Lead Coach - Professional Development

Make a difference from day one

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference.  We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why candidates love working here

• Do meaningful work that helps children and families build strong foundations for the future.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness plans, generous paid time off, and 401(k) matching every paycheck.
• Build your future with access to learning, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where your work truly matters.
• Join a Great Place to Work® Certified organization, with a culture shaped by employee feedback and built on trust, support, and collaboration.

Job title: Professional Development Coach Lead 

The Lead Coach will provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to ensure the effective implementation of the Construct Coaching model with fidelity and high quality across programs and coaching staff. This role supports continuous improvement efforts by mentoring coaches, leading projects, monitoring coaching practices, and promoting reflective and relationship-based approaches to coaching.

What you’ll do:

• Support teacher and coach practice through coaching, mentoring, reflective supervision, and professional development to strengthen implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and fidelity to the Construct Coaching Model.
• Assist staff in planning, implementing, and evaluating responsive caregiving, teaching practices, and indoor/outdoor learning environments that promote quality child outcomes, social-emotional development, and school readiness.
• Implementation of project support for Communities of Practice to address the social-emotional and school readiness needs of children.
• Lead and support coaching initiatives, projects, and implementation activities across programs and teams.
• Observe and support coaches through field shadowing, reflective conversations, individualized development plans, modeling, feedback, and ongoing mentorship to strengthen coaching effectiveness and professional growth.
• Monitor coaching quality assurance processes, documentation, data, and outcomes to ensure accuracy, accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Program Managers, leadership, consultants, and Integrated Service Team members to plan, develop, implement, and monitor services, policies, procedures, and quality improvement efforts.
• Facilitate the effective use of technology, coaching resources, and professional development tools to support coaching practices, documentation, and service delivery.
• Serve as a liaison and thought partner between leadership and coaching staff to support communication and implementation goals.
• Promote collaborative team practices and contribute to a positive and supportive coaching culture.
• Adhere to program policies, DHS licensing requirements, and other early childhood education standards to sustain quality outcomes and regulatory compliance.
• Assists Program Managers and the Director in planning, developing, and monitoring program services, policies, and procedures; ensures integration with other Quality Improvement efforts.

What you’ll bring:

• BA degree in early childhood education family studies or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ early childhood education experience is required, including the training facilitation responsibilities.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Possess an insured & registered vehicle and a valid AZ driver’s license.
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card - OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• DES Criminal Affadavit Required
• AZ DHS Criminal History Affidavit Required
• FPC DPS Verification Required

What sets you apart:

• MA degree in early childhood education family studies or related field preferred.
• Ability to speak, write, read in English and Spanish is preferred.

Southwest Human Development is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.  

Learn more about working with us 

Our core values reflect our commitment to children, families, caregivers, and the communities we serve. They guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we grow as a team. Learn more about our values and benefits here.