Lead Evaluator, Early Learning

NATURE AND SCOPE

The Lead Evaluator, Early Learning will provide high quality personalized and customized service to early learning institutions (birth through kindergarten) in the Cognia network, particularly in relation to accreditation evaluation. Lead Evaluators serve as an extension of the local Cognia office to deliver a variety of services related to accreditation.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

• Counsels conducts various types of Cognia reviews, including Accreditation Engagement, Monitoring, and Candidacy Reviews, ensuring alignment with Cognia’s standards and expectations.
• Successfully completes a comprehensive training program consisting of multiple courses that equip evaluators to conduct all types of Cognia reviews with consistency and quality.
• Participates in ongoing professional development and in-service training to continuously enhance evaluation expertise and remain current with Cognia protocols.
• Delivers technical assistance and accreditation-related training to institutions, supporting them throughout the accreditation lifecycle.
• Serves as a representative of Cognia in professional settings, promoting the organization’s mission and services within the broader education community.
• Delivers presentations and informational sessions on Cognia accreditation and improvement services at institutional meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums.
• Participates in school and system meetings on behalf of Cognia to provide feedback, present recognition, and support institutional engagement.
• Serves as a representative of Cognia in professional settings, promoting the organization’s mission and services within the broader education community.
• Facilitates high-quality training sessions to prepare institutions for upcoming reviews, ensuring a thorough understanding of accreditation expectations and processes.
• Provides technical support for Cognia’s accreditation tools, including both online and offline platforms.
• Offers post-review support to institutions, including interpretation of findings and strategic guidance for improvement planning to advance institutional goals.
• Collaborates with regional and state offices to execute service plans and initiatives that enhance the accreditation process.
• May review reports and/or serve in a mentoring or coaching role for other accreditation team members to support capacity building and quality assurance.
• Assists Senior Director(s) with quarterly newsletter to institutions preparing for or going through an Accreditation Engagement Review.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Education & Experience: BS in Early Childhood Education or equivalent required; M.Ed., Ed.D., or Ph.D. in educational leadership area preferred. A minimum of five (5) years of Birth through Kindergarten teaching experience required. Three (3) or more years in a leadership capacity in an early learnings school district early learning program, early learning system of schools or early childhood education focused not for profit or state agency preferred. Experience as an educational leader at the building or central office level desired.
• Evaluators are expected to complete required initial and ongoing training on reviews and interpretations.
• Evaluators are expected to maintain a high level of knowledge about the current operations of Cognia by participating in on-going professional development related to Cognia’s work.
• Certification for eleot™ and/or erel™ required.
• Experience with Cognia tools and processes preferred.

Competencies

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Substantial experience in the field of education as a school or district leader.
• Knowledge of Cognia processes and protocols.

Anticipated Travel

• Extensive travel (>40%).
• Travel to All Staff Company Meetings required.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off and holiday breaks.
• Comprehensive insurance plans.
• A 12.5% retirement savings contribution which is immediately vested.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Cognia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.