Whether you still feel as though you are a child at heart, you have a child of your own, or you have family and friends who have CHILDREN … everyone knows that KIDS are the FUTURE.

At the Department of Early Learning (DEL) we consistently ask ourselves “how the work we did today helped a child?”  The passion for children is what drives us to continue striving to ensure that children, have every opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.  

DO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS PURPOSE DRIVEN AND PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR WORK?  
 
Here at DEL we are committed to our mission and enthusiastic about the opportunities we have to make a positive impact on the State’s poorest families and their children. One of our goals is to prepare children from low-income families to enter Kindergarten on equal footing with their peers.  
  
Find out more at www.del.wa.gov
 
 
The Opportunity
 
The Department of Early Learning, Quality Practice and Professional Growth (QPPG) Team is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated person to fill our Program Specialist 5 (ECEAP Operations Manager) position in Olympia, Washington.
 
The ECEAP Operations Manager position holds a high level of responsibility, providing oversight and supervision of the ECEAP Operations Team to ensure all aspects of program planning, contracts and budget management, communications strategy and government relations processes are implemented efficiently and effectively. This position works closely with the ECEAP Administrator and the ECEAP Management team to ensure ECEAP operations are implemented in alignment with administrative and program goals, strategy and mission. The ECEAP Operations Manager must take all related laws as well as best practices into account when making decisions on program operations, ECEAP budget, ECEAP contract and Performance Standards, and ultimately to services affecting children and families receiving ECEAP services.                                                    


 
Required Qualifications:
 Expert level knowledge of:

• Public administration and program management
• Principles of effective collaboration and partnership
• Staff development, personnel rules and policies
• Rules and regulations governing ECEAP
• Contracting and contract monitoring in Washington State
• State legislative process and government relations processes
• Principles of change management
• DEL Mission and Strategic Plan
• Washington State Early Learning Plan
• Federal and state laws
• Comprehensive preschool programs: family support principles and early childhood education
• Issues affecting families in poverty and culturally-diverse families

Competencies include the skills and abilities to:

• Lead teams through organizational change, program planning and quality improvement
• Hire and supervise, build a cohesive work team, delegate duties and support staff in achieving program goals
• Align program management decisions with agency mission.
• Work effectively within political environments
• Engage stakeholders
• Research and apply best practices models related to program operations
• Evaluate and communicate best practices research
• Compile, analyze and communicate data
• Make data driven decisions about policy, processes and protocols
• Grasp complex issues and develop action plans
• Exercise informed professional judgment
• Write and speak clearly and concisely
• Articulate methods, concerns and recommendations

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:   

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five or more years professional experience with state level comprehensive preschool programs  
  

Supplemental Information
 
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) which contains a “union security” provision. This means that, as a condition of employment, you must either join the union and pay union dues or pay the union a representation or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.
 
 
Application Procedure
 
To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply online via 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.
 
 
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:  

•  Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• You may not reapply for this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “work experience” and “education” sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the “work experience” section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Dianne Dorsey at (360)725-4922 or dianne.dorsey@del.wa.gov.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

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.