ECD Quality & Design Thinking & Innovation Program Design Manager

OBJECTIVE AND POSITION SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Quality Design Thinking & Innovation Manager supports the ECD Senior Vice President while collaborating with ECD Programs Strategic Coordination Manager, ECD Program Design Manager, and ECD Leadership team.

This position will be responsible for supporting and guiding Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinators (CQIC) and Vice Presidents (VP) in each ECD program in existing and future states that include, but is not limited to, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. This role involves synthesizing and analyzing data across states, utilizing the design thinking human-centered framework to drive innovation and improvement. This position will create compelling narratives to communicate insights and recommendations to the Senior Vice President of ECD.

SPECIALIZATIONS

Candidate must have or be eligible to complete a TB test and receive a TDAP vaccination. Candidate may be required to pass a physical exam and all required background checks per Head Start, state, local, and licensure regulations to include a Child Abuse and Neglect register check and obtain a level one fingerprint clearance card. Candidate must have, maintain a valid drivers’ license, and auto insurance within the state of their residence. Must be First Aid and CPR certified or obtain certification within the first 6 months of employment.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and Guide CQICs

• Provide guidance and support to Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinators within ECD programs in all states.
• Assist ECD VPs in implementing design thinking, human-centered approaches to address program challenges and improve service delivery.
• Stay informed about relevant laws, Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), and local regulations. Ensure program compliance with state, federal and local requirements, including health and safety standards.

• Data Synthesis and Analysis
  • Support the development and implementation of data management systems for data-driven decision-making and support efforts to address noted deficiencies or improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Collect, synthesize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from ECD programs across states.
  • Identify trends, insights, and opportunities for improvement through data analysis.
  • Develop data-driven recommendations and action plans to enhance program quality and effectiveness.
  • Continuously reviewing and improving ECD programs based on data, feedback, research, HSPPS, local licensing, and emerging best practices. This includes staying informed about the latest research and trends in ECE and implementing changes to enhance program quality and effectiveness.

• Utilize Design Thinking Process:
  • Key lead of the design thinking, human centered design to solve complex problems within ECD programs.
  • Collaborate with Strategic Coordination Manager and Program Design Manager to support and guide ECD program staff, parents, community partners across states to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test innovative solutions.
  • Ensure that solutions are user-centered and meet the needs of children, families, and staff.
  • Participate in the Office of Head Start Aligned Monitoring events and guide corrective action follow-up, as necessary. Work to resolve areas of noncompliance and support implementation of corrective action plans.

• Storytelling and Communication
  • Create compelling narratives and visual presentations to communicate findings, insights, and recommendations.
  • Present stories and data-driven insights to the ECD Senior Vice President, ECD Vice Presidents across states, Strategic Coordination Manager, and Program Design Manger.
  • Use storytelling to illustrate the impact of innovations and improvements on program outcomes.
  • Maintain healthy and positive relationships and communication with program leadership, staff, families, and community served.
  • Maintain confidentiality in matters pertaining to staff, parents, and children.
  • Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to cultural issues and community practices of disenfranchised, marginalized, and invisible communities, including dual language speakers.

• Collaboration and Coordination
  • Work collaboratively with Strategic Coordination Manager and Program Design Manager to align efforts and ensure cohesive program strategies and to facilitate training and workshops on the design thinking, human centered design principles.
  • To support strategic planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives across ECD programs.
  • Work to develop and support cross content integration along with bridging agency internal partners to support and foster a smooth transition.
  • Work with ECD Programs Strategic Coordination Manager, Program Design Manager and team in building relationships and partnerships with other organizations, agencies, and stakeholders in the ECE field. This involves attending conferences, participating in working groups, and staying connected to the larger ECE community to share knowledge and collaborate on initiatives.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by SVP of ECD that are necessary to conduct the administrative and education programmatic activities necessary to fulfill the goals and objectives of CPLC and ECD.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education /Background:

1. Minimum education qualifications:
   1. Bachelor’s degree in human services or education.
   2. 5 years of management experience.

Other requirements:

1. Minimum qualifications for the position are as follows:
   1. Demonstrated understanding of early childhood education and the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Head Start Act.
   2. Demonstrated data systems expertise and skills.
   3. Strong capacity building experience.
   4. Strong oral and written communication, and organizational skills.