JOB SUMMARY:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the leader and public face of the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County. With the policy guidance of the Board of Directors, and within government statutes, the CEO has chief executive authority and accountability for all aspects of the Coalition’s operations, and for integrating them all in support of the organization’s mission. The CEO additionally provides effective leadership to Coalition senior management and staff, promotes Coalition goals and objectives in the community, and ensures that practices, policies, and procedures adhere to state and federal regulatory guidelines. Support to providers is critical to ensuring quality early childhood education throughout the region, and as such, the CEO plays a pivotal role in engaging and including providers in quality solutions.  The CEO is responsible for establishing systems for evaluation of provider programs, for evaluating provider programs, and for ensuring continuous quality improvement in childcare services and education in our county. Finally, the CEO is accountable for identifying alternative methods of revenue generation that stay within the boundaries of state and government regulations, while managing the budget and operations within financial guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: 

Organizational Leadership

• Develops the Coalition Plan and implements the Plan upon Board approval. Coordinates and leads strategic planning.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive service delivery system for all Coalition programs.
• Develops and implements comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and effective administration.
• Creates and leads an organizational model that facilitates the mission and work of the agency.
• Provides leadership and direction to staff to ensure that the mission and goals of the Coalition are carried out effectively.
• Oversee a system of appropriate accountability within the staff and the organization, including performance appraisals of all staff at least annually.
• Analyzes a comprehensive body of social, economic, legal, and environmental information related to the School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-K legislation and mandates to direct the ELC in the most effective way.
• Identifies and pursues additional funding sources while developing proposals to public and private funding sources.

Board Interaction

• Make recommendations and presentations to the Board regarding funding, monitoring, quality improvement, and all other essential Coalition business.
• Develops the proposals and strategies to secure funding through both public and private sources.
• Develop the annual budget for review and approval by the Board.
• Maintains appropriate and effective budgetary oversight and internal controls. Reports on the fiscal state of the agency regularly as deemed appropriate by the Board.
• Assists the Board in the recruitment of new members and provides board orientation.
• Represents the interests of Coalition personnel to the board and acts as the primary liaison between the Board and Coalition staff.
• Provides administrative preparation and support for meetings of the Board and its committees, either directly or by managing staff members accountable for doing same. 

Collaboration & Compliance

• Develops and maintains strategic collaborations with other agencies/organizations to further the mission and work of the Coalition.
• Acts as an ambassador for the mission with local and private funding sources.
• Maintains awareness and informs the Board of developing issues in rule and law that may impact the mission and work of the Coalition.
• Participates actively in the Association of Early Learning Coalitions on behalf, and for the benefit, of this Coalition.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal laws and administrative codes that govern the work of the Coalition.
• Ensure compliance with the Coalition’s grant agreements with all funders.
• Serves as the public spokesperson for the agency and a community advocate for children.
• Ensures that the organization and its mission, programs and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image.

Public & Media Relations/Advocacy/Legislative Affairs

• Works collaboratively with multiple communities and cultures facilitating engagement with parents, families early care and education providers, local funders, elected officials and other community leaders.
• Serves as a spokesperson for the organization and becomes a known advocate for early care and education at the local and state level.
• Promotes activities related to legislation and policies that support the Coalition and the children and families it serves.
• Monitors legislation and engage elected officials and key decision makers on policy and measures that could affect the Coalition.
• Educates legislators, local officials and other key stakeholders in the community about the Coalitions efforts, services, etc.
• Actively oversees work with multiple media-sources to educate the general community about the importance of the early years and the services available to promote early child development. 

Required Qualifications 

• A passion for our mission combined with professional integrity, compassion, fairness, and honesty in interactions with all parties.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
• 7-10 years of experience, in a senior leadership role in an organization with significant management, leadership and budget accountability.
• Documented experience in finance – developing, implementing, monitoring and preparing complex budget reports for funds, which may include from state and federal sources (but not required).
• Proven experience in cultivating key relationships and partnerships, public and private, and skilled in collaboration and negotiation.
• Demonstrated abilities to be inspirational and communicate comfortably and effectively with multiple constituencies and within a broad range of educational backgrounds.
• Experience with public relations and marketing skills.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Possesses strong Human Resources knowledge and expertise in leading, motivating, managing and developing staff.
• Demonstrates initiative, self-motivation, and respect for process.
• Ability to think analytically and strategically.
• Ability to use current computer applications and hardware, along with an appreciation for how future technology and social media can advance the mission.

Additional Qualifications considered a “plus” 

• Master’s degree (in early childhood education, business, finance, public administration, organizational management, social services, educational administration or a related field).
• Experience managing complex programs funded with state and federal funds.
• Experience working with and providing support to local and regional boards, committees, and/or coalitions.
• Proven ability to network statewide with other organizations and agencies that hold governmental responsibility, whether that be federal, state or local…city or county…or other ELC’s. This experience may be gained in the ELC community or elsewhere.
• Program development experience.
• Experience and background in childcare eligibility and an understanding of the issues pertaining to early childhood education.

SPECIAL STATEMENT ABOUT THIS POSTING

“Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law, s. 286.011, F.S.”, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Law, provides a right of access to governmental proceedings of public boards or commissions at both the state and local levels.

The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County is subject to the Sunshine Laws in the state of Florida. This also applies to any applicant for this position. Your application and any information pertaining to it will become a matter of public record in the final round of interviews, and likely before, upon a public records request.

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