Director of School-Based Initiatives

Director of School-Based Initiatives

Title: Director of School-Based Initiatives

Reports to: CEO

Location: Children’s Institute offices in downtown Portland

Job Classification: Exempt, 1 FTE (40 hours per week)

Salary: $122,500 – $153,000

Closing: Applications must be received by 5 pm on June 5, 2023

To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to Jobs.DSBI@childinst.org with “Director of School-Based Initiatives” in the subject line. Please contact Hanan Zawideh, Chief Equity and Human Resources Officer, at hanan@childinst.org with accommodations requests.

At Children’s Institute (CI), our mission is to shift systems toward justice for families so that all children in Oregon, prenatal to grade five, have access to opportunity. We advocate for and secure public investments in early childhood programs and services, and work directly with school communities to improve the learning experience for children.  

We are keenly focused on children who experience barriers to opportunity due to race, poverty, disability, language, and geographic location. And we strive to connect research, lived experience, and community voice as we work to ensure that more children succeed in kindergarten, meet third grade benchmarks, and thrive in their early childhood experiences. 

CI prioritizes an integrated, team-based work approach and a flexible, collegial work environment grounded in our values of honor, equity, learning, connectedness, and innovation 

The Director of School-Based Initiatives will have a demonstrated personal and professional commitment to advancing racial and economic justice. In collaboration with team members, they will engage in supportive processes and practices of inclusive work culture. The individual in this role will have the skills to support and promote the assets of those furthest from opportunity.  

 

 

Position Description

The Director of School-Based Initiatives is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with experience across early learning and elementary education who will manage Children’s Institute’s place-based program work. They will be responsible for leading the team who oversees implementation of Children Institute’s innovative initiatives that are embedded in districts and K-12 schools. They will also partner with the Policy/Advocacy team and bring what they have learned in schools to drive policy change.

Children’s Institute currently operates two strategies in partnership with public school districts: Early School Success (ESS) and Early Learning Academy (ELA). It has also historically partnered with communities to lift up place-based initiatives, including Early Works at Earl Boyles and Yoncalla Elementary Schools. 

Early School Success is designed to provide a blueprint for educators to better align and embed developmentally appropriate instructional practices from preschool through fifth grade. The initiative seeks to create proof points of high-quality preschool implementation with effective strategies to ensure gains are sustained through the elementary grades. The Director of School-Based Initiatives will work closely with the team to successfully implement and scale this project with school districts and partners across Oregon, including managing the ongoing district improvement process, hiring, and supervising improvement coaches, consultants, and managing the development of site-based facilitation processes.  

Children’s Institute offers a cohort-based Early Learning Academy experience for educators and administrators working to strengthen early learning in their district or region. The Director of School-Based Initiatives will be responsible for supporting the successful implementation of the ELA, including supervising key staff, managing external contract consultants, supporting outreach and recruitment, managing the budget, and monitoring overall quality. Additionally, they will need to provide strategic oversight of ELA, including ongoing improvement, sustaining, and scaling over time.

The Director of School-Based Initiatives will need to understand and support the organization’s mission, vision, and values, serve on the leadership team, and collaborate closely with the Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Director of Communications, and the Director of Research and Strategy. They will think outside the box and bring innovation to how we transform systems to work better for children from birth through grade 5.  They will have strong people skills and collaboration experience. This role will also help strengthen Children’s Institute’s focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

The ideal candidate will have a substantive background in children’s learning and development from birth through elementary school, applicable classroom and administrative experience, and experience with complex program implementation. 

 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

 

  1. Leadership of School-Based Initiatives. Serves as a key leader of Children’s Institute initiatives focused on the implementation of education through the elementary years. Leads the implementation of Early School Success, including overseeing district planning, and implementation; launching statewide learning collaboratives; including equity, diversity, and inclusion outcomes; and hiring and managing our internal project team and external consultants. Manages the implementation of the Early Learning Academy and potential future programs by Children’s Institute and partners with the Director of Research and Strategy on the development and implementation of the on-going program evaluations. 
  2. Policy Development. Works in partnership with Children’s Institute policy and communications teams on policy development related to building high-quality early learning programs and systems. Works in conjunction with other key stakeholder groups, including state entities and higher education, and provides strategic advice on policies influencing birth to elementary alignment and professional learning. 
  3. Organizational Leadership. Works in partnership with other members of the leadership team in creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, strategic goals, and objectives. Maintains continuous lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues and contributing to the overall management of the organization. Provides a strong day-to-day leadership presence, helps lead cross-team communication and cohesiveness, and sustains culture while addressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
  4. Communications. Collaborates with communications team to highlight lessons learned, challenges, and valuable resources for our community outside of program sites using a multimedia approach to content development. Co-develops a strategic approach to communicating about program impacts for policy development, including the translation of program evaluation findings to target a broad range of audiences. 
  5. Partners with future initiative design teams on identifying new revenue opportunities that support organizational mission and strategic plans.
  6. Supervision of Staff. Provides guidance and supervision to Early School Success and Early Learning Academy internal program team staff, and a cadre of coaches and facilitators in the field. 
  7. Other duties as defined by Children’s Institute’s CEO include representing the organization as needed. 

