Director of Early Childhood Programs and Professional Development

Join a dedicated and experienced team of early childhood professionals & advocates! We are actively seeking a Director of Early Childhood Programs and Professional Development . The Child Care Council of Suffolk, Inc. is one of the leading early childhood organizations in the state - supporting more than 900 licensed child care and Pre-K programs in Suffolk County. Our knowledgeable staff work directly with child care programs, educators and parents to ensure that every child has equitable access to high-quality early learning opportunities. We offer generous vacation, personal time and sick time, plus two mental health days each year. Our culture is positive and flexible with a focus on supporting our employees and recognizing the importance of supporting a healthy work/life balance. As the Director of Early Childhood Programs and Professional Development you will be part of a team-oriented work environment that values individual team members’ contributions, appreciation for diversity and confidentiality standards of the agency. Job Overview: The Director of Early Childhood Programs and Professional Development provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Child Care Council of Suffolk's early childhood education, professional development, technical assistance, consultation, and program-quality initiatives. The Director is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of contracted and grant-funded services related to the Child Care Resource and Referral program, infant and toddler services, infant and early childhood mental health consultation, health care consultation, early childhood and school-age technical assistance, professional development, and Pre-K and other early learning initiatives. The Director supervises and supports program a team of mental health consultants, specialists, trainers, and other assigned staff; ensures that contractual requirements and performance goals are met; promotes consistent, high-quality services across programs; and represents the Council in partnerships and initiatives related to early care and learning. General Skill Requirements: The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of the Child Care Council of Suffolk and an extensive knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education. The position requires sound judgment, integrity, flexibility, initiative, accountability, and the ability to lead collaboratively. The Director must be able to balance strategic leadership with attention to program operations and support staff in delivering high-quality, responsive services to the early childhood community. Key Responsibilities: Program and Contract Oversight Provide leadership and oversight for assigned early childhood education, professional development, technical assistance, consultation, and school-age child care programs. Ensure that all contractual obligations, grant requirements, deliverables, performance standards, and reporting deadlines are met. Develop annual goals, work plans, service-delivery strategies, and measurable outcomes in collaboration with Council leadership and program staff. Monitor program implementation, identify emerging needs or service gaps, and recommend programmatic or operational improvements. Staff Leadership and Supervision Supervise, coach, and support managers, specialists, consultants, trainers, and other assigned staff. Establish clear expectations, responsibilities, priorities, and performance goals for program teams. Promote collaboration and communication across all departments. Support staff recruitment, onboarding, professional growth, performance evaluation, and retention. Foster a positive, accountable, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment. Ensure that staff maintain the knowledge, competencies, certifications, and professional standards required for their respective roles. Professional Development and Program Quality Oversee the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of professional-development opportunities for child care providers and early childhood professionals. Ensure that training, consultation, coaching, and technical assistance are grounded in current research, best practices, regulatory requirements, and adult-learning principles. Promote responsive caregiving, developmentally appropriate practice, children's social-emotional development, health and safety, inclusion, and continuous quality improvement. Ensure that professional-development offerings respond to the needs of family child care, group family child care, child care centers, school-age programs, and other early learning settings. Provide or facilitate training, technical assistance, presentations, and educational activities as needed. Data, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement Review quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and inform decision-making. Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and timely completion of required program documentation and reports. Use provider feedback, staff observations, assessment results, and performance data to strengthen services. Partnerships and External Relations Develop and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, funders, regional partners, school districts, higher education institutions, child care providers, community organizations, and other early childhood stakeholders. Represent the Council at state, regional, county, and community meetings, workgroups, and collaborative initiatives. Participate in initiatives related to early childhood systems development, Pre-K, workforce development, quality improvement, infant and toddler care, mental health, health consultation, and school-age child care. Collaborate with Council leadership and communications staff on outreach, informational materials, and community education. Organizational Leadership Participate as a member of the Council's leadership team and contribute to agency-wide planning, decision-making, and continuous improvement. Develop and maintain policies, procedures, workflows, and internal controls for the department that support effective program operations. Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience: Commitment to the mission of the Child Care Council of Suffolk and desire to work with individuals from all of the different communities in Suffolk County. Master's degree in early childhood education, child development, education, social work, or a closely related field preferred. A bachelor's degree combined with significant relevant leadership experience may be considered. At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, professional development, technical assistance, consultation, program administration, or a related field. At least three years of successful supervisory or management experience. Strong knowledge of early childhood and school-age systems, including professional development, technical assistance, infant and toddler care, social-emotional development, health and safety, and program quality. Familiarity with New York State child care systems, regulations, professional-development requirements, Pre-K initiatives, and early childhood agencies strongly preferred. Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to develop and sustain collaborative relationships with staff, providers, funders, government representatives, and community partners. Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail. Proficiency with standard office technology, virtual meeting platforms, data systems, and reporting tools. Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, professional, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ability to travel throughout Suffolk County and occasionally within the Long Island region or New York State, as required. Preferred Knowledge and Experience Experience with Child Care Resource and Referral agencies and work. Experience overseeing professional development, coaching, technical assistance, mental health consultation, or child care health consultation. Experience working with family child care, child care centers, school-age programs, school districts, or publicly funded Pre-K programs. Experience developing training curricula or providing professional development to adult learners. Physical Demands/Work Environment: This position requires travel to child care programs throughout Suffolk County. Candidates must have a valid New York State Driver's License and use of a vehicle. Mileage reimbursement for all travel is provided. The position may require transporting, setting up, and organizing training materials, supplies, and equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Child Care Council Of Suffolk, Inc.