EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH BOARD

Address: 724 Montezuma Street, Prescott, AZ 86301

Salary: $60,000 - $64,000 

Grade: 21

The Program Coordination Specialist will be responsible for coordinating efforts amongst early childhood and community partners, including local, tribal and county entities, as well as, other appropriate collaborators. The position will support the regional partnership council, early childhood and community partners in the development and expansion of the early childhood system. Using innovative approaches, the program coordination specialist will work to make significant changes in policies, programs or practices that benefit families with children, birth to age 5. This position is regionally funded through the First Things First Yavapai Regional Partnership Council. The continuation of this position is contingent upon available funding and alignment with the strategic priorities of the regional partnership council and is therefore subject to review annually and at the end of the funding cycle, June 30, 2027.

Reporting to the Regional Director, who serves the Yavapai Regional Partnership Council, the Coordination Specialist will work collaboratively with community partners to support systemic efforts that increase families' access to information, resources and education along a continuum of need for families and professionals. The Coordination Specialist will examine the policies, practices, and partners in the early childhood and family support systems to identify system levers and opportunities for improved system coordination. The Coordination Specialist will be responsible for collaboratively developing a core of “system navigators” to relationally support families through the system by creating a comprehensive map of system partners, identifying solutions to known barriers and establishing agreements for shared work to create more streamlined, accessible opportunities for families.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

● Act as an agent of change who embraces challenges and motivates/guides others to recognize opportunity for change and/or new direction.
● Establish and sustain relationships with diverse system partners through interpersonal skills, mindful engagement strategies and ongoing communication.
● Increase community members' contributions to advancing coordination work. Identify and recruit new community partners.
● Plan and facilitate community meetings: including organizing logistics, recruiting participants, setting meeting agenda, developing objectives and conducting meeting follow‐up. Engage in the development of projects, as outlined in the regional strategic plan, by analyzing data, setting goals and outcomes, measuring progress and execution within budget standards to achieve projects/ goals within a determined sequence of tasks.
● Analyze data to develop an organized, interrelated network of elements, programs and services that work together for all children.
● Identify opportunities to leverage infrastructure, capacity building and political contacts in the region to include a variety of sectors, such as: health, mental health, family support, early care and education community from preschool through higher education;
faith communities, business, philanthropic organizations and others.
● Performs duties in a manner that supports the First Things First internal culture and mission with respect and cooperation.
● Supports additional opportunities as related to the role and Program Coordination Specialist functions.

Region Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Develop and work with the support of a local advisory committee
• Attend established community meetings, city and town council meetings to gain an understanding of the interplay of community priorities, culture, family support and educational systems.
• Travel throughout the region to identify people and organizations offering services in the region to create a resource map for the area, identifying any gaps or overlaps in services.
• Communicate with local school districts family resource coordinators to better understand the needs of families and students entering the K-12 system.
• Solicit information from families by utilizing surveys, phone calls, emails, conducting community forums, and traveling to rural communities to gain a better understanding of family needs and barriers across the region.

● Preference of a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the purpose of systems building (e.g. children’s health, early learning, family support, social work, organizational development or project management). Equivalent experience may be considered.
● Strong familiarity with the Yavapai region.
● Experience in working with communities as a trusted partner.
● Strong meeting facilitation skills.
● Ability to develop and conduct public presentations.
● Computer skills in Google Suite, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as databases, virtual platforms, internet proficiency and other communication devices.
● Ability to communicate complex information so it is easily understood.
● Ability to identify gaps and opportunities in the early childhood system.
● Experience in coordinating efforts with diverse community partners.
● Be self‐motivated, proactive and able to take responsibility for initiating and following through on tasks.
● Be organized, detail‐oriented, possess the ability to handle multiple projects under a deadline.
● Ability to work in a fast‐paced environment.
● Ability to work effectively in a team environment to meet goals.
● Experience creating and fostering a mutually respectful environment where diverse contributions and perspectives are valued.
● Demonstrate reliability and productivity working with minimal supervision and maintaining multiple responsibilities with regular and punctual attendance, including the ability to maintain a flexible schedule.

Region Specific Qualifications:
• Strong familiarity with the early childhood, education, special education and health systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of family systems including awareness of challenges faced by families with young children in the Yavapai region.
• Graphics development, production of print products and the use of websites, social media and other forms of media to share information.
• Availability and flexibility to travel within the region with state resources and accommodations (e.g. short/long distances and overnight work trips).
• Must have reliable internet and phone access.

Review of resumes will begin on May 27, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Please submit a one (1) page cover letter explaining interest in the position and how your previous experiences align with this position. Applications will not be considered without a cover letter, along with a comprehensive resume and at least three professional references.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

ASRS

HR@FirstThingsFirst.org