Project Director

ICF seeks an experienced Project Director for a preK Quality Support Center (QSC). This position is a strategic leadership role responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of quality support services for a preK program. This position ensures rigorous execution of the QSC’s mission to advance high-quality, equitable, and accessible early childhood education by managing technical assistance, professional development, instructional coaching, operational supports, partnership engagement, data management, and compliance. The Project Director serves as the primary steward of continuous quality improvement for preK providers, fostering a collaborative, data-driven, and inclusive environment in alignment with the program’s commitments and goals. The program’s mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, families, and communities by: Expanding access to quality pre-K education for all eligible children elevating instructional standards and operational excellence among providers. Advancing equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness. Strengthening community partnerships and family engagement. Strengthening community partnerships and family engagement. This position requires 20% or more of local travel within the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive quality support system for preK providers, including technical assistance, professional development, and instructional coaching tailored to diverse operational settings. 
• Oversee the design and delivery of evidence-based technical assistance and professional learning opportunities that address instructional quality, program administration, and operational challenges. 
• Coordinate the provision of operational guidance, business management assistance, and financial technical support to providers, including emergency response protocols as needed. 
• Champion the use of data and feedback to drive ongoing quality improvement initiatives, ensuring timely progress toward program goals and contractual deliverables. 
• Maintain rigorous adherence to all contractual requirements, program standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. 
• Manage relationships with the preK Intermediary, OCF, state and local agencies, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders. 
• Lead strategic planning and resource allocation to maximize impact and sustainability of quality support services. 
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of QSC operations, provider supports, and service delivery. 

Basic Qualifications :

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field (required) 
• Minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience in early childhood education program management, quality improvement, or technical assistance leadership roles. 
• 1+ years strong interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with staff, clients, remote colleagues and supervisors, and others. 
• 1+ years of demonstrated expertise in instructional leadership, professional development, and coaching models for diverse early learning settings. 
• 1+ year of knowledge of Philadelphia/PA ECE, including strong knowledge of Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS and early learning standards 
• 1+ years of experience with Philadelphia’s ECE landscape, and the unique challenges facing community-based providers. 

Professional Skills :

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 
• Proven track record in managing complex projects, budgets, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. 
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and collaborate with multiple agencies and partners. 
• Deep commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and community engagement. 
• Experience with data systems, continuous quality improvement, and compliance monitoring. 
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and team leadership skills. 

 

 

Working at ICF

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