Professional Development Specialist

About This Role The Professional Development Specialist plays a vital role in supporting early childhood educators and fostering high-quality learning opportunities. The Professional Development Specialist collaborates with early childhood education (ECE) network leaders and internal departments at VTAEYC to administer and plan over 150 professional development opportunities annually. This position coordinates impactful training programs through personalized administrative support, exceptional logistics tracking, communication, and event coordination. This role significantly supports the production of the VTAEYC Annual Conference and reports to the Resource and Networks Program Manager. What You’ll Do Administrative Assistance and Support Provide technical assistance and support for ECE network leaders. Respond to information requests; work directly with individuals to assess needs and initiate appropriate referrals to other resources at VTAEYC or in the ECE system. Training Coordination Investigate, evaluate, catalog and connect evidence-based training and professional development options based on identified needs. Coordinate with subject matter experts, in the planning process, to ensure relevant and impactful training content that reflects identified needs. Coordinate professional development opportunities for early childhood educators by securing venues, trainers and technology set up. Assist in requesting trainer invoices and documentation, ensuring compliance with organizational requirements. Manage registration processes for professional development events, including online registration systems and attendee communications. Order and manage distribution of materials, as needed. Collaborate with internal teams to promote professional development opportunities. Training Follow Up Ensure timely and accurate documentation of professional development hours for participants. Implement post-professional development surveys, evaluate responses and elevate recommendations based on participant feedback, when needed. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with partner organizations to enhance professional development offerings. Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to improve the quality and accessibility of professional development offerings. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices related to professional development in early childhood education. Data & Systems Management Maintain internal systems to streamline training logistics, improve communication, and increase operational efficiency. Accurately and efficiently enter, manage, and analyze professional development data across systems; generate clear, timely reports that identify trends, gaps, and opportunities to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making by organizational leadership. Lead Internal Data Share-Outs to inform strategy; guide internal data presentations and strategic discussions, synthesizing key findings and elevating insights to shape broader SPARQS strategy, planning, and resource allocation decisions. Annual Conference Support Assist in the planning and execution of the VTAEYC Annual Conference, ensuring a successful and engaging event. Manage requests for proposals for conference sessions, including working with other departments within the organization to publish and publicize RFPs, evaluate subject matter expertise, relevance to early childhood education priorities, and alignment with organizational values to identify potential keynote speakers and presenters. Coordinate logistics, speakers, and program content for the annual conference, serving as the primary point of contact for presenters and keynote speakers.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Organization & Attention to Detail Organize professional development activities, training sessions, meetings, and events while managing schedules, materials, and logistics. Maintain accurate records of participant enrollment, attendance, training completion, professional development hours, and required documentation. Communication & Relationship Building Communicate program requirements, training opportunities, resources, and expectations clearly through written correspondence, presentations, and individual conversations. Respond to inquiries promptly, professionally, and respectfully while providing accurate information and appropriate follow-up. Independence and Self Motivation Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities while ensuring that assignments are completed accurately and on time. Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen professional development offerings, and address emerging program needs. Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Education: Bachelor's degree in education, business administration, or a related field or equivalent experience preferred Experience: Previous experience in coordinating events, preferably in a professional development or education setting. Software Skills: Proficiency in using multiple online platforms, including Google Suite and Zoom meeting technology. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Flexible work location within or near Vermont; work remotely from home or work out of VTAEYC’s shared office in Washington County, Vermont. Hours: primarily daytime, Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends are required Travel: Travel in the state of Vermont will be required. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer Benefits Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Leave Sick Leave Retirement Plan Professional Development Flexible Schedule Flex Office Stipend Mileage Reimbursement Health Reimbursement Account Contribution Dependent Care Account Retirement Account Contribution Work Remotely Flexible work from home options available About Us About VTAEYC The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) advances excellence and equity in early childhood education as the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and is the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As a nonprofit organization formed by a grassroots effort 50+ years ago and now with nearly 700 members, VTAEYC offers advocacy, workforce development, professional development and other resources to its membership and others in the early childhood education field. VTAEYC aims to meet the needs of today’s early childhood education workforce and create a stronger, more equitable early childhood education system for the future. #J-18808-Ljbffr Acquire4Hire LLC