Manager I | Education Programs

Job Summary
 

The Manager | Education Programs
is responsible for overseeing CT Public's early childhood education (ECE) initiatives under a two-year funded grant focused on New Haven, Hartford, and New London counties. The Manager is primary operational lead ensuring that contractors, partners, and internal departments execute priorities, project plans, and deliverables. A central focus is overseeing contractor-led engagement initiatives, outreach, professional development (PD), and educational programming as well as developing sustainable education engagement practices beyond the grant period.

The salary range is $58,500.00 to $88,000.00; however, this is a grant-funded position and salary aligns w/grant budget.

Essential Function

Education Program Oversight & Implementation 

• Oversees implementation of ECE program and grant-funded initiatives.
• Works in partnership with selected contractor to translate educational priorities into scope, plan, timeline, expectation, and deliverables.
• Provides educational oversight to ensure activities reflect ECE development principles, developmentally appropriate practices, and applicable educational standards. 
• Reviews proposals, learning materials, and PD for grant alignment.
  
• Coordinates with internal departments to ensure initiatives incorporate CT Public and PBS KIDS programming/resources.

Contractor & Project Management  

• Oversees contractor implementation of approved scopes of work.
• Oversees project schedules, milestones, reporting, and accountability
• Reviews/monitors contractor workplans, progress reports, educational materials, activities, and deliverables
  

Educator Engagement & Professional Development Oversight  

• Ensures contractor activities incorporate community needs, family perspectives, accessibility, and culturally responsive engagement practices.  
• Reviews PD plan, materials, and training to align with relevant ECE standards.

• Monitors implementation and effectiveness of PD.

• May facilitate selected PDs

Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement  

• Establishes program-level performance expectations and monitoring

• Reviews participation, engagement, geographic reach, etc.

• Evaluates contractor progress and identifies gaps + coordinates appropriate corrective actions.  

• Uses program findings and stakeholder feedback to recommend improvements.
  

Budget, Resource & Sustainability Oversight  

• Administers assigned program budgets.

• Monitors contractor expenditures, invoices, and resource utilization against approved budgets.  

• Identifies resource needs and potential implementation risks that could affect program success.  

 Responsibilities  

• Maintain project records, contractor documentation and program materials.    

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of

• ECE, family engagement, educational programming & community-based learning.
• Project/program management principles + community engagement & partnership-development
• Program evaluation, measurement and continuous-improvement

Skill in

• Managing complex, multi-phase projects & develop clear project plans, timelines, deliverables, and systems
• Building relationships and establishing trust.
• Facilitating meetings and moving groups from discussion to action.
• Collecting, interpreting, and communicating program data and outcomes.
• Managing contractors, vendors, budgets, and project resources

Ability to

• Operate at a strategic and hands-on level and lead projects independently.
• Create structure around complex or evolving initiatives & address problems.
• Adapt programs and approaches based on community needs and feedback.
• Demonstrate curiosity, cultural awareness, sound judgment, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Communicate effectively in English; bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.

Physical Requirements 

The physical activities include frequent in-person and virtual interactions. It is essential to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods and perform computer-related tasks. Must have close visual acuity to perform activities. The position lifting >25 lbs, standing for extended periods, and traveling to locations throughout the state.

Working Conditions 

Job functions are typically performed under conditions found in general office work. Duties are generally performed Mon-Fri during regular business hours; however, evening/weekend work is required. Regular travel throughout Connecticut is required.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Education, ECE, Child Development, Project Management, Community Engagement, or a closely related field AND a minimum of ten (10) years
of direct and sustained professional experience in a directly related field AND/OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.