Leadership Coach and Training Specialist

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and asks how do we become more "student ready" so that we may better serve our students. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our community works hard in the service of students and supports one another like a family.

What We Offer:

At National Louis University we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Benefits.

Job Summary

This position provides leadership coaching, facilitation of learning, and technical support for early childhood education and care (ECEC) program administrators. In addition, this position includes collecting and analyzing data, assisting with training development, material preparation, and facilitation (in-person, remote, and on-line).

Leadership Coaching and Community of Practice.

Provide monthly one-on-one coaching meetings with the program administrator(s) at each assigned site to develop and implement an Individualized Leadership Development Plan setting goals utilizing data from the Early Childhood Work Environment Survey, Administrator Role Perception Survey, and ExceleRate Illinois assessments.
• Help facilitate monthly specialized community of practice (CoP) sessions with program administrators to promote peer learning regarding quality improvement efforts.
• Assist Leadership Coaching Manager with CoP meetings; including, planning, scheduling, drafting agendas, taking meeting notes, and tracking follow-up items.
• Maintain a high level of understanding of the assessment tools (i.e., ERS, ARPS, ECWES, PAS and BAS).
• Attend and achieve reliability with the PAS and BAS scales through training with the Quality Supports team as needed.

Training Development, Facilitation, and Logistics

• Support the Professional Learning (PL) team in developing face-to-face training, online modules, and blended learning opportunities focused on early childhood leadership topics and assessment tools.
• Co-facilitate training sessions, in-person and/or virtual, as needed, particularly for high-priority or specialized topics.
• Participate in planning, reflection, and debriefing sessions.
• Assist with editing training, marketing, and communication materials.
• Maintain accurate and timely data (i.e., grant deliverable information - enrollment, attendance, and completion numbers; Gateways to Opportunity requirements; staff credentials; goals).
• Oversee and analyze evaluation summaries for continuous quality improvement, work with Leadership Coaching Manager and Professional Learning team members to implement a process of continuous improvement based on participant feedback, data analysis, and interpretation provided by the Leadership Coaching and Professional Learning surveys and evaluations.
• Prepare and disseminate certificates of completion (inclusive of clock hours completed and Illinois Director Credential competencies attained).
• Regularly update the training grid, PL spreadsheets, and Excel records for funder reports.
• Prepare training materials to be delivered by shipment or electronically.
• Assist in the marketing and recruitment for Professional Learning trainings and academies.

Communication and Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service via phone and email, addressing inquiries about CoP sessions, coaching, and ensuring a positive experience for all program administrators.
• Assist the Leadership Coach Manager in reviewing evaluations to identify participant quotes that can be used for funder reports and marketing purposes.
• Participate in Leadership Coaching and Professional Learning (PL) team meetings to stay informed about changes and updates.

Leadership

• Engage in professional development activities related to training development, facilitation, early childhood leadership, and other pertinent topics.
• Participate in networking and learning opportunities for participants at Leadership Connections National Conference.
• Stay apprised of quality improvement initiatives happening at the state and national level.
• Maintain a familiarity with current ECE leadership initiatives, contemporary training and learning theories, and leadership research.
• Communicate important trends to colleagues.
• Contribute to the Center's eResources.
• Other duties assigned

• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Administration, or related field
• Three to Five (3-5) years administrative experience required with a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience
• Three to Five (3-5) years demonstrated knowledge and competencies in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Administration, and Adult and Continuing Education.
• Three to five (3-5) years experience developing curriculum, learning materials, and presenting/facilitating learning. Experience using data for continuous quality improvement
• Three to five (3-5) years teaching and administrative experience in early care and education settings. Experience coaching or mentoring early childhood educators and/or leaders
• Three to five (3-5) years knowledge of early childhood accreditation, QRIS, and director credentialing systems.
• Three to five (3-5) years experience using assessments such as the Program Administration Scale (PAS), Environment Rating Scales (ERS), or Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) to improve program quality. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Demonstrated knowledge of additional early childhood assessment tools (ARPS, BAS, ECWES).

• Managing Multiple Priorities: Handles multiple assignments and priorities yet still fulfills all commitments. Readily accepts new responsibilities and adapts well to changes in procedures. Gives appropriate priorities to various work demands.

• Detail Orientation/Quality Focus: Has established a track record of producing work that is highly accurate, demonstrates attention to detail and reflects well on the organization. Is personally committed to high quality work and encourages others to have similar standards.

• Customer Service and Focus: Recognizes that all educational institutions have customer-stakeholders (e.g., students, parents or guardians of students, groups that fund activities, etc.), and that each of these customers is entitled to have a say. Reaches out to customers to keep them informed, solicit their questions, and invite suggestions or feedback. Treats all customer-stakeholders with courtesy and respect. Makes good-faith efforts to meet customer expectations, yet is also willing to be candid with customers if their expectations are unrealistic.

Work environment/Physical Demands/Travel Requirements:

Office environment (Wheeling, Lisle, or Chicago) with the expectation of some traveling around the state of Illinois, and nationally as required for professional learning presentations. Long periods of sitting, standing, and constant computer/data entry work. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. This position requires some availability during evenings and weekends and access to Internet and phone when out of the office.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.