Associate Director of Early Learning Partnerships in Hermiston, Oregon at UMATILLA-MORROW COUNTY HEAD START INC

Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Early Learning Partnerships provides strategic and operational oversight of key community-based early childhood initiatives, including the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub (BMELH), Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), Every Child Belongs (ECB), and Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC).

This position serves as the UMHS co-lead for the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub in partnership with Intermountain Education Service District (IMESD), the fiscal backbone organization. The Associate Director is responsible for ensuring UMHS meets all contracted deliverables, maintains strong cross-agency collaboration, and contributes to effective regional early learning system coordination.

This position is responsible for strengthening alignment and collaboration across BMELH, CCR&R, ECB, and OPEC. The Associate Director will lead efforts to design and implement cross-program strategies that enhance coordination, support service delivery, and promote high-quality, integrated outcomes for families, providers, and communities.

This role requires a highly relational, organized, and self-directed leader who demonstrates initiative, strong communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across diverse stakeholders. The Associate Director serves as both an internal connector and external representative, ensuring programs are aligned, informed, and effectively positioned within the region’s broader early learning system.

Programs Overseen:

• Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub (BMELH) – Co-Lead (UMHS)
• Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)
• Every Child Belongs (ECB)
• Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC)

Essential Responsibilities:

BMELH Co-Leadership (Primary Function)

• Serve as the UMHS co-lead for BMELH in partnership with IMESD, ensuring effective collaboration and shared leadership.

• Collaboratively set and drive a regional vision for early childhood outcomes aligned with state priorities (e.g., kindergarten readiness, family stability, health equity).
• Identify systemic gaps (access, workforce, funding fragmentation) and mobilize solutions across agencies.
• Translate broad policy frame works and state early learning systems into cohesive regional strategies.
• Serve as a convener and integrator across sectors: education, health, behavioral health, housing, child welfare, and economic development.
• Shape policy by:

• Translating community needs into policy recommendations

• Providing testimony or briefings to legislators and agencies

• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure organizational and regional compliance/alignment.

• Build and sustain high trust partnerships with:

• School districts and Education School District
• Local nonprofit organizations
• Local community services agencies
• Local health care organizations
• State agencies (Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Oregon Health Authority (OHA), etc.)
• Community-based organizations and tribal partners

• Represent UMHS, BMELH and the region in:

• Hub governance, leadership, and regional coordination meetings
• State-level policy discussions, advisory groups, and coalitions

• Ensure UMHS fulfills all subcontracted responsibilities, deliverables, and reporting requirements tied to the Hub agreement.
• Collaboratively lead collective impact functions, ensuring alignment of goals, metrics, and coordinated action.
• Maintain proactive communication and coordination with the IMESD co-lead to support alignment, transparency, and shared decision-making.
• Ensure effective two-way communication between BMELH and UMHS by consistently sharing updates, expectations, and opportunities, and elevating UMHS perspectives and needs.
• Monitor progress on deliverables and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Actively engage in partnership-building efforts and navigate complex relationships in a solutions-oriented manner

Liaison, Communication and Representation

• Serve as the primary liaison between UMHS and external partners, including BMELH/IMESD and other community and state partners.
• Translate priorities, initiatives, and expectations across BMELH, CCR&R, ECB, and OPEC into clear, actionable guidance for UMHS staff.
• Increase internal awareness and understanding of all assigned programs, ensuring staff understand program goals, expectations, and connections across services.
• Ensure UMHS programs are informed, engaged, and aligned with regional early learning and family support efforts.
• Represent UMHS as a spokesperson for BMELH, CCR&R, ECB, and OPEC in external meetings, workgroups, and collaborative settings.
• Communicate UMHS program strengths, needs, and perspectives effectively to external partners.
• Facilitate consistent information sharing across programs to strengthen coordination, alignment, and service delivery.
• Act as a visible, credible ambassador for early childhood in the region.
• Engage families, including Head Start Parent Policy Council structures, ensuring authentic parent voice informs strategy.
• Build public will and awareness around early childhood investment and impact.

Cross-Program Coordination and Systems Alignment

• Lead intentional alignment across BMELH, CCR&R, ECB, and OPEC to strengthen coordinated service delivery.
• Design and implement cross-program strategies that leverage each program’s strengths to better support families and providers.
• Facilitate regular cross-program meetings to promote collaboration, shared planning, and accountability.
• Identify opportunities for joint initiatives (e.g., shared outreach, coordinated trainings, integrated family engagement strategies).
• Ensure programs are not operating in isolation by promoting shared goals, communication, and resource alignment.
• Promote visibility and understanding of CCR&R, OPEC, and ECB both internally and externally to strengthen program alignment and community impact.
• Support the development of integrated deliverables that reflect collaboration across programs and align with regional early learning priorities.

