Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist

The Child Development Division (CDD) within the Department for Children and Families (DCF) is hiring an Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist. This position is responsible for developing and managing statewide programs that support children from birth through age 13. The role focuses on coordinating and integrating early childhood and afterschool services across programs and agencies, supporting workforce development for early childhood and afterschool professionals, and strengthening family education and support initiatives. The Specialist will also work closely with partners across Vermont to build and sustain a strong, connected system of early childhood and afterschool services, ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

This position administers grant programs supporting early childhood and afterschool systems. It also represents the Division within several state-level teams and workgroups, and requires extensive collaboration and relationship-building. Key responsibilities of the position include:
1. Administer multiple programs via grantmaking processes to state and local organizations (i.e. Parent Child Center Network, Vermont Afterschool, VTAEYC's workforce development grants, etc.).
2. Lead Vermont's application and reporting process for assigned federal grants (i.e. Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grant).
3. Conduct analysis, recommend direction, and develop approaches for key. strategic initiatives within the Division in collaboration with Division leadership.
4. Providing state-level coordination and communication to grant recipients and partners.
5. Represent CDD on assigned statewide committees (i.e. Building Bright Futures (BBF) Vermont Early Childhood Action Plan committees).
6. Provide input on the Child Care Quality and Capacity Unit's strategic plan and continuous quality improvement.
7. Providing input on early childhood education capacity building, professional development, and workforce development needs.
8. Collaborating within the STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) program.

Candidates who have some or all of the following experience and skills are preferred:

9. Expertise in early Childhood, child development, human services, public administration, or related field.
10. Experience in early childhood or afterschool program administration, policy, or systems development.
11. Demonstrated experience with grant administration, including application, monitoring, and reporting processes.
12. Strong understanding of early childhood and afterschool systems, including workforce development, quality improvement, and family support.
13. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse partners, including state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.
14. Proven ability to analyze complex information, make recommendations, and support strategic planning.
15. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.
16. Experience preparing programmatic reports, including federal reporting.
Project management experience.
17. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

CDD is housed in the Waterbury State Office Complex (WSOC) in Waterbury, Vermont. The Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist is a hybrid position, and sits within the Child Care Quality and Capacity Team.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Rey Garofano at the Child Care Quality and Capacity Team.

This position, Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist (Job Requisition #53504), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact rey.garofano@vermont.gov
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Duties are primarily performed in both a standard office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. A variety of meetings and public hearings may require some evening work. Strong conflicting opinions on policy, program implementation and allocation of resources may be encountered.

Education: Master's degree in education, human services, public administration or related field.

Experience: Three year's of experience in education or human service organization, including one at administrative, consultative or planning level, preferably in child or family services.

OR

Education: Bachelor's degree in education, human services, organizational development, public administration or related human services field.

Experience: Five years experience as described above.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.