Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Start Early
Job overview
The Professional Development Manager at Start Early designs and manages learning and development programs to enhance skills of staff across the Early/Head Start Network, contributing to the organization's mission of quality early learning.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves designing, facilitating, and evaluating training programs, developing learning materials, utilizing e-learning platforms, collaborating with stakeholders, ensuring compliance with funder regulations, and analyzing data to support professional development aligned with organizational goals.
Compensation and benefits
The base annual salary ranges from $89,000 to $98,000, with benefits including comprehensive health plans, a holistic wellness program, 401k contributions, paid volunteer days, six months paid parental leave, and professional development opportunities.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have a Master's degree preferred or a Bachelor's with equivalent experience, 5-7 years of related experience, expertise in training design and delivery, knowledge of early childhood education and Head Start policies, proficiency with LMS and e-learning platforms, strong communication, project management, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work inclusively with diverse communities.
Career development
The position offers professional development programs and opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization committed to diversity and inclusion.
Work environment and culture
Start Early fosters a mission-driven, inclusive culture valuing appreciation, respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication, aiming to motivate and energize employees.
Company information
Start Early is a future-focused organization dedicated to quality early learning and care nationwide, known for its leadership in early childhood education through program, policy, and research partnerships.
Team overview
The Professional Development Manager reports to the Assistant Director of Professional Development and works collaboratively with Early/Head Start Network staff and other stakeholders.
Unique job features
This role uniquely supports a national network with a focus on early childhood education and integrates data-driven approaches to professional development within a mission-driven nonprofit.
Company overview
Start Early, a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 and based in Chicago, Illinois, focuses on advancing quality early learning and care for children in under-resourced communities. Originally known as the Ounce of Prevention Fund, the organization partners with various educational institutions, including Educare Chicago, to provide equitable early learning experiences. Start Early supports practitioners and leaders through research, professional development, and data-driven approaches, aiming to close the opportunity gap for young learners. The organization operates from its headquarters at 33 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your expertise in designing, developing, and facilitating training programs specifically tailored to early childhood education and Head Start initiatives, emphasizing your ability to meet government mandates and organizational standards.
Emphasize your skills in instructional design, curriculum development, use of learning management systems, and your proven track record in evaluating training effectiveness and creating engaging learning materials.
Apply through multiple channels including Start Early’s official corporate website and LinkedIn job postings to maximize your application visibility and increase chances of consideration.
Connect with professionals within Start Early’s Professional Development or Early/Head Start Network divisions on LinkedIn; open conversations with ice breakers such as asking about recent training initiatives they’ve found impactful or expressing enthusiasm for Start Early’s mission to close the opportunity gap in early learning.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'training programs,' 'instructional design,' 'learning management systems,' 'early childhood education,' and 'Head Start,' ensuring your resume passes automated screenings effectively.
Utilize Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to streamline your job search by automating tailored resume submissions, locating multiple application portals, and identifying relevant LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus more on interview preparation and skill enhancement.
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