Manager of Quality

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

The Early Learning Manager - Quality provides leadership and oversight for initiatives that strengthen the quality of early learning programs, educators, and leaders across Ready Region Southside.

The manager oversees assigned initiatives, including Seeds for Success and Virginia Quality Birth to 5 (VQB5), and supports implementation of quality improvement strategies informed by data, provider feedback, research, and regional priorities. The position works collaboratively with early childhood providers, coaches, trainers, contractors, community partners, and CES staff to implement effective support and monitor progress.

What You'll Do

Program & Quality Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for assigned early learning quality initiatives, including Seeds for Success and VQB5
• Implement strategies and work plans that strengthen early learning quality across the region.
• Monitor implementation, progress, and outcomes and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Coordinate staff, contractors, trainers, consultants, and other resources supporting assigned initiatives.
• Manage assigned grant deliverables, timelines, documentation, and reporting requirements.

Quality Improvement

• Use data, provider feedback, and identify needs to support quality improvement priorities and responsive strategies.
• Support programs in using quality data to strengthen practice.
• Provide or coordinate technical assistance and other support based on program needs.
• Support CLASS implementation, including observation, calibration, professional learning, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain appropriate professional credentials and training and pursue CLASS Affiliate Trainer status as appropriate.

Data & Continuous Improvement

• Review VQB5, CLASS, coaching, participation, and other relevant data to identify trends and needs.
• Translate data into actionable recommendations and monitor the effectiveness of assigned strategies.
• Collaborate with CES data and evaluation resources to strengthen data use, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Partnerships & Regional Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with early childhood providers, educators, administrators, coaches, trainers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with CES and Ready Region Southside teams to coordinate support and maximize regional impact.
• Represent CES and Ready Region Southside at regional, state, and community meetings.
• Communicate initiatives, resources, and opportunities clearly to providers and partners.

Program Administration

• Maintain accurate program records and documentation.
• Support budgets, grant compliance, reporting, and required deliverables.
• Coordinate meetings, learning opportunities, and events as needed.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, education, human services, or related field.
• Experience in early childhood education, quality improvement, program management, or a related field.
• Experience leading programs, projects, initiatives, or teams.
• Knowledge of early childhood quality improvement practices.
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other relevant technology.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel throughout the Ready Region Southside service area.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with VQB5.
• CLASS certification in Infant, Toddler, and/or Pre-K.
• CLASS Affiliate Trainer status or willingness to pursue it.
• Experience with coaching, professional learning, communities or practice, or quality improvement.
• Experience using data to evaluate programs and inform strategy.
• Experience managing contractors, consultants, or external resources.
• Knowledge of Virginia’s early childhood mixed delivery system.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance