First Connections Program Director/CFCE Grant Coordinator

Job Description: Part-time position (24 hr/week) located in Acton coordinating and overseeing a grant-funded family support center that offers free programs and services to families in 11 towns with children birth to 6. Program Description:  For over 25 years, First Connections has equipped parents of young children with tools, practical strategies and connections with other families and their community to foster healthy parenting and guide them through the first years of the parenting journey.  Our team provides evidence based services that promote the Strengthening Families Protective Factors known to support early childhood success.  Program is funded through well-established grants secured from the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) and ParentChild+ grants and through local grantors and donors.  Services fall under three program areas (bolded below) and include playgroups, parent education, resource referrals, new parent groups, post-partum support, and early childhood home visiting.  Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight of the CFCE program including annual grant writing, in coordination with the lead agency, participation in regional and statewide CFCE Coordinator events and networking, monthly program reporting, and annual site visit.
• Provide oversight for the ParentChild+ home visiting program.  Oversee staff of Coordinator and home visitors serving 20 families each year. 
• Provide oversight for the First Year of Life parent support groups, including local and regional grant writing, in coordination with the lead agency, maintaining communication with funders and complete grant reports, as needed.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate staff to implement all programs.  Provide learning opportunities for staff, which may include use of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire, the Strengthening Families model, evidence-based early literacy practices, and current methods of data collection. 
• Conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings and collaboration with staff for all program planning.  Oversee implementation, evaluation, and reporting for each program area.
• Plan and maintain annual budget, in collaboration with the lead agency. Approve all purchases and usage of departmental credit card. 
• Appoint an Advisory Council Co-Chair and convene quarterly meetings of community-based partners to promote collaboration, glean input regarding community needs, and to avoid duplication of services. 
• Participate in JRI’s Program Director training program, bi-monthly PD networking workshops, and ongoing continuing education.  Participate in a weekly supervision meeting from JRI supervisor for lead agency updates, policy changes, and management support.
• Oversee content of quarterly newsletter disseminated to families and agencies on mailing list, as well as JRI website and First Connections Facebook and Instagram, with support from team.
• Connect with leaders of local Parent Association groups in our catchment area to assess needs in the community, and promote the exchange of information on services provided.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience working with families with young children of various economic, cultural and educational backgrounds. 
• Knowledge of early childhood development.  Knowledge of statewide/local community resources and services for families with young children.
• Strong communication, interpersonal/public relation skills, and demonstrated use of effective problem resolution and collaborative decision-making.
• Demonstrated analytical skills with experience in budget oversight, supervision and evaluation of staff.  Grant writing experience preferred.
• Must pass background checks, as well as have a driver’s license and car available.
• Bilingual skills a plus.