Child Care Aware of Minnesota is a statewide early childhood leader driving change through partnerships to build an equitable, high-quality early care and education system that meets the needs of Minnesota’s families and children. We pride ourselves on being a great place to work, offering competitive benefits, a flexible work environment, and opportunities for long-term professional growth. We are looking for team members who are passionate, adaptable, and interested in high-impact work that influences systems statewide. Embedding equity in organizational practices is a core value, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring, promotion, and workplace culture.

Position Description 

The Workforce Director is responsible for the oversight of Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s Early Childhood Workforce services. This role is responsible for providing leadership and guidance to several adult learning programs and services focused on providing professional development for child care professionals. This position oversees Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s statewide professional development training system, which includes online learning, workforce advising, Parent Aware advising, and curriculum development. This role also champions Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s strategic plan, mission, vision, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism (DEI-AR) goals.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Provide leadership and coordination for the statewide Child Care Aware workforce.
   • Facilitate the ongoing development of recommended policies and standard procedures for the Child Care Aware of Minnesota Professional Development system.
   • Research and provide information and resources that support a shared vision for effective practices for Early Childhood Professional Development, including assuring and advocating for quality.
   • Collaborate and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including grantors, to plan and execute workforce and professional development strategies.

2. Assist in the leadership and strategic review of a statewide professional development system, develop recommendations, vision, and direction of the program, and intentionally implement best practices and changes to build quality in the Early Childhood Workforce.
   • Partner with stakeholders and participate in committees and work groups to ensure we are continually responsive to the changing needs of the Early Childhood Workforce.
   • Stay current on online learning, adult education, and professional development trends to continuously improve Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s workforce service delivery.

3. Lead all aspects of the Workforce Development department, including supervision of department staff, oversight of department operations, and ensuring contract deliverables.
   • Supervise and provide department staff leadership, coaching, and performance management.
   • Champions Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s strategic plan, mission, and vision, DEI-AR goals, actively centering this work into all aspects of the job.
   • Oversee the department budget, monitor expenditures to ensure accurate allocation of funds.
   • Partner with department staff and contract manager to execute contract deliverables, track progress of work plan activities, assist with contract amendments, and produce contract reports.

4. Support the organization’s mission, vision, strategic plan, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism goals by leading the Workforce Development department to participate in activities and professional development opportunities
   • Set expectations for staff in the Workforce Development department to follow the DEIAR mission, goals, and vision of the organization.
   • Participate in staff meetings, workgroups, or task forces to assist with achieving the organization’s goals.
   • Assist Child Care Aware of Minnesota in implementing the organization’s strategic plans by embedding the goals into everyday work.
   • Participate in professional development activities to strengthen your understanding and skills around diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field
• At least 1 year of experience in the adult professional field and working in the state systems
• Demonstrated experience working in complex, matrixed systems and leading a diverse group of stakeholders through change
• Understanding data systems, experience in analyzing, and leveraging data to drive strategic decisions
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, including managing Managers
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Able to work in a rapidly changing environment with demanding deadlines, verbal and written communication needs
• Demonstrated ability to be impartial in the decision-making process
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, intercultural competency skills, and experience working cross-culturally, with experience incorporating the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into your work
• Demonstrated ability to communicate efficiently in a large and complex system with stakeholders and partners

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, exempt, permanent position
• Family-friendly work culture
• Flexible scheduling, with a hybrid work arrangement that blends working virtually and onsite
• Must have reliable transportation to travel statewide for in-person meetings with occasional overnight travel
• May require sitting or a stationary position for extended periods with high amounts of screen time

Compensation: $71,115-$88,899 annually, depending on qualifications, plus up to an additional $2,000 per year for lifestyle expenses

Competitive Benefits Package:

Medical and Dental Insurance

• Medical insurance is available through Medica, and dental insurance is available through Health Partners for single or family coverage.
• CCA covers 70-80% of medical and dental insurance coverage
• A health care flexible spending account
• Vision insurance is available through Sun Life

Disability Leave

• Short and long-term disability coverage through Sun Life
• CCA covers 100% of the coverage

Basic Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D):

• Coverage is guaranteed up to $50,000 and available through Sun Life
• CCA covers 100% of the coverage

Paid Time Off

• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 10 to 30 days per year
• 12 scheduled holidays
• 3 Personal Days
• 12 Sick days per year
• Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave that can be used in addition to sick hours accrued

Retirement Benefits

• 401k – employer matches up to 5%
• Available after 6 months of employment

Employee Well-being

• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
• Wellness Hours – 2 hours per week of paid time off for wellness
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent care
• Flexible work schedule and a hybrid work environment

Career Development

• Professional development opportunities with additional funds for career development
• Qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Interested candidates should APPLY HERE with a resume and cover letter by July 30, 2025.

Child Care Aware of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We encourage interested applicants from all backgrounds to apply.