Leadership and Program Oversight

• Provide direct supervision and support to program managers across assigned programs.

• Ensure programs operate in alignment with contract requirements, grant deliverables, and organization expectations.
• Monitor program performance, outcomes, and timelines to ensure goals are met.
• Support implementation of strategic priorities across programs.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with the BMELH Board to ensure:

• Strong governance practices
• Clear strategic direction
• Support board development and alignment with the regional leadership role.

Compliance and Contract Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including DELC, ODHS, and other funding entities.
• Monitor contract deliverables, reporting requirements, and spending timelines.
• Partner with finance staff to track budgets, expenditures, and funding allocations.
• Identify and address areas of risk or non-compliance.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement creative approaches to align programs and improve service delivery.
• Analyze program structures and workflows to identify gaps, duplication, and opportunities for integration.
• Pilot and scale cross-program initiatives that improve outcomes for families, providers, and communities.
• Use data, feedback, and staff input to continuously refine and strengthen cross-program collaboration.
• Resource Development and Stewardship

• Secure and diversify funding streams:

• Federal
• State grants and contracts
• Philanthropic and private partnerships
• Align funding strategies with regional priorities and sustainability goals.
• Oversee stewardship of resources with strong fiscal governance and transparency.

• Address workforce shortages and quality challenges by:

• Partnering with higher education and training systems
• Supporting career pathways and retention strategies
• Support the development of a regional model for “grow our own.”
• Strengthening capacity across partner organizations, not just internally.

Initiative, Organization and Accountability

• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills to effectively oversee multiple programs and competing priorities.
• Proactively identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities, and take initiative to address them.
• Independently manage deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements across multiple funding streams.
• Ensure consistent follow-through on tasks, commitments, and communication.
• Develop and maintain systems, trackers, and tools to support organization and accountability across programs.
• Promote and further develop system‐wide enhancements that connect community members/parents to partners.
• Identification of a growing partner pool of early learning advocates and providers:

• Ensures that education data, kindergarten transitions, outreach to communities, and Birth to Five providers not currently receiving or connected with resources are identified and supported.

• Ensure that parent support and engagement of all three Hub domains:

• Ensure that culturally competent parent and family engagement is achieved by supporting OPEC (Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative) intersections, and promoting other services provided by regional entities.

• Gather and share data for utilization in community assessment and enhance dearly childhood education performance.

Data, Reporting and Evaluation

• Oversee data collection, reporting, and program evaluation efforts.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of required reports.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of cross-program collaboration efforts and use findings to improve integration and outcomes.
• Use data to inform decision-making and program improvements.
• Regularly communicate value-add and impact using both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Position the organization as a data-informed leader in the early childhood system.

General Staff Responsibilities:

• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned 
• Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plan and objectives of Agency 
• Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families, and community 
• Keep current and accurate records and file reports on time 
• Maintain confidentiality in regard to staff and family information 
• Maintain objectives and professional standards 
• Improve self‐skills and education 
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy 
• Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services 
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner 

• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties 
• And or any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor 

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, including candidates with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Social work, Public Administration or related field and demonstrated leadership experience in early learning or community-based programs and enrolled in a program leading to a Bachelor’s degree within three (3)years of hire date.

Experience and Skills Requirements:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in program management or supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining collaborative partnerships across organizations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with early learning hubs or regional systems coordination.
• Experience supervising multiple programs or managers.
• Experience managing multiple contracts or funding streams.
• Experience working within cross-sector collaboratives.
• Bilingual (/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Sit for long periods of time with daily use of computer screen;
• Do tasks involving repetitive arm and hand movements, such as heavy word processing/keyboarding, using various office tools to collate, punch, cut, or stamp paper and other repetitive or high‐volume tasks such as bulk mailings, filing projects, etc.;
• Occasional filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending as necessary;
• Occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to50 pounds

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment/Conditions:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment
• Occasional traveling to regional or state-level meetings
• Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people

Safety:

Apply safe practices in the performance of duties

• Reporting of unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury immediately
• Complying with organization safety standards
• Participate in emergency drills
• Promote a culture of safe environments in the workplace

Organizational Requirements:

• Current enrollment in the Child CareLicensingDivision’s Central Background Registry
• Current physical examination, drug screen, and TB screen documentation prior to hire
• Ability to drive a private or organization vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements. A DMV Record check will be conducted prior to hire.
• Desire to work with low‐income children and their families
• Communicate effectively with staff, families, children, and the public using the telephone and in face‐to‐face, one‐to‐one, and in group settings
• Fluent in English both verbally and written

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals in all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, career advancement opportunities, working conditions, scheduling, disciplinary action, termination of employment, compensation, and access to benefits and training. We recruit, hire, and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.