Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is located in Midtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. To learn more about the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness visit www.okschoolreadiness.org  

College/Department Overview

The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR) seeks a dynamic individual to provide leadership to support state and community initiatives to improve early childhood outcomes. The OPSR Program Director works as a team member with internal staff members and external state- and community-level partners to accomplish collective goals and objectives of the organization. OPSR is a contracted organization of UCO.

Position Overview

Plans, designs, develops, executes and manages program to ensure successful implementation and continuation of program. Ensures the program follows the guidelines, specifications, policy and procedures are enforced and followed. Provide direct oversight and vision for the programs technological or educational needs and goals. Provides information to and facilitates communication between administrators, faculty, staff, and students concerning program/services. Maintains relevant databases to ensure accurate and accessible records. Prepare reports summarizing statistical data or describing program objectives and accomplishments. Performs needs-assessment, planning, data collection and analysis in order to make continual improvement to on-going programs. May develop, design, and or coordinate curriculum and requirements for the program. Secures funds through annual budget, grant writing or other means.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions

In collaboration with Executive Director, oversees and implements long range planning and development. Participates in planning and development of the OPSR Board, committee and workgroups agendas.  Provides reports and operational updates to the board, committees and workgroups.

Implements strategic direction developed by the OPSR Board and Executive Director. Implements an annual work plan for community engagement in alignment with the OPSR strategic plan.

Provides expertise and oversees the day-to-day activities of projects that engage community partners in the implementation of the OPSR strategic direction, including developing resources on policies, goals and objectives for community projects.

Facilitates communication with and between community partners in OPSR projects.

Supervises the staff assigned to projects under the direction of the Executive Director.

Collects data, develops and distributes reports on assigned OPSR projects.

Maintains open and ongoing communication and cooperative relationships with OPSR partners.

Provide expertise to the development of materials which may include training curriculum, presentation, promotional items, training materials, newsletters, advertisements, public engagement, advocacy efforts and additional materials as needed.

Conducts research on trends and best practices relating to early care and education.

Provides leadership in monitoring and ensuring adequate compliance of community projects and grants by preparing progress reports, reviewing monthly invoices, and providing regular updates to the OPSR board.

Supports OPSR goals and activities by meeting and/or speaking to individuals, groups, and organizations to engage community partners.

Represents OSPR at the state level on task forces and committees as designated by the Executive Director.

Fosters a positive working relationship among all staff as a leadership team member, ensuring regular communication among all staff and board regarding assigned project activities.

Provides expertise and coordination for the development of the program/agenda for OPSR sponsored training events.

Holds a valid driver’s license; use own vehicle for work.  Must be willing to travel within the state and occasionally for out-of-state conferences.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Requires a bachelor's degree in related field plus 7+ years of experience with leading planning, including program development and innovation, and assessment in this field. Extensive knowledge and comprehensive understanding of functional area. Appropriate profession accomplishments and credentials.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

Master's degree in early childhood education, child development, education, social work, psychology, human relations, community development or related field. Minimum of five years of experience in programs administration and supervision, program evaluation and improvement, or community development. Experience working effectively with a variety of education and child development constituencies including, but not limited to, faculty, staff, OPSR Board and community groups.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Strong knowledge and commitment to improving early childhood outcomes through partnerships and community development. Understanding of and experience with planning early childhood professional development. Understand of, and experience with community, public education, child development and legislative networks at many levels. Understanding of, and experience with, large-scale statewide early childhood program development. Excellent organization and written/oral communication skills. An ability to manage multiple complex projects, as well as possessing an entrepreneurial approach to the start-up of new initiatives. Superior organization and time management skills. An ability to multi-task, address and pursue several projects simultaneously. A high degree of energy, creativity, initiative and flexibility. A readiness and ability to work cooperatively. An accurate attention to detail. Experience and expertise in using Microsoft Office programs.

Physical Demands

Repetitive movement of hands and fingers - typing and/or writing. Frequent standing, and/or sitting. Occasional walking, stooping, kneeling or crouching. Reach with hands and arms. Visually identify, observe and assess. Ability to communicate with supervisor/students/colleagues. Regular physical attendance required. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.