Early Education Project Manager

Job Summary: The Early Education Project Manager coordinates and supports community-based early education and literacy initiatives led by United Way of the Black Hills. This position works collaboratively with community partners, stakeholders, volunteers, and leadership teams to implement projects, strengthen partnerships, support strategic initiatives, and improve outcomes for children and families throughout the Black Hills region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and support the implementation of community-based early education and literacy initiatives, including Black Hills Reads, Early Learner Rapid City and other Early Learner Communities throughout the Black Hills, and other related projects.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, deliverables, and tracking systems to ensure initiatives remain aligned with goals and deadlines.
• Facilitate collaboration among community partners, stakeholders, volunteers, committees, and leadership teams.
• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, document meeting notes, and support follow-up communication and action steps.
• Represent United Way at community meetings, outreach events, presentations, and partner gatherings.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, schools, early childhood providers, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain project documentation, progress reports, data tracking systems, and other administrative records.
• Assist with grant-related activities including reporting, data collection, implementation tracking, and partner coordination.
• Monitor project budgets and assist with expense tracking and resource coordination.
• Support community engagement, public awareness campaigns, volunteer coordination, and outreach efforts related to early education and literacy.
• Assist with strategic planning efforts and implementation of initiative goals, community action plans, and systems-level improvement strategies
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of United Way’s early education initiatives.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration, Business, Communications, Project Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience managing community programs, projects, non-profit initiatives, or related area preferred.
• Experience working with collaborative initiatives, community partnerships, early childhood systems, or literacy initiatives preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, relationship-building, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and effectively.
• Proficiency in project management software and advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation for travel throughout the Black Hills region.

Work Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office setting where interruptions may occur. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry objects up to 30 pounds. This position requires frequent collaboration with community partners and occasional travel throughout the Black Hills region, including some evening and weekend activities as needed. The work environment may include moderate office noise and periodic deadlines requiring the ability to manage stress effectively.