What are the responsibilities and job description for the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS and SERVICES position at Maryland Family Network Inc?
WHO WE ARE:The mission of Maryland Family Network (MFN) is to ensure that very young children have strong families, quality early learning environments, and a champion for their interests. We work in collaboration with public and private funders, community-based organizations, parents, and other individuals and agencies to support those who care for young children as families strive to reach their goals. Through two-generation programs that support parents to become economically self-sufficient, raise healthy, successful children, and find quality child care; through regional services that help child care professionals improve their practice; and through public policy advocacy of programs and policies that benefit families with young children, MFN strives to ensure that all Maryland children are cared for by adults who are skilled to raise them in environments that are conducive to growth and development.POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Director, Professional Programs and Services provides leadership, strategic coordination, and operational execution across statewide programs that strengthen Maryland’s child care system in support of Maryland Family Network’s mission to ensure all children have the opportunity to succeed. Reporting to the Senior Director, Professional Programs and Services, this role supports the overall management of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network (SCE) and related programs, with responsibility across multiple grants and initiatives, including the provision of technical assistance, training and monitoring to support Child Care Resource Centers; family child care program startup; business development and leadership programs; program and grant reporting; and, annual applications, reporting, and monitoring to remain in compliance with MSDE and other grant requirements. The Assistant Director provides direct supervision to the Coordinator, Resource & Referral Services and offers functional oversight and guidance to coordinators, CCRCs, consultants, and contractors. As a member of the SCE leadership team, the Assistant Director works collaboratively within the department to ensure consistent program delivery, alignment, and quality across regions. The position contributes to budget development and monitoring, approves invoices as directed, and has limited purchasing authority. The Assistant Director oversees the implementation of initiatives such as the Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care program, modernization of LOCATE: Child Care, and manages the Family Services initiatives that support parents and caregivers in accessing high-quality early learning. The role also advances other workforce development strategies including GOFCC expansion. This role ensures excellence in service delivery through program monitoring, data reporting, and continuous improvement, while engaging with MFN staff, CCRCs, and external partners to coordinate statewide initiatives. The Assistant Director represents MFN on state and national committees, workgroups, and advisory bodies, advancing strategic planning and sustainability efforts to expand high-quality child care in Maryland. ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Assist with the development and implementation of the Maryland Family Network Request for Proposals process for Child Care Resource Centers (CCRCS).Collaborate with the Senior Director to oversee strategic planning, monitoring, and grant management for CCRCs, including coordination of regular meetings with statewide CCRC staff and leadership.Prepare, process, and facilitate contracts with private organizations, consultants, public agencies, and local communities to implement services, training, and programs as required by grant agreements.Identify professional development and coaching needs within CCRCs, and design, develop, and coordinate targeted initiatives to strengthen program and service delivery. Ensure these initiatives are aligned with RFPs, proposals, and contracts, and evaluate their effectiveness to maximize impact.Lead innovation, development, and expansion of statewide initiatives such as Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care (GOFCC) and LOCATE: Child Care modernization.Direct the design and implementation of additional initiatives as assigned to strengthen Maryland’s child care system, ensuring they are responsive to community needs, aligned with state and national priorities, and structured for scalability and sustainability.Direct the Resource and Referral Family Services, supervising the Coordinator, Resource and Referral and overseeing the statewide phone system, online intake forms, and data collection to improve efficiency and streamline processes.Design and implement data systems and evaluation processes to track program performance, participant progress, and system impact. Analyze data to inform decision-making, assess return on investment, and demonstrate program outcomes to funders and policymakers.Provide coordination of business development and leadership initiatives delivered by CCRCs, including statewide implementation of the Business Foundations Series and related training.Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to satisfy all grant and funder requirements and support legislative, monitoring, and evaluation needs.Develop and maintain systems for storing, managing, and providing access to all documents, manuals, resources, and materials necessary for program and service delivery.Represent MFN at local, state, and national conferences, committees, workgroups, and commissions, providing training and presentations as appropriate.Contribute to statewide initiatives that expand the quality, supply, business practices, and accessibility of early childhood education programs.Support MFN leadership with the preparation of organizational reports, conferences, and strategic briefings.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:Strong expertise in early childhood systems, including child care program start-up, resource and referral services, and workforce development.Knowledge of Maryland child care regulations (COMAR) and their application to program operations.Experience with program development, expansion, and evaluation at the statewide level.Skilled in analyzing and applying data to monitor performance, measure impact, and inform program improvements.Experience with grant compliance, reporting, and contributing to budget planning and monitoring.Expertise in professional development design, adult learning principles, and coaching strategies to strengthen program and service delivery.Ability to supervise and mentor staff, provide functional oversight to coordinators and contractors, and collaborate effectively as part of a leadership team.Proven ability to manage complex projects, coordinate cross-agency initiatives, and adapt to evolving priorities and funding requirements.Strong communication and relationship-building skills with partners, funders, and state and national stakeholders.Skilled at balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.Effective written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting data, outcomes, and initiatives with clarity and influence.QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.Extensive experience in early childhood education and child development including classroom experience and leadership in program management.Demonstrated success in managing programs within non-profit or child care organizations, with responsibility for grant compliance, reporting, and organizational effectiveness.Strong knowledge of pedagogical theory and philosophy of early childhood education and programming.In-depth understanding of Maryland’s child care system, child care program start-up, child care business management practices, and other related aspects of the early childhood system.Proven ability to supervise and mentor staff, provide functional oversight, and foster professional growth.Experience in program development and implementation, and evaluation to meet state and community needs.Proven experience formulating and managing budgets and related reporting.Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft office, Zoom/Teams/Google Meet, Adobe Professional, and data management systems. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Must possess the ability to remain in a stationary position, such as standing or sitting, 50% of the time.The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.May occasionally have to position self or move to stoop, crouch, reach, push, pull or kneel.Must be able to communicate, express oneself and exchange information with others.May occasionally have to pick up an item that weighs 10 lbs. or less.WHAT WE OFFER: Maryland Family Network staff enjoy a hybrid work schedule and great benefits to include:15 Holidays Per Year Plus 4 Floating HolidaysVacation Leave, starting at 12 days per yearSick leave upon hire accruing at 12 days per year403(b) Retirement Plan including discretionary employer contributions at 5% after 6 months of service with 3 years vesting schedule.Medical, Dental and Vision InsuranceFlexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)Employee Assistance Program & More!