Program Manager - Early Language and Literacy

A positive future for every child

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 choose us?

• Make an impact in a child’s life by promoting child health and development.
• 401(k) matching every paycheck, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for continued professional growth and development.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
  
  

Job title: Program Manager - Early Language and Literacy

The Early Language and Literacy Program Manager leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of early communication, language, and literacy initiatives. Primary job duties include: Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of early language and literacy programs to ensure quality, effectiveness, and alignment with program goals.

In This Role You Will:

• Oversee program operations, budgets, invoicing, and fiscal compliance in collaboration with Finance.
• Analyze program, participant, and community data to inform decision‑making, quality improvement, and recommendations to leadership.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations to reach target populations and meet community needs.
• Support program expansion through grant development, fundraising, marketing, and collaboration with the Development team.
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting to funders and compliance with grant and contract requirements.
• Hire, onboard, supervise, and support staff through reflective supervision and professional development.
• Coordinate and support community outreach activities and external events.
• Participate in agency leadership initiatives, committees, and workgroups.
  
  

What It Takes:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE), child development, or a closely related field.
• At least five years of experience working directly with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in an early childhood setting.
• Supervisory/program management experience.
• Previous experience in collecting and analyzing data.
• Previous experience in program design and development.
• Knowledge of early communication, language, and literacy concepts.
• Additional experience in and/or knowledge of: Early communication, language, and literacy concepts, training, coaching, or mentoring of adults; Adult learning theory and practices; Child Development and Family Engagement strategies preferred.
• Possess an insured & reliable 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 Affidavit Required
• AZ DHS Criminal History Affidavit Required
• FPC DPS Verification Required
  
  

SWHD takes the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve very seriously. We strongly believe vaccination is a critical safety measure to protect each of us and the communities we serve. COVID vaccinations have proven to be highly effective at protecting people from getting COVID-19 or from getting severely ill from it.

Learn more!

Our core values embody Southwest Human Development’s commitment to services that uplift the lives of children, families and other care providers, and the communities in which they live. These values are intended to guide the professional development, ethical conduct, and skilled practice of all our staff, whatever their specific role within the agency. All staff are valued as making essential contributions to strengthening the foundation that Arizona’s children need for a great start in life. Learn more about our values and benefits here.

Experience

Required

• Knowledge of early communication, language, and literacy concepts
• Previous experience in program design and development.
• Previous experience in collecting and analyzing data.
• Supervisory/program management experience.
• 5 year(s): Experience working directly with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in an early childhood setting.
  
  

Preferred

• Additional experience in and/or knowledge of: Early communication, language, and literacy concepts, training, coaching, or mentoring of adults; Adult learning theory and practices; Child Development and Family Engagement strategies preferred.
  
  

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Early Childhood Education or related field
  
  

Preferred

• Masters or better in Early Childhood Education or related field
  
  

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Auto Ins Certificate
• Driver License
• Fingerprint Card Level 1
• FPC DPS Verification
• DES Criminal Affidavit
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.