and work collaboratively.
• Physical examination and record of negative TB test results on file with Signal Centers.
• Dependable transportation, valid driver’s license, and insurance required for frequent travel within the service area.

Responsibilities

• Research and stay current on best practices of child care small business development.
• Facilitate and/or participate in Train the Trainer and/or Supplemental Trainings as requested by the Network or DHS.
• Train Network Management Staff and/or local CCR&R staff on relevant topics.
• Train CCR&R staff, DHS staff, and other CCDF partners or funder-requested groups.
• Attend CCR&R Partner Meetings.
• Network within the community to educate and raise awareness of the importance and benefits of becoming a licensed childcare provider.
• Demonstrate support of direct supervisor and network management to model integrity and professionalism.
• Consistently uphold network expectations.
• Commit to and demonstrate leadership development.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to upholding Signal Center’s Core Values of respect, integrity, teamwork, innovation, and stewardship.
• Submit data on TA, TTA, and training within 3 days of when the service was delivered.
• Develop and maintain relationships within the child care community.
• Provide training, technical assistance, and support to child care directors on small business development.
• Facilitate peer learning groups focusing on small business topics for directors.
• Provide prioritized targeted technical assistance and/or training in response to business-related referrals from DHS or other CCDF partners.

Skills

• Familiarity with the “Strengthening Business Practices” training developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance.
• Knowledge of TN Department of Human Services Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Ability to consistently model Core Values of Accountability, Community Impact, Compassion, Trustworthiness, and Teamwork.
• Ability to interact with staff, child care educators, Network Management, community partners, and funders in a respectful and professional manner.
• Ability to create and embrace new ideas, creative problem-solving, and improve services and delivery methods.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, child care educators, Network Management, funders, and community partners.
• Ability to be wise, accountable, and careful with the use of resources and time.
• Ability to conduct oneself with honesty, reliability, and fairness, adhering to the code of ethics.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including health, vision, and dental coverage, HSA, Dependent Care FSA, group life insurance, Teladoc (telemedicine), EAP mental health resources, and short & long-term disability options.
• Up to 4% matching 401(k) employer contribution, plus a 3% base contribution.
• Generous paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Employee discounts on paid services.