Director of Child Care WAGE$® Project

Summary

Child Care Aware® of Missouri (CCAMO) is seeking an experienced, energetic, and detail-oriented individual to lead the launch and ongoing management of a new salary supplement initiative in St. Louis County aimed at strengthening Missouri’s early childhood workforce. This leader will be responsible for planning, directing, and managing daily program operations; applicant processing and data entry, reconciliation, and ongoing fiscal processing; and ensuring all components of the WAGE$® project meet contract and reporting requirements. The Director will foster strong relationships with child care professionals and county-level partners, ensuring the project is delivered with excellence and responsive customer service. The ideal candidate brings experience in supervision, data systems, and contract management, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is committed to continuous improvement and meaningful impact.

 

The Director of Child Care WAGE$® Project is a new position funded by St. Louis County. Funding is provided through December 31,2028.

Duties

Responsibilities: This position is responsible for coordination of the Child Care WAGE$® project pilot in a manner consistent with established national policies and procedures and in alignment with the funding agreement. Management of the daily operations of the Child Care WAGE$® project, including staff training and supervision, quality control and data analysis, audit compliance, daily customer service, and marketing and outreach. The Director will also work with daily recruitment, review applications and all associated paperwork, and have an assigned participant caseload. This position will report to the Deputy CEO.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of the Child Care WAGE$® project pilot to ensure adherence to contractual and license deliverables within the prescribed timeframe and funding parameters.
• Facilitate the application and salary supplement payment process to candidates based on eligibility and established Child Care WAGE$^® criteria.
• Manage the daily maintenance of program records and coordinate the collection of data for required reports and audits.
• Manage supplement expenditures to ensure appropriate spending and update payment increases in alignment with Child Care WAGE$® criteria.
• Manage a daily participant caseload processing applications and making payment decisions. This will include, but is not limited to:
• Assessing coursework against eligible education levels.
• Determining eligibility and supplement amounts based on varied employment positions.
• Calculating and prorating salary supplement payments as needed based on eligible hours.
• Review and analyze financial reports monthly to ensure that spending is in accordance with the budget.
• Manage the Child Care WAGE$® invoicing system if payment collection is needed.
• Assist in the creation and implementation of operational guidelines and the development of program materials.
• Assist with programmatic and financial reporting and audits as required.
• Assist in communicating the components and value of the Child Care WAGE$® project to consumers and stakeholders through presentations, exhibits, special projects, and other marketing efforts.
• Daily supervision of Child Care WAGE$® project counselor(s).
• Provide outstanding customer service including phone calls answered in a prompt, courteous and polite manner, with a positive and unbiased tone.
• Participate in advocacy efforts to increase compensation for the early childhood workforce.
• Promote the Mission, Vision and Why of Child Care Aware® of Missouri.
• Engage in the organization’s fundraising and friend raising activities.
• Engage in other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Staff Competencies/Qualities:

• BA/BS in business administration, business management, non-profit administration, or closely related field.
• Three years of experience in business administration or management.
• Three years of experience in providing high-quality customer service and supervision.
• Three years of experience using and managing databases.
• Experience managing program budgets of $750k or more preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both program and outreach settings.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• A desire to make a difference in the lives of those serving children and families.
• Independent and self-motivated, able to comply with and enforce deadlines.
• Energetic team player.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks with competing priorities under minimal supervision.
• Able to think critically and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Results-oriented and solution-focused with a problem-solving attitude.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to travel within Missouri.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.

Benefits

Benefits: Company contribution to 401k vested 100% at time of hire. Company paid medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance with a small employee copay. Accrual of two weeks’ vacation and sick time during the first year. Flexible schedule. (Company paid benefits add approximately $25,000 in value to the total compensation package.)