Job Summary

The Community Childcare Extension Program Director will lead regional outreach initiatives in early childhood education development focusing on forging connections and stronger support systems for all childcare providers and corresponding supporting agencies within a 7-county region. In this role, you will work with state-level extension leaders to plan and execute programmatic priorities, lead grant activities, manage community childcare educator team and complete reporting requirements.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Contribute to strategically building and supporting a strong early childhood education ecosystem for all interested parties
• Collaborate with Human Development and Family Science faculty, Community Development and Health and Human Sciences educators, state extension specialists from a variety of disciplines, agency partners and community stakeholders within the region
• Manage the delivery of College and Community Collaboration grant deliverables
• Serve as the lead resource person for extension professionals, community members and partners
• Facilitate the application of research-based knowledge, information and best practices available from Purdue University, the nationwide Land-Grant system, and other sources of reputable research
• Supervise the community childcare extension team
• Collaborate with supervisor to set short to mid-term operational goals and ensures a plan is in place to meet these goals
• Provide training, delegate duties and conduct on the job coaching to help ensure goal attainment
• Responsible for annual performance evaluations for direct reports
• Build and maintain partnerships with state, federal and regional agencies and various early childhood education influencing organizations
• Collaborate with the Wabash Heartland’s Director of Early Childhood Education Employer Solutions and Partnerships and coordinate efforts, as opportunities arise
• Serve on state, regional, and national boards and committees when such efforts enhance Extension’s understanding and reach in the childcare arena
• Participate in the development of Purdue Extension work plans and prepare necessary grant evaluation and impact reports
• Remain up-to-date professionally and participate in educational conferences, meetings, and trainings to enhance information and skills related to early childhood education
• All other duties and responsibilities to support the mission and purpose of Purdue Extension

What We're Looking For:

• Master’s degree in Human Development, Psychology, Educational Psychology, Organizational Leadership, or Sociology and/or related field
• 4 years of experience in an organizational management role within the early childhood education space at the state or regional level
• Experience working with professionals in the community on issues relating to childcare
• Demonstrated experience in diverse cultural settings, community development best practices and ability to incorporate innovative approaches for expanding Extension’s reach to Community Development and Health and Human Science audiences
• Knowledge and expertise with early childhood education organizations, policies and resources
• Strong working knowledge of early childhood education industry resources and practices
• Excellent writing and communication skills; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to manage, lead and work with diverse team and community members
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Effective public relations and/or advocacy abilities
• Capacity to work and function successfully in a team environment
• Must be sensitive to the needs of Indiana residents in both rural and urban settings

Nice to Have:

• PhD
• Spanish proficiency

What We'd Like You to Know:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary 
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

What You'll Get in Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

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