The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is responsible for offering programs and services that support healthy child development and school readiness for the approximately 90,000 children born in Washington each year. With a strong commitment to great service, we advance child safety and protection through licensing, regulation and education. We are dedicated to working with partners to build a world-class early learning system in which children and families have access to programs, supports and the resources they need.
 
The Government & Community Relations/Head Start Collaboration Office at DEL is looking to fill the Head Start State Collaboration Administrator (HSSCO) position in our Olympia office. The majority of staff in our Olympia office enjoy sit/stand workstations, flexible work hours and for those who choose to participate we have an Infants at Work Program and Tuition Assistance Program.  Looking for work/life balance and an employer who is committed to your professional growth, DEL is the place. 
 
To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at: www.del.wa.gov.
 
This position is a Washington Management Service (WMS) Band 2 employment opportunity.
  
About the Position
 
The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is recruiting for a Head Start State Collaboration Administrator.  The HSSCO exists to facilitate collaboration among Head Start agencies and entities that carry out activities designed to benefit low income children from birth to school entry and their families.  The HSSCO provides a structure and a process for the Office of Head Start (OHS) to work with state agencies and local entities to leverage their common interests around young children and their families to formulate, implement, and improve state and local policy and practice.  To support regional office priorities: including school readiness, family and community partnerships, public health, disabilities, and support to military families.
 
This position will perform the following work:

• Oversees annual HSSCO needs assessment process.
• Manages development and implementation of 5 year HSSCO grant application and strategic plan.
• Attends national and regional meetings as required by the grant.
• Develops and oversees HSSCO budget.
• Facilitates the HSSCO advisory committee.
• Liaison between the state and the Office of Head Start Regional Office.
• Oversees the work of the HSSCO Program Specialist.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with others across a broad spectrum of managerial, administrative, and professional staff.
• Write effectively and develop effective written policies and procedures.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, speaks publicly, and works as a team member both within DEL and in the broader community.
• Organize and prioritize a wide range of responsibilities.
• Achieve agreement through negotiations with others.
• Use available resources efficiently and strategically.
• Ability to work independently and operate with autonomy and initiative.
• Management skills to plan, organize, motivate, and record work activities which lead to building early childhood systems.
• Ability to write annual and semiannual reports to funding sources as well as to write grant proposals.

Required Qualifications (This position requires knowledge and experience in):

• Child care, health, education, disabilities, family support, homelessness, literacy, and professional development.
• Public administration and program management.
• Budget development and fiscal management.
• Contracting and contract monitoring in Washington State.
• Staff development, personnel rules and policies.
• Comprehensive preschool programs (both state funded early childhood programs and federal Head Start programs), family support principles and early childhood education.
• Comprehensive early childhood systems.
• DEL’s mission and strategic plan.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:   

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Early Childhood Leadership and Administration, Communications, or related field, AND two years of professional experience in the field.
• Professional-level experience in communications or public relations in the public sector may be substituted, year for year, for the education requirement.
• Experience working for a government entity a plus.
• Minimum three years of experience contracting in the public sector, familiar with managing budgets, and government contracting rules and regulations.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

1. Employment is contingent upon candidate successfully passing a criminal background check.
2. Valid Driver’s License
3. Travel is necessary to attend meetings and trainings across the state. Overnight travel will be necessary to attend or present at conferences both in state and out of state.

 
Questions about this job opportunity?  Please contact Dianne.Dorsey@del.wa.gov or at 360.725.4922.
 
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
 
Application Procedure
To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply online via http://www.careers.wa.gov.  In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position.
 
1.     A letter of interest clearly describing how you meet the QUALIFICATIONS listed.
2.     Your chronological resume/work history depicting work experience and/or education that support your letter of interest. 
3.     A list of at least 3 professional references including names, professional titles, and current phone numbers.
 
 
The Washington State Department of Early Learning is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter at 360. 725.4922. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1.