Sr Grants Program Specialist - WA

Join a strong community where all we do is care-for the children and families we serve every day, as well as for our dedicated team members. Our people are our best asset. We listen and we know what you're looking for:

• You want benefits. We support you with a minimum 50% childcare discount, immediate access to benefits, innovative health programs, 401(k) company match, and much more.
• You want balance. We offer flexible schedules that work for you, no nights or weekends, the ability to bring your children to work with you, and paid time off.
• You want opportunity. We invest in your future with ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, credential assistance, and our unique Master Teacher Program.
• You want recognition. We provide a positive, fun workplace where employees are appreciated.

The Sr. Grant Program Specialist supports all areas of State Pre-K grant implementation and compliance for assigned grant programs. The Sr. Grant Program Specialist provides expertise on administrative, curriculum, and training requirements specific to the state requirements and provides informational updates on school programs to internal stakeholders. The Sr. Grant Program Specialist ensures that grant programs adhere to LC processes, grant program guidelines, and the financial/budgetary requirements of the grantor.

Candidates must live in or near Kirkland or Covington, WA.

In addition to the assigned grant programs, the Sr. Grant Program Specialist assists with other state Pre-K programs and grant-related projects, including the writing of new grants and the launch of new grant programs. The Sr. Grant Program Specialist also provides mentoring to new and existing Specialists and works closely with other LC departments to coordinate processes that support optimal grant program compliance.

This position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and partner with multiple constituents—members of grant team, various LC departments that support grant programs, school leaders and teachers in the field, and critically—state program providers.

Essential Functions/Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Regular, in person attendance at designated company site is required to ensure necessary teamwork, personal interaction, and supervision.
• Friendly, enthusiastic, and energetic with customers, co-workers, managers, and visitors. 
• Promote and project a positive company image; treat others with courtesy and respect. 
• Conduct school visits as required to support successful program implementation. 
• Provide off-site support via telephone, conference calls, webinars, etc. as needed.
• Work with other LCG departments to use funds within the program guidelines, with a focus on providing quality for children and families while ensuring financial responsibility.
• Provide leadership and expertise to grant and field teams on implementing programs in alignment with the initiatives and requirements of both LCG and the grantor.
• Develop and maintain relationships with state regulatory agencies and Pre-K offices.
• Perform weekly school visits using the classroom observation forms to support curriculum implementation to requirements.
• Educates parents in available resources in the area served, refers families for services in the community, assists families in accessing services, and monitors services completion.
• Completes applications for program enrollment and coordinates the enrollment and termination or drop activities of children.
• Maintains all required records in the program’s electronic management information system in order to track status of services.
• Engages families in a process of collaborative relationship building to establish mutual trust.
• Responsible for child recruitment and maintaining enrollment in collaboration with each assigned site.
• Monitors child attendance and contacts parents regarding child’s absenteeism or other issues.
• Perform monthly audits on staff files, teacher files, and child files as required by the grant.
• Develop school/state-specific plans based on classroom observations and audits to support schools in maintaining or improving program implementation, including budget and quality requirements.
• Submit plans to the Grant Manager at the beginning of the program year and provide regular updates including timelines for action steps to both the school/field team and Grant Manager. 
• Build and maintain partnerships with DM and school management to offer the best support for state Pre-K programs and action plans to meet highest quality in program and compliance.
• Provide regular, effective communication to the Grant Manager to support program implementation and improvement.
• Apply an understanding of financial aspects of the grant to be compliant with budget/spending and tracking requirements.
• Support onboarding of new Grant Program Specialists in LCG state Pre-K programs in areas of financial processes, curriculum implementation and required assessments, and compliance of grant requirements.
• Lead and/or support new grant RFP processes as needed.
• Support the expansion of current grant programs and the launch of new grant programs.

Supervision:
Position does not have direct reports.

Education: 
Bachelor’s Degree preferred; grant management, early childhood, psychology, sociology, business, management focus preferred

Experience: 

• At least 5 years of experience in early childcare program management/grant implementation or management/accreditation management preferred. 
• Prior experience working with state offices at various levels. 
• Previous proven experience facilitating Pre-K programs either through direct implementation or providing support and guidance in implementation

Certification/Licensure:
None

Skills & Abilities (i.e. technical, organizations, knowledge, etc.):

• Must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, all essential functions of the job.
• Excellent customer service and follow-up skills with both internal and external customers.
• Capable of working with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Effective communication skills, written, verbal and interpersonal.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills and ability to meet established deadlines.
• Able to work independently and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions. 
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, mainly Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Travel Percentage:
Up to 75% local travel.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation based on position, education and experience. Bi-weekly paid. 
  • $71-76,000 base salary.
  • This position is also eligible for our Support Central bonus program which is based on annual achievement of company performance.
• Health and Wellness Benefits 
  • Employees are eligible for a variety of health and welfare benefits based on their Full-time or Part-time status on their date of hire, which include medical, dental, vision, healthcare & dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), life insurance, disability, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, pre-paid legal, pet insurance and identity theft protection.
  • Employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan after 30 days of employment. Participating employees are also eligible to receive a company provided match on their elective deferrals once they reach 1 year of employment with the company.
• Employee perks/discounts 
  • Education assistance including tuition reimbursement 
  • Childcare discount available to all employees
  • Corporate partner Discounts
• This position is eligible for paid time off. All Corporate employees are enrolled in our Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) plan. This plan allows for flexibility and discretion between employees and managers in taking time off - with no set accrual for vacation or sick time. Employees can use Flexible PTO for any reason and is compliant with the Colorado Healthy Families Work Act.
• Applications accepted through 9/4/26.

Learning Care is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.