Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

As the DEIB Program Specialist you will be responsible for organizing, communicating & delivering trainings, workshops, and other DEIB focused activities & events. As a core member of the DEIB team; the DEIB Program Specialist will work in an integrated & flexible manner to advance Start Early DEIB strategy in nurturing a positive work environment for staff, building up organizational capacity to center equity work, and implementing trauma informed practices in the workplace.

• Support & deliver inclusive community experiences for Start Early staff that center on DEIB learning, reflection & sharing. These experiences will take form of monthly in-person, virtual & hybrid workshops, community conversations, & cultural observances.

• Organize, schedule & implement various DEIB meetings, trainings, & events (virtual & in-person) for Start Early community. These activities take form in team meetings, trainings & workshops, conferences, & organizational-wide events.

• Establish & maintain close interpersonal working relationships with Start Early staff, communities, families, & colleagues to support the mission & values of the DEIB division.

• Write, edit & distribute communications including email updates, blog posts, monthly newsletters & website content.

• Support DEIB Events calendar & create marketing content to encourage staff participation in DEIB community events.

• Serve as liaison with Start Early Marketing & Communications to coordinate DEIB communications in weekly organizational newsletters & emails.

• Assist in the development of methods for improving DEIB Division processes for project management, tracking, reporting, & evaluation.

• Bachelor -preferred

• Must be a great teammate and able to be part of a dynamic team with frequently shifting priorities to meet the needs of internal and external customers.

• Must have demonstrated experience (3- 5 years) in facilitating or leading trainings, workplace conversations, events about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and Antiracism practices.

• Must have healing centered lens in developing and facilitating staff engagement.

• Must have understanding of early childhood development, family engagement and workforce development.

• Must have a minimum of 2 years in related roles developing learning experiences, especially in online/e-learning and hybrid formats.

• Must have demonstrated experience in advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and

• Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.

• Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.

• Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply !

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.