United Way of St. Joseph County
South Bend, IN
Ready To Grow St. Joe Coalition Director Position Description
The Ready To Grow St. Joe Coalition (RTGSJ) is a collection of Early Childhood stakeholders, partners and providers committed to ensuring that all children in St. Joseph County, birth to eight, have the foundation to thrive in school, work and life.
The RTGSJ Coalition serves as a convener and connector of stakeholders, organizations, providers and systems serving young children, families and early learning programs to ensure effective and efficient support and resources. The RTGSJ Coalition is committed to the building of a connected community to improve the quality of life for young children, families and early care and education programs serving children and families.
The RTGSJ coalition’s community work is accomplished through partnerships with stakeholders, organizations and providers facilitated by the RTGSJ director. The RTGSJ coalition and director are focused on Quality Early Learning, Competent Early Care and Education Workforce, Accessible and Affordable Early Learning, and Family Support.
RTGSJ Vision:
In St. Joseph County Indiana, our children will thrive in school and in life.
RTGSJ Mission:
Assist with the coordination of a system of support for young children, families, and early learning of St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Director Position for the Ready To Grow St. Joe Coalition (Indiana)
Essential Skills
- Knowledge about Early Childhood and Systems supporting early care and education in our community (e.g., Paths to Quality, Child Care Voucher, IN Licensing, Spark, Indiana AEYC, and national Accreditation)
- Technology Skill Set: Database, Google Tools, Microsoft Office , Eventbrite, Canva, Facebook/Social Media
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Event Planning and Event Facilitation
- Administrative/Organization Skill Set: team-work, self-motivation, time management, analytical thinking, attention to detail, decision-making, strategic planning
- Grant Writing
Responsibilities and Tasks
- Serve as the main point of contact in the community for early childhood care and education needs from a variety of stakeholders (i.e.: parents and families, nonprofit partners, business and employers, elected officials, etc.)
- Involvement across statewide coalitions and leadership groups (i.e.: Early Learning Advisory Committee, Early Education Works, Early Learning Indiana, FSSA OECOSL) representing St. Joseph County early learning through attending meetings and written updates.
- UWSJC Liason for On My Way Pre-K
- Plan and Host Quarterly RTGSJ Community Meetings with Early Care and Education Stakeholders and Partners to provide information regarding initiatives and resources.
- Maintain the RTGSJ Facebook page to Inform the Community and Stakeholders about Early Learning Events and Resources.
- Maintain the RTGSJ Website updating regularly
- Facilitate the annual Quality Improvement Grant Process. Develop and oversee all aspects, from start to finish, including grant design, application, evaluation and fulfillment
- Serve as Co-Coordinator of the annual Early Childhood Conference held at Saint Mary’s College including planning and overseeing all aspects of the conference preparation and implementation with the planning committee.
- Support Educational Needs and Gaps including Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning with strategic planning training, tools and resources to guide early care and education programs
- Work with Bendable and the Bendable CDA Cohort to ensure student enrollment, engagement and completion of CDAs to support St. Joseph County early learning workforce.
- Support United Way with Grant Writing as Early Learning opportunities are available
- Ongoing collaboration with public and private organizations to address early care and education needs and gaps including
- general early childhood program guidance and advocacy
- workforce needs, training & competency
- high-quality professional development
- funding opportunities for programs and child care homes
Position Overview
- Part Time Position: 20 hrs per week, $30 per hour
- Employee of United Way with Office Location at United Way of St. Joseph County, will consider remote
- Education Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood.
- Supervision: The RTGSJ Director reports directly to the President and CEO of United Way of St. Joseph County. In addition, the RTGSJ Advisory Council and Leadership Team provides feedback, consultation and collaboration.