Assistant Director, Early Learning

AST DIR, Educ/Training Prgms

The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning’s mission is to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. We research, develop, and scale equitable educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically, the Center targets kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in children's educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nation's elite public research universities, the Center operates as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UF's service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work.

Supervision

• Supervise the Early Learning Managers and Coordinators to ensure delivery of high-quality service to all stakeholders.
• Work with the Director of Literacy and Early Learning to implement plans for operational processes and employees to achieve the center’s goals.
• Work closely with project leads to ensure sound implementation
• Schedule and facilitate recurring meetings with teams to support ongoing projects.
• Work with Early Learning managers and coordinators to create onboarding plans to support successful transition of new employees.
• Develop and implement performance management tools and systems tailored to the early learning teams' needs and objectives, including regular work planning tools, associate capacity management tools, and key performance indicators for team success.
• Provide day-to-day leadership in support of the center’s objectives.
• Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the Early Learning Team
• Support internal culture and engagement activities.
• Work closely with the Director of Literacy and Early Learning and managers to plan and implement the vision and mission of the Center

Project Management

• Collaborate with all departments to ensure that work and projects are completed on time and are of high quality.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Project Management Team and the Early Learning Team.
• Create and maintain systems and processes to streamline Early Learning operations.

Team Coordination

• Provide insight and expertise on the development of other products that will be offered online for early learning providers, directors, coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
• Serve as liaison between the Early Learning team and leadership.
• Attend and contribute in meetings, retreats, and focus groups where needed.
• Work in partnership with teams across the center to ensure processes and systems are established and maintained.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Early Learning project planners to ensure alignment of team and individual performance management with project timelines, resource allocation, and project deliverables.
• Collaborate with the Early Learning team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to accommodate the rapid growth objectives of the center.

Project Analysis

• Work with the Director of Literacy and Early Learning and other key personnel to track progress toward quarterly Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
• Collaborate with the Research and Evaluation Sr. Manager and Director of Literacy and Early Learning to ensure the collection of metrics for objectives and key results (OKRs).
• Stay abreast of changes and share information from the field, to guide ongoing refinement of products and services.
• Communicate progress to sponsors and working with partner organizations to support relationships.
• Disseminate research findings on Early Learning products.
• Assist with external partnerships and fundraising.
• Assist with federal grant proposals.

Other duties as assigned

May have to occasionally work nights and weekends.

Will travel for assigned business purpose minimally.

Salary is negotiable, competitive, and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience.

• Master’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Strong background in early learning – teaching and directing experience preferred.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience as a leader, coach, mentor or facilitator
• Experience with and belief in the value of professional collaboration
• Evidence of ability and willingness to work collaboratively and with a commitment to collegiality.
• Demonstrates the following dispositions highly valued by the Lastinger Center: committed, collaborative, culturally attuned, conscious of practice, curious, change agent
• Significant professional experience and demonstrated achievement in areas such as strategic planning, leading complex projects to completion, building collaborative networks, team optimization, accountability, managing sensitive relationships and projects
• Demonstrated ability to excel in fast-paced and fast-growing organizations.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.