 

Position Qualifications

  • Seven to ten years of experience managing and implementing, scaling, and sustaining initiatives in and across preschool and elementary education 
  • Previous supervisory experience of classrooms (e.g. principal, center director, instructional leader) in early childhood education and/or K–12 
  • Experience implementing successful strategies with Dual Language Learners/English Language Learners and children with learning differences 
  • Experience providing technical assistance or coaching in school-based settings 
  • Experience navigating early learning and K–12 systems and the ability to partner effectively across systems to bring these two worlds together, including the ability to communicate effectively with Superintendents and District Leaders 
  • Ability to work with a wide range of diverse constituents, including families and community members, and communicate effectively and respectfully within each group 
  • Excellent project management skills and the ability to develop and implement multiple project plans 
  • Strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills, analytical ability, and good judgment 
  • Ability to track program expenses and oversee budgets 
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills 
  • Excellent leadership and teamwork skills 
  • Ability to facilitate groups with diverse stakeholders and the internal team leading through strategy, process, and professional development with a focus on equitable practices.  
  • Ability to enact values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into program and organizational outcomes 
  • Lead team through content development and continuous improvement 
  • Any satisfactory combination of experience and education that ensures the ability of an individual to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position may substitute for the stated qualifications. 

 

Benefits

  • Employer fully paid medical/dental coverage  
  • Employer fully paid long-term disability coverage  
  • Employer fully paid life insurance, accidental death, and employee assistance plan  
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with qualified match and contribution  
  • 125 Flexible Benefits Plan  
  • Commuter stipend  
  • Cell phone stipend  
  • Professional Development Stipend  
  • Annual office closure between December 26th and January 1st 
  • Three weeks paid time off  
  • Two weeks sick leave  
  • Eleven paid holidays, plus two floating holidays  
  • Paid time off to celebrate your birthday  
  • Paid time off to volunteer in CI’s community 

 

 

Equal Employment Statement

Children’s Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of CI to provide equal employment opportunity in accordance with applicable law to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, political opinion, national origin, familial status, mental and physical ability, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in all personnel actions. Personnel actions include recruitment, selection, promotion, compensation, training, and termination. Relations between employees shall be based on mutual respect, and regard for the effectiveness and well-being of the organization.   

 

 

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Consistent with applicable disability law, Children’s Institute will provide reasonable accommodations to assist qualified applicants or employees with disabilities to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, and to enjoy the same benefits and privileges of employment applicable to similarly situated employees without disabilities, provided the accommodation would not impose an “undue hardship” on the operation of CI.   

 

 

CI Mandatory COVID-19 Policy

Per Children’s Institute Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is a condition of employment for all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless they are granted a reasonable accommodation under applicable law.  

Bridging Gaps and Nurturing Community through Early Learning in Philomath

Bridging Gaps and Nurturing Community through Early Learning in Philomath

Summary

In this episode of the Early Link podcast, Rafael Otto joins Abby Couture and Sunny Bennett, the principal and preschool teacher at Clemens Primary School. Abby and Sunny discuss their stories of getting started in education as well as the moments they began to realize many children were missing out on early learning experiences. They go on to describe the educational environment in Philomath, where they partner with LBCC and Strengthening Rural Families to provide more opportunities for toddlers and pre-k students. Their preschool program incorporates a unique placement within the primary school, naturally connecting young students to their early elementary progression.

Abby and Sunny also share their positive experience as part of Children’s Institute’s Early Learning Academy, highlighting the inspiring sense of community, information sharing, and resource recommendations it provided. Participating in the academy empowered them and encouraged Philomath to engage community partners, improve practices, and foster connections among stakeholders. Sunny expressed how each meeting left her feeling empowered and ready to take on the next challenge, always leaving with a positive feeling. As Philomath’s early learning journey continues, the two dream of ensuring preschool access for all students in their community. They hope to create a supportive environment where families can thrive and stay connected from the earliest years onward.

More about The Early Link Podcast

The Early Link Podcast highlights national, regional, and local voices working in early childhood education and the nonprofit sector. The podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Rafael Otto, Children’s Institute’s director of communications.

Transcript

Transcript coming soon. 

