Description

ICF’s Early Education Services Line of Business seeks an Early Childhood Systems Consultant to work for the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance (NCECQA) to provide critical strategic technical assistance to state and territory CCDF grantees. Technical assistance is focused on strategies that strengthen early childhood systems and impact the quality, health, and safety for children in the mixed delivery early childhood system.  This candidate will work on significant and unique issues where analysis of situation or data is required. 

The Ideal candidate will have both background in and experience developing ECE policies, procedures, and frameworks for ECE systems at the state or national level; examples of preferred experience includes CCDF Administrator or staff, Quality Improvement System Administrator, Licensing Administrator, PD System Administrator, with proven experience and ability to implement an ECE system inclusive and responsive to the needs of families and focused on building or sustaining the workforce.

This position is full time and home based with up to 30 percent travel to provide TA and attend related conferences and meetings.

TA is defined as both onsite and offsite activities, such as consultation, meeting and conference presentation and facilitation, support of peer-to-peer opportunities, information gathering, review of materials, participation in and leadership for workgroups, strategic planning, and training design and delivery for a wide range of early childhood content areas, including mixed-delivery, early childhood systems building efforts. 

Key Responsibilities:

Communication, Collaboration, and Client FocusSupport OCC designated priorities and special projects, including planning of training, development of technical assistance materials (e.g. issue briefs, handouts, brochures, presentation kits, and webinars).Build strong, positive relationships with NCECQA Team for ongoing communication, collaborative planning, and shared problem solving to meet the needs of clients, states, and territories.Build a strong, positive relationship with the Office of Child Care Central Office staff, Regional Office staff, and CCDF Lead Agency staff, through ongoing communication, collaborative planning, and shared problem-solving.  Assist in the planning of CCDF grantee meeting; communicate with states to encourage presentations and participation in the convening; facilitate breakout sessions and regional/state team meetings.Build strong partnerships with Federal TA partners across multiple agencies and programs and coordinate TA as established by the contract and client, including participation in national workgroups and task forces as assigned.Participate in regular NCECQA team meetings and calls.Expertise and Scope: Develop and maintain positive, results-oriented relationships with project staff.Provide and/or coordinate technical assistance to States and Territories upon CCDF Administrators’ and regional office staff members’ requests.Research and develop timely responses to state, territory, or Tribal requests and create written documents in approved formats.Contribute to the development of group technical assistance opportunities focused on facets of early childhood systems building including the research, preparation and facilitation of peer learning groups, trainings, communities of practice, etc.Lead and support data collection and data analysis, proactively, to help inform Child Care and Development Fund implementation at national and regional levels.Plan for and deliver tailored, individualized technical assistance connected to early childhood systems building, quality improvement systems.Facilitate peer linkages between States and/or Territories.Participate in presentations at national meetings and conferences.Enter data on TA planning and provision within required databases, adhering to established timelines and protocols.Submit claims for reimbursement of office and travel expenses in a timely manner.
 LeadershipLeverage specialized depth and breadth of expertise and apply a broad perspective to identify solutions to complex tasksLead the development and delivery of complex tasks and deliverables on multiple ECE topics and activities  Stay abreast of the latest research, tools, and resources that support the activities of NCECQA.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Basic Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, education, public policy, public administration, or management.12+ years of experience in the early childhood or public administration field, including:Prior experience with types of care provided in a mixed delivery system, family child care, workforce supports, child care licensing, health and safety standards, quality initiatives including QRIS, and early childhood systems development and alignment.Prior experience in developing T&TA content for state, territories and tribal child care leaders, their partners, intermediaries, and providers.5+ years of experience developing and implementing one or more of the following systems level ECE components:Policies and procedures for state ECE licensing system (center-based, FCC or license-exempt)State level quality improvement systemStaffed family child care networkECE workforce professional development system

Preferred Skills:

A master’s degree in early childhood education, education, public policy, public administration, or management10+ years of experience at the state or national level, focusing on early childhood policies, regulations, and systems.Experience working with multiple early childhood education partners as a participant, content advisor, and TA provider.Expertise with Smartsheet and other project management tools to track project plans, milestones, and timelines for project deliverables. Experience supporting the implementation of the CCDF program at the federal, state, or local level.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Teams).Ability to use technology tools and platforms (such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom) for remote meetings, collaboration on document development, and other communications.Proficient in American Psychological Association (APA) citation style.Experience providing T&TA at state, regional, or national meetings and TA to individual organizations.Collaboration and partnership experience across early childhood education systems, including state and federal partners.Bilingual and able to read, write, and speak Spanish proficiently.

Professional Skills:

Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.  Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.  Team player with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.  Ability to apply detailed knowledge of organizational procedures to make independent decisions and serve as a credible resource for a senior management team.  Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as outside clients and vendors.  Ability to be flexible and handle multiple priorities.Demonstrate outstanding level of professionalism in providing team support, including the ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, tact, and diplomacy.Sound business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information.  

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

 

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

 

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$98,124.00 - $166,810.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)