Job Summary

The Community Childcare Coordinator (CCC) serves as a seasoned professional contributor responsible for leading and advancing early childhood education (ECE) initiatives across a multi-county region. In this role, you will operate with a high level of independence and be accountable for managing complex projects, processes, and regional efforts that strengthen childcare systems for licensed, ministry, and home-based care.

As the CCC, you will develop relationships with ECE providers and community stakeholders, conducts complex needs assessments, and translates findings into actionable, community-driven solutions. You will provide technical expertise, influence local and regional practices, and environmental change efforts impacting childcare, access, quality, and sustainability. In addition, you will collaborate across internal and external partners and may lead regional projects and initiatives, provide guidance and coaching to peers and emerging ECE professionals. This position requires navigating complex challenges, using professional judgment, prior experience, and data driven decision-making to drive meaningful outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Designing and conducting comprehensive needs assessments and analyzing data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities, using these insights to develop and implement strategic, community-informed solutions that address complex childcare challenges
• Influencing local systems by mobilizing resources, facilitating partnerships, and aligning stakeholders toward shared goals
• Providing advanced technical assistance and consultation to providers and community leaders, while representing Extension in high-level community engagements to strengthen partnerships and expand program reach
• Managing projects, programs, and initiatives that support early childhood education (ECE) workforce development, business sustainability, and quality improvement across the region
• Planning, implementing, and evaluating outreach strategies designed to achieve measurable impact on community and provider outcomes
• Exercising independent judgment in prioritizing work, managing timelines, and adapting programming to meet evolving needs
• Developing and refining processes, tools, and systems to enhance program effectiveness and operational outcomes
• Collaborating across teams and counties to ensure alignment, consistency, and scalability of regional efforts, and may delegate tasks while providing guidance and reviewing the work of team members or lower-level professionals involved in program delivery
• Designing and delivering advanced training and educational programming focused on early childhood education (ECE) best practices, business operations, and systems-level change
• Providing guidance on public policy topics impacting childcare to support informed community decision-making
• Influencing practices, procedures, and approaches within Extension and among community partners to strengthen program effectiveness and broader system outcomes
• Maintaining advanced knowledge in early childhood education, community development, and emerging industry trends, and actively participates in professional development opportunities, conferences, and thought leadership
• Applying new knowledge and insights to enhance program quality, drive innovation, and strengthen overall impact
• Monitoring and interpreting local, regional, and state data related to early childhood education (ECE) trends and demographics, using these insights to inform program strategy, communicate impact, and support data-driven decision-making
• Contributing to evaluation efforts and the continuous improvement of programs and systems to enhance overall effectiveness and outcomes

What We're Looking For:

• Master’s degree
• 2 years of experience working in early childhood education, community development, public health, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience managing projects, leading initiatives, and working independently in complex environments
• In lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. (Bachelors + 4 years of experience)
• Experience in community engagement, including canvassing communities, building strategic relationships, and delivering evidence-based information through both in-person and virtual platforms
• Demonstrated a high level of professional, clear, and influential communication skills both orally and in writing
• Ability to tailor messaging to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders
• Strong initiative and the ability to work independently with limited supervision while effectively managing competing priorities, timelines, and complex projects with attention to detail
• Proficient in the use of online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and demonstrates strong digital literacy, including the development of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and marketing materials
• Maintains accountability to reporting, budgetary requirements, and financial guidelines while contributing to process improvements and operational efficiency
• Exhibits strong leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills, including the ability to guide peers or less experienced staff and contribute to team development
• Demonstrates cultural competency and a commitment to fostering socioeconomic, and ideological perspectives
• Effectively communicates and teaches ECE-related content to a wide range of audiences
• Maintains flexibility in scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the community and program delivery
• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance to support frequent travel throughout Indiana

Nice to Have 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish

What We'd Like You to Know:

• This is a grant-funded position through November 2028. Benefits do apply. 
• 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 employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

Career Stream

Professional 3

Pay Band S065
Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
Job Code #20002656
Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

*Effective August 1, Purdue implemented a new background screen policy: any internal transfer will receive a new background screen if one has not been run within the last year.

Why Purdue?
Purdue University is a place where every role contributes to the pursuit of excellence, innovation, and community impact. As part of the Indianapolis team, you’ll help drive Purdue’s continued growth and success—supporting leaders who are advancing research, education, and engagement in Indiana and beyond. Here, your talent and initiative will be valued, and your work will make a difference every day.

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EO 

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.