Grants Coordinator

Grants Coordinator

Title: Grants Coordinator

Reports to: Development Director

Location: Children’s Institute offices in downtown Portland Hybrid with travel to community/partner meetings 

Job Classification: Exempt, 1 FTE (40 hours per week)

Salary: $67,000 – To uphold pay equity in the organization, Children’s Institute cannot negotiate this payrate

Closing: Applications must be received by 5 pm on June 8, 2023

To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to jobs@childinst.org with “Grants Coordinator” in the subject line. Please contact Hanan Zawideh, Chief Equity and Human Resources Officer, at hanan@childinst.org with accommodations requests.

At Children’s Institute (CI), our mission is to shift systems toward justice for families so that all children in Oregon, prenatal to grade five, have access to opportunity. We advocate for and secure public investments in early childhood programs and services, and work directly with school communities to improve the learning experience for children.  

We are keenly focused on children who experience barriers to opportunity due to race, poverty, disability, language, and geographic location. And we strive to connect research, lived experience, and community voice as we work to ensure that more children succeed in kindergarten, meet third grade benchmarks, and thrive in their early childhood experiences. 

CI prioritizes an integrated, team-based work approach and a flexible, collegial work environment grounded in our values of honor, equity, learning, connectedness, and innovation 

The Grants Coordinator will have a demonstrated personal and professional commitment to advancing racial and economic justice. In collaboration with team members, they will engage in supportive processes and practices of inclusive work culture. The individual in this role will have the skills to support and promote the assets of those furthest from opportunity.  

Position Description 

Under the supervision of the Director of Development, the Grants Coordinator is involved in all key functions of development operations and makes a significant contribution to the mission and vision of Children’s Institute. 

The Grants Coordinator is charged with spearheading grant writing and donor communications as Children’s Institute continues to grow and expand our impact. The Grants Coordinator is relationship focused with a strong background in nonprofit fundraising, and thrives on overseeing and coordinating a range of development responsibilities in a successful and evolving statewide advocacy and systems-change organization. 

CI currently has a 22-person staff with a budget of $4.9 million and growing. The organization is currently over 80 percent grant funded, with less than 20 percent of revenue coming from non-foundation sources, including individuals and corporate sponsorships. The Grants Coordinator will manage and expand a strong foundation and corporate grants program and will actively support the team as CI works toward diversification of revenue. The candidate must have written and verbal communication skills to share CI’s mission, vision, and work to gain the ongoing support of foundations and donors.  

Strong interpersonal skills to support staff and board members in developing relationships with funders and donors are critical. The ability to ensure that development strategies are carried out in keeping with CI’s values, mission, vision, and strategic plans is required. 

The Grants Coordinator has vision, excellent communications and marketing skills, and experience with overall nonprofit organizational fundraising including events, individual, and corporate strategies.  

Essential Job Duties | Strategic Fundraising  

  • Develop and write grant proposals that include rational and emotionally compelling articulation of Children’s Institute’s case for support. 
  • Find additional revenue sources aligned with CI’s mission and values, by conducting research on grant opportunities with a responsibility to evaluate and recommend proposed or potential grant funding opportunities.  
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify funding needs, develop proposals, ensure compliance, and submit reports.  
  • Manage grant calendar, deliverables, reporting, and documentation.  
  • Collaborate with office administrative staff to design and implement development office functions, including gift processing, prospect and foundation histories, and grant reporting.  
  • Work collaboratively with investment and communications teams to nurture and cultivate strong and effective fundraising relationships. 
  • Develop and execute donor communication tools including acknowledgments, updates, and reports. 
  • Support all aspects of Children’s Institute fundraising including events, individual giving, and campaigns.  

Primary Relationships 

Within the organization, the position has primary relationships with the Development Team, Finance & Operations Manager, and Communications team. The Grants Coordinator is a critical member of the five person Development Team. This position supports the Children’s Institute Investment Committee, foundations, and donors. The Grants Coordinator is expected to represent the organization to the community and must have the ability to understand and effectively explain CI’s work and programs in the early childhood arena. 

Position Qualifications 

Any satisfactory combination of experience and education that ensures the ability of an individual to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position may substitute for the stated qualifications. 

While we recognize that candidates may not possess all the following qualifications, ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in implementing a comprehensive fund development program and producing charitable contributions. 

