Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California's most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving nearly 9,000 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
About This Position
The education partnership manager plays a pivotal role in fostering strong partnerships between our organization and local school districts, charter schools, and other educational entities. The primary responsibility will be to coordinate and facilitate communication and collaboration between our child care programs and the schools within our service area.
This position requires a blend of administrative skills, relationship-building abilities, and a passion for advocating for the needs of children and families.
What You’ll Be Doing
Communication facilitation
Serving as the primary point of contact between our organization and school boards, administrations, and leadership;
Communicating regularly with school personnel to ensure alignment of goals and objectives between our child care programs and the educational initiatives of the district;
Facilitating regular meetings between our organization's leadership and district representatives to discuss program updates, challenges and opportunities for collaboration;
Implementing an effective internal two-way communication cascade plan between education partners and staff.
Partnership development
Identifying opportunities for collaboration between our organization and schools within the service area;
Working closely with school personnel and program staff to identify the needs of students and families and explore ways our organization can support them;
Developing and maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders in the school district, including administrators, special education departments, counselors, and parent-teacher associations;
Advancing school partnership development in collaboration with other departments at Options for Learning, such as leadership, health, inclusion, classroom behavior, recruitment and outreach;
Creating a partnership performance monitoring system to track initiatives, measure outcomes, monitor progress, capture and share learning.
Program coordination
Acting as the organization’s primary point person for schools and collaborate with internal departments on logistics for school initiatives, meetings, events or requests, such as back-to-school nights, open houses, TK/K registration, Local Control and Accountability Plan, or other collaborative school meetings and events;
Serving as a liaison with school district representatives to address any issues or concerns that may arise regarding our programs;
Collaborating with internal departments to ensure compliance with school agreements, MOUs, and regulations for child care programs.
Advocacy and education
Advocating for the importance of high-quality child care, early learning, and school-age programs within school districts, charter schools, and the broader community;
Regularly educating school personnel and board members about the programs and services offered by our organization, including the benefits of our early learning and school-age programs for students and families;
Staying informed about relevant legislation, policies, and best practices in early care and education and sharing this information with school district representatives as appropriate.
What You Bring To The Table
Bachelor's degree in education, social work, human services, or related field (master's degree preferred);
Previous experience working in a school or child care setting, preferably in a liaison or coordination role;
Skill in delivering concise and impactful presentations to both internal and external stakeholders;
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders;
Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively;
Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education;
Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and standards governing child care programs and school operations;
Commitment to the mission and values of our organization, with a dedication to serving children and families in our community.
What We Can Offer You
Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 90% of employee's premiums; prorated for part-time);
Organization-paid and matching retirement plan;
Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement;
Generous and flexible PTO;
Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more!
Job specifications
Reports to the vice president of strategic initiatives;
Exempt, full-time, twelve-month work year;
Eight-hour workday; four-day work week;
Opportunity for hybrid-work schedule to be determined by management;
Limited evening or weekend hours may be required;
Employment, responsibilities, compensation and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at organization discretion.
Salary
$75,000 - $85,000 per year
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Individual and Family Services
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