Cleveland Early Learning Spaces Manager

Background

PRE4CLE is a collective impact initiative implementing Cleveland’s plan to expand access to high-quality preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds in the city. PRE4CLE connects families to high-quality public and private preschool programs; connects preschool providers to tools, resources, and key partners to increase their quality and serve more children; and provides strategic leadership and advocacy to accelerate the availability of high-quality preschool in Cleveland.

PRE4CLE was developed in 2014 to fulfill a core goal of Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools and is guided by The Cleveland Early Childhood Compact, a public-private leadership body.

Cleveland Early Learning Spaces (ELS) is a new PRE4CLE initiative focused on ensuring that every child can attend a high-quality early learning program in a high-quality facility. The program offers community-based child care and preschool providers grants and other financial supports, professional development, and technical assistance to complete facility renovations using best practices that support the health, safety, learning, and development of young children. As a second phase of this work, we aim to build new high-quality preschools in under-served Cleveland neighborhoods.

PRE4CLE is partnering with IFF as its Owner’s Representative for construction and as an ongoing strategic partner for Early Learning Spaces. IFF is a mission-driven lender, a real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive by creating opportunities for low-income populations and individuals with disabilities.

PRE4CLE has also established a Cleveland Early Learning Spaces committee to help guide this project. This committee brings together government, philanthropic, and community leaders with experience in and knowledge of development, construction, and financing in Cleveland.

PRE4CLE is administered through the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio (ESC). This position reports to the Deputy Director of PRE4CLE and is supported by the ESC.

Summary

PRE4CLE seeks a strategic and motivated leader to support the implementation of Cleveland Early Learning Spaces. The Cleveland Early Learning Spaces Manager is an integral part of the organization and works closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and the rest of the PRE4CLE team and Cleveland Early Childhood Compact to advance PRE4CLE’s mission.

Qualified candidates will possess strong project management, leadership, relationship building, and community or economic development skills.

Responsibilities

The Cleveland Early Learning Spaces Manager will support the PRE4CLE team with:

Project Management and Implementation

• Implement the ELS Model, including:
  • Managing program application and provider selection process for each cohort
  • Creating grant agreements with all participants
  • Coordinating site assessments, as needed
  • Planning and implementing professional development series for participating providers
  • Overseeing renovations in partnership with the Owner’s Representative
  • With IFF, participants, and PRE4CLE leadership, determining project scopes and budgets
  • With Administrative Assistant, manage grant funds distribution and related ELS expenses
• With Executive Director, support fund development for ELS, including philanthropic, private, and public funding opportunities.
• Coordinate Early Learning Spaces committee.
• Coordinate program evaluation activities related to program outcomes.
• Research and identify ways to expand and improve the ELS model, including funding opportunities, partnerships, and professional development topics.
• Support Executive Director to manage active grant portfolio for ELS, including preparing funding reports, ensuring grants and all grant activities are documented through grant life cycle, and tracking and documenting grant activities, stories, and learnings to demonstrate progress on grant deliverables.

Communication and Advocacy

• With Communication Manager, plan engagement events at each site.
• Participate in advocacy and professional networks related to ELS goals.
• Act as a spokesperson for ELS in the community.
• Collaborate with Communication Manager to develop material for external purposes (stories and reports) about grantees and program achievements, including impact and outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum three years of experience working in community development, economic development, or a related field. Experience with schools or early childhood education a plus.
• Ability and desire to work with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Strong internet and Microsoft Office suite skills required, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The applicant must also have the ability to learn and use new technologies.
• Ability to plan and set goals, build program structure, mobilize and motivate others and meet program deadlines.
• Strong strategic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond flexibly to the dynamic needs of the organization.
• Ability to travel on a periodic basis.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid OH driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation starts at $60,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The ESC provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement benefits through the State Education Retirement System (SERS), and professional development opportunities. This position is grant-funded.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume or CV to Michelle Connavino, PRE4CLE Deputy Director (mconnavino@pre4cle.org)