Knowledge and experience in the following areas are required: 

  • Three years of fundraising experience in a professional position. 
  • A minimum of three years of grant writing and foundation experience.  
  • An understanding of the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, ethics, motivations for giving, and volunteering 
  • Demonstrated experience and confidence in connecting a mission to fundraising and asking people and organizations to contribute time and money to advance an organization’s work. 
  • Standard fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, special events, social media, and direct mail. 
  • Development office functions, including gift processing, prospect and donor histories, and fundraising reporting in partnership with office support staff. 
  • Familiarity with fundraising databases and general computer and social media fluency 
  • Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills 
  • Excellent project management skills with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple needs and expectations. 
  • Proficiency with MS Office, Adobe, Salesforce, and Canva preferred. 

 Benefits 

  • Employer fully paid medical/dental coverage 
  • Employer fully paid long-term disability coverage 
  • Employer fully paid life insurance, accidental death, and employee assistance plan 
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with qualified match and contribution 
  • 125 Flexible Benefits Plan 
  • Commuter stipend 
  • Cell phone stipend 
  • Professional Development Stipend 
  • Annual office closure between December 26th and January 1st 
  • Three weeks paid time off 
  • Two weeks sick leave 
  • Eleven paid holidays, plus two floating holidays 
  • Paid time off to celebrate your birthday 
  • Paid time off to volunteer in CI’s community 

Equal Employment Statement 

Children’s Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of CI to provide equal employment opportunity in accordance with applicable law to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, political opinion, national origin, familial status, mental and physical ability, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in all personnel actions. Personnel actions include recruitment, selection, promotion, compensation, training, and termination. Relations between employees shall be based on mutual respect, and regard for the effectiveness and well-being of the organization.  

Reasonable Accommodation Statement 

Consistent with applicable disability law, Children’s Institute will provide reasonable accommodations to assist qualified applicants or employees with disabilities to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential function of a job, and to enjoy the same benefits and privileges of employment applicable to similarly situated employees without disabilities, provided the accommodation would not impose an “undue hardship” on the operation of CI. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy 

Children’s Institute has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which means it is a condition of employment for all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless they are granted a reasonable accommodation under applicable law. 

Talking to Kids About Success

Talking to Kids About Success

Summary

In partnership with Oregon Humanities, we interviewed students in second, fifth, and sixth grades from Vose Elementary and Yoncalla Elementary to see what they think about success and where their ideas of success come from.

In this episode of The Detour, we captured wit, wisdom, jokes, and meaningful conversation with some incredible young people. Their messages are clear, thought-provoking, and chock-full of wisdom and wit.

“You don’t have to be the best at it to do it, but as long as you like it, you should probably keep doing it.”

More about The Detour

Each month, host Adam Davis and guests explore tough questions about how we live together. Conversations on The Detour connect ideas and personal experiences without looking for easy solutions. Here we find the path to understanding often takes unexpected turns. The Detour is produced by Oregon Humanities.

More about The Early Link Podcast

The Early Link Podcast highlights national, regional, and local voices working in early childhood education and the nonprofit sector. The podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Rafael Otto, Children’s Institute’s director of communications.

Transcript

Transcript coming soon. 

Early Childhood Champion Julie Young Honored with the 2022 Alexander Award

Early Childhood Champion Julie Young Honored with the 2022 Alexander Award

Children’s Institute is thrilled to honor Julie Young as this year’s recipient of the Alexander Award for her dedication and commitment to ensuring that young children in Oregon have the love, education, and care they need.  

The award was announced at CI’s Champions for Children event on December 1, 2022.   

Julie was on Children’s Institute’s Board of Directors from 2008-2022 and has been a tireless early childhood advocate for decades. She has been integral in supporting and advancing early childhood policies in Oregon.  

Julie is a retired social worker with clinical experience at a community mental health center, where she was a therapist. She has been a lifelong champion for young children and families, with a special focus on early childhood issues, children’s mental health, and education.  

“Julie Young has been a persistent, tireless advocate for the needs of young children,” said Nan Waller, a former CI Board member.  

“She is also one of the most gracious, compassionate people that I know. Her combination of grace and grit have proven to be a powerful force in improving the lives of children,” Waller said. 

We want to express our endless gratitude to Julie, whose passion and tireless commitment to children and families is evident every day. Her endless commitment to children and families has been instrumental in making Oregon the best place to be a kid. 

Julie Young 2022 Alexander Award

More about the Alexander Award 

The Alexander Award is named for prominent Oregon leader Dick Alexander and was first awarded by Children’s Institute to Governor John Kitzhaber in 2013 for his work building Oregon’s early childhood system. Since then, the award has recognized individual leaders such as Ken Thrasher and Sue Miller and communities like Wallowa County for significant work to improve the lives of young children. Beyond honoring individual leaders and communities, the Alexander Award calls attention to the need for business and civic leaders to work together to build a system of programs and services to support children’s healthy development and school readiness in order to ensure Oregon’s future success. 

Pin It on Pinterest