Job Summary

The County Childcare Extension Educator creates a network of early childhood education providers (licensed, ministry, and home-based care) by developing relationships, connecting them with resources, providing technical expertise and coordinating training opportunities. This position works with a team of CCCs within a 7-county region, with concentrated effort within a subset of that region. This position collaborates with a community to plan, create and implement early childhood education initiatives, as needs arise.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Conduct needs assessments in community settings to determine ECE situation and needs within the geographic area
• Provide leadership and support in mobilizing local and external resources to address community-wide needs
• Provide assistance to local constituents in the area of early childhood education by connecting them to resources and/or providing technical expertise
• Adapt and deliver outreach with a high level of cultural competency and with sensitivity to issues associated with operating a business, limited income levels and ethnic norms
• Professionally represent Extension in creating new affiliations and maintaining/cultivating ongoing partnerships in a multi-county region with the entire CCC team
• Use multiple delivery methods for outreach in support of initiatives outlined in the LEI College and Community Collaboration grant
• Forge a working relationship with the local Extension staff that is characterized by professionalism, mutual support, respect and teamwork
• Collaborate with local staff to promote ECE efforts and to connect them with potential new audiences for existing training
• Provide informed support and expertise when serving on agency or community boards or advisory committees related to early childhood education
• In collaboration with regional CCC team, determine relevance, impact and outcome of community outreach
• Implement early childhood education strategies (trainings, best practices related to business operations, nutrition and education) to promote environmental and systems level changes with the community and individual ECE providers
• Be aware and help facilitate public decision-making affecting families, ECE providers and provide public policy education when appropriate
• 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
• Keep current with county, regional and state demographic and ECE trends; use this data to provide background information as appropriate
• Maintain a high level of competency in ECE subject matter

What We're Looking For:

• Master's degree required in Human Development, Public Health, Health and Human Sciences, Organizational Leadership, Community Development or related field
• 2 years of experience in early childhood education, public health and wellness, health promotion and/or community education/development
• In Lieu of degree, consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required experience (Bachelor's degree + 4 years of experience; Associates + 6 years of experience; HS/GED + 8 years of experience)
• Professional and respectful communication style both orally and in writing
• Organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in an environment that combines independent action and teamwork with colleagues and external organizations
• Knowledge of basic educational methods
• Knowledge of effective media strategies to reach ECE audience and share ECE efforts (i.e. social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and traditional methods (radio, TV, newspaper)
• Computer skills:  Active participation in web-based communication and training, competent keyboarding, high level of comfort with development of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, web-based communications and marketing materials.  Able to effectively use Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Ability to comply with reporting and budgetary requirements and financial guidelines
• Ability to plan and maintain a flexible work schedule/ including regular evening and weekend work to meet time demands and/or special needs of ECE audience
• Proven abilities to foster a work environment respectful of cultural, socioeconomic, ideological, and other kinds of diversity
• Ability to effectively communicate/teach ECE specific material to a diversity of audiences
• Strong and creative communication, leadership, mentoring, teamwork and group process skills
• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license, reliable vehicle with required liability insurance to be utilized for frequent travel within Indiana

Nice to Have:

• Bilingual communication abilities preferred in English and Spanish
• Experience in canvassing a community, building relationships, making connections and delivering evidence-based information in a community setting via in-person or virtual delivery methods
• Experience in working with and leading community groups to strengthen networks and drive meaningful change to address community needs
• Experience using online collaboration technologies such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom

What We'd Like You to Know:

• This posting represents 4 vacancies
• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary, https://bit.ly/3sHGbls
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
• 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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