Director of Early Childhood Initiatives

Department: Early Childhood Initiatives | Reports to: Vice President of Programs | Location: CLUES St. Paul, MN Offices | Position Type: Regular, Full-Time

About the Role

The Director of Early Childhood Initiatives is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and oversight of CLUES’ early childhood programming, including leading the Childcare Incubator and programming in Greater Minnesota. This role ensures the effectiveness, integration, and alignment of early childhood services with community needs and broader systemic improvements. The Director will establish annual work plans, implement data-driven outcome strategies, manage external relations, and cultivate donor opportunities. This position collaborates with community members, system partners, government agencies, and CLUES leadership to gain insights into early childhood development and the unique experiences of Latine families in Minnesota. Additionally, the Director oversees the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Providers program, strategically integrating FFN participants, providers, and partners into CLUES' Childcare Incubator and Family Wellness Center initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Program Design, Development, & Management
  • Develop and implement the vision and strategy for early childhood services, aligning with core and strategic priorities.
  • Lead the design and development of early childhood initiatives, including the Childcare Incubator and FFN programming.
  • Oversee all components of FFN Programming, including pre-licensing trainings, licensing achievement, microbusiness planning, development, and start-up costs.
  • Establish best practices for staffing ratios, safety, education curriculums, and quality of services.
  • Create work plans, manage progress, and ensure expected outcomes are achieved.
  • Develop policies and procedures reflecting the Code of Ethical Conduct for the early childhood field, ensuring compliance and best-practice standards.
  • Collaborate with state licensing agencies and local childcare resource and referral agencies to ensure compliance.
  • Advocate for policies and legislation promoting capacity building, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the early childhood field.
  • Develop program operating procedures and guidelines (e.g., curriculum, program schedule, family involvement, payment structure, eligibility criteria, documentation).
  • Provide oversight to Early Childhood services offered in Spanish and English in the metro area and Greater Minnesota (Austin and Willmar).
  • Create a supportive, participant-centered environment to meet the needs of participants and their families, ensuring linguistically and culturally appropriate services.
• Financial Management and Compliance
  • Manage program finances, including budget and resource allocations, to meet financial targets and goals.
  • Collaborate with Development Staff to assess funding opportunities and write proposals for long-term program sustainability.
  • Continuously assess program effectiveness, responsiveness, and adaptability.
  • Lead the team in tracking, analyzing, and reporting on milestones, impact, expenses, challenges, and successes.
  • Ensure timely reporting of grant/contract outcomes and program goals, providing progress reports and corrective action plans as needed.
  • Adhere to laws, regulations, and policies applicable to program services, ensuring compliance with funder/contract requirements and auditing standards.
  • Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and other applicable laws.
• Personnel Management & Development
  • Oversee staff delivery of early childhood services, including one-on-one client services, classes, and workshops in the metro area and Greater Minnesota.
  • Provide leadership and direction to department staff to promote high-quality service delivery.
  • Collaborate with supervisor and Human Resources to plan, implement, and manage staffing for maximum effectiveness.
  • Recommend staffing structure and personnel decisions, including hiring, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination.
  • Supervise department staff, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions.
  • Provide direction, training, and coaching to staff, including on-the-job training and department orientation.
  • Mentor staff and encourage professional development, providing constructive feedback and recognition.
  • Designate individual productivity goals for staff based on department goals and hold staff accountable.
  • 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, fostering staff empowerment.
• General Duties
  • Participate 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 other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Nonprofit Management, Early Childhood Development, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
  • 3-5 years of experience in project coordination or project management, especially in education, government, community engagement, human services, or related fields.
  • Experience and training in formal facilitation techniques and conflict resolution preferred.
  • Deep understanding of Latinx culture/values; rooted in the Latino community’s experience, culture, and traditions.
  • Experience facilitating complex discussions with diverse stakeholders.
• Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders, including community members and policymakers.
  • Strong organizational and self-direction skills, with the 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, including occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate community participation.
  • Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing, required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests.
• Additional Requirements
  • Reliable motor vehicle, valid driver’s license, proof of automotive insurance, and a good driving record. Must pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other common software (e.g., database, reporting, client management systems). Willingness to attend training to advance technical skills.
  • Must pass a criminal background check, driving record check, and DHS background study. Periodic re-verification may be required.

Pay

$100,000 - $110,000 per year (depending on experience and qualifications).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 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.

Schedule

Full-Time. Generally, Monday – Friday business hours, with occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate community participation.