Childcare Business Engagement Coordinator

Job Title: Childcare Business Engagement Coordinator

Department: Rice County Economic Development

Reports To: Director of Economic Development

Location: Lyons, Kansas

Employment Type: Part-Time (35 Hours Weekly)

Position Summary

Rice County Economic Development is seeking a motivated and community-driven Childcare Development Coordinator to lead efforts in strengthening childcare services and resources throughout Rice County. This role will be responsible for building strong, lasting partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community stakeholders to secure ongoing contributions and pledges toward an endowment fund managed by the Rice County Community Foundation. The endowment will be used to support childcare providers, increase childcare slots, raise childcare wages, and expand access to quality childcare within the county.

The ideal candidate will be highly self-directed, skilled in relationship-building, and passionate about supporting childcare needs in Rice County. This position combines fundraising, program coordination, and provider support to create sustainable solutions for Rice County’s childcare needs.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Community Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, employers, and community leaders to secure annual and quarterly pledges and donations to the childcare endowment.
• Promote the childcare endowment initiative and communicate its long-term impact on workforce, community development, and economic growth.
• Serve as a liaison between Rice County Economic Development, the Rice County Community Foundation, The Rice County Early Educators Coalition, and local childcare providers.

Childcare Provider Support

• Connect childcare providers with available resources, trainings, and support networks.
• Assist providers in accessing grants, bonuses, and safety improvement funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with local Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, schools, and workforce partners to support current providers and encourage new childcare professionals to enter the field.

Program & Event Management

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate meetings, events, and community conversations related to childcare initiatives.
• Track progress toward fundraising and program goals, and provide regular reports to the Economic Development Department and grant funders.
• Represent Rice County Childcare at events, community meetings, and regional childcare development efforts.

Grant & Administrative Support

• Help oversee implementation of childcare-related grants and ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of pledges, donations, provider support, and childcare program outcomes.
• Work independently to accomplish goals and meet deadlines, while keeping the team informed of key progress and challenges.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Early Childhood Development, Community Development, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Event planning and program coordination experience.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar tools.

Preferred:

• Experience in fundraising, donor relations, or endowment development.
• Knowledge of childcare systems, provider needs, or early childhood education.
• Grant writing or grant management experience.
• Familiarity with economic development and workforce initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive; able to work with minimal supervision.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented, with a passion for community building.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Commitment to advancing childcare access and quality in Rice County.

Compensation & Benefits

• Stipend compensation (Month to month, for up to a 3-year term)
• Professional development opportunities provided.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to rced@ricecounty.us