Job Description

THE ROLE The ECE Director will support expansion of Afton\'s ECE practice designing equitable and sustainable policies, programs, and systems that support young children and their families and promote the development of a healthy ECE system. The ECE Director works within Afton\'s growing ECE practice, leading client engagements with state and local agencies and other impact-focused organizations on strategic initiatives such as but not limited to strategic planning, advisory body facilitation, stakeholder engagement initiatives, needs assessments, literature reviews, slot gap analyses, funding equity and adequacy studies, and workforce compensation studies. He/she/they will work independently and/or oversee teams to design thoughtful approaches to achieving project goals; conducting thorough qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis; determining how to effectively communicate findings to various audiences; and developing guidance and solutions to client challenges \xe2\x80\x93 all in service of helping our public sector clients reach their strategic goals for the constituents they serve. THE ORGANIZATION Afton Partners creates meaningful change in our communities by transforming public policies and practices so they are effective, sustainable, and serve those who need it most. By partnering with public agencies and nonprofits in K-12 education, workforce development, early care and education, and human services, Afton builds capacity, strengthens governance, and ensures resources are aligned and equitably distributed. We prioritize taking on initiatives with the potential to rectify racial and social opportunity gaps nationwide. Since 2011, Afton has collaborated on more than 150 initiatives in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, unlocking human potential from birth to career. CORE VALUES AND DEI COMMITMENTS Afton team members commit to and embody our team\'s core values, which include: Prioritize justice. We recognize the impact of historical injustice and inequity, particularly for persons of color, and are committed to prioritizing justice. We take on public policy and practice initiatives that have the potential to identify and rectify racial and social opportunity gaps in our country. Act with integrity. We hold ourselves accountable to high standards and work diligently on behalf of our clients and the people they serve. We are honest, positive, and proactive in our pursuit of solutions and meaningful change. Collaborate inclusively. We work together with our colleagues, clients, and constituents in ways that value diverse perspectives, opinions, and ideas. We work to share decision-making power and amplify voices that have historically been silenced. We work humbly and believe answers exist in the communities we serve \xe2\x80\x93 it is our job to uplift them. Center human experience. We focus on the human experience in our interactions and in our considerations of public policy and practice solutions. We know the potential for our work to dramatically alter human lives. We therefore seek to deeply understand the lived experiences of those most likely to be impacted by our work. Be well. We value work-life balance and provide agency for our colleagues and clients to bring their whole selves to work. We support each other, uplift each other, and have fun along the way. THE RESPONSIBILITIES The core responsibilities for this role are to:

• Lead client engagements which include performance of the following tasks:
  • Understanding client\'s priorities and objectives, working collaboratively with client personnel, and aligning details of work to the \'big picture\' perspective of the client\'s needs
  • Developing and implementing a project plan, managing to key milestones and deliverables, assigning responsibilities to project team members, and overseeing work product
  • Conducting and/or overseeing data collection and analysis, including financial analysis, to support direction of the work and inform recommendations
  • Conducting and/or overseeing stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and other primary research to support the direction of the work and inform recommendations
  • Preparing client-facing materials and leading briefings with clients, state leadership, stakeholder groups, and/or funders
  • Assuring development of high quality, accurate, and timely client deliverables that meet client needs and expectations
• Earn client trust and develop collaborative relationships with clients
• Mentor, manage, and provide feedback to Afton Senior Associates, Associates, and Analysts
• Collaboratively develop a consistent and coherent strategy for expanding current local, state, and national projects and seek new opportunities for growing our impact
• Communicate effectively with senior management and ensure timely communication regarding key client issues

THE PERSON Our experience suggests that the following types of professional experiences and skills lend themselves to this work:

• Believes and embodies Afton\'s core values (above).
• Subject matter expertise across the field of early care and education, with a strong understanding of federal, state, and local programs in the ECE system including funding streams, governance, and oversight structures.
• Systems thinker that can effectively communicate vision and big-picture ideas, translate those ideas into action plans, and simultaneously have an appreciation for the importance of details.
• Ability to make meaning of data toward objectives and communicate data stories effectively to a wide variety of audiences.
• Advanced presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to create compelling narratives.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle adversity and differing opinions productively and facilitate difficult conversations.
• Enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to push work forward in challenging circumstances.
• Advanced project management skills with demonstrated ability to work independently, resolve problems, manage multiple projects successfully, and perform effectively in complex work situations under the pressure of tight deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and other MS products

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Our experience suggests the following certifications and degree(s) lend themselves well to this work:

• Relevant Bachelor\'s Degree (for example, in public policy and/or administration, education, etc.)
• Relevant Master\'s Degree preferred
• Demonstrated lived experience, work experience, and/or personal interest in issues of racial equity and social justice
• Applicable experience and competencies will be considered in lieu of formal education

COMPENSATION The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $130,000 with bonus eligibility. Afton Partners offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k) match, and paid time off and leave.