The Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission is seeking a strategic and persuasive Executive Director. The Commission is a network of business champions who understand the solid connection between quality early childhood experiences and a strong Pennsylvania economy. The executive director’s success will be determined by his/her ability to raise funds and galvanize the business community in support of expanded public and private investment in high quality early learning programs.
Responsibilities
Fundraising
- Expand revenue-generating and fundraising activities to support and expand current operations while building an appropriate reserve fund. Target prospects include select foundations, corporate sponsorship and Commissioner contributions.
- Support regional fundraising efforts designed to expand access to high quality care and education.
Leadership & Management:
- Work directly with Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and its leadership to determine programmatic priorities for business engagement in early learning while also nurturing collaborative working relationships with the Governor’s office and Team Pennsylvania Foundation to ensure alignment of priorities, strategies and tactics in carrying out the Commission’s work.
- Lead implementation, review, and refinement of the Commission’s strategic plan.
- Provide educational opportunities to business and civic leaders to increase their interest and investment in early childhood initiatives;
- Build the capacity of the Commissioners to increase legislative awareness and support early learning initiatives;
- Assist business leaders in advocating and promoting early childhood programs to other business leaders and state legislators.
- Manage business and community relationships on behalf of the Commission, Team Pennsylvania Foundation and OCDEL.
- Support regional business engagement in building effective coalitions.
- Ensure effective systems are in place to track progress and evaluate programs to identify successes that can be shared with Commissioners, funders, and other stakeholders; and
- Develop, manage and support a high performing team that includes one staff member along with consultants, partners, and volunteers to advance the Commission’s mission and priorities.
Communications:
- Deepen and refine all aspects of communications—from web and social media presence, to external relations—with the goal of creating a stronger brand and an elevated profile for the Commission and the Governor’s early learning priorities;
- Work with Commissioners, OCDEL, Team Pennsylvania Foundation and other partners to secure media opportunities to promote mission of the Commission and Governor’s priorities.
- Continually look for and secure new relationships and opportunities to raise awareness and support for increased investments in early learning.
- Ensure the production of an Annual Economic Summit on Early Childhood Investment with statewide participation from business, civic, and educational leaders;
- Build partnerships across Pennsylvania and nationally with funders as well as political and community leaders to both inform and elevate Pennsylvania’s early learning priorities and funding.
Qualifications
The Executive Director will be thoroughly committed to building awareness and support for increasing public and private investment in high quality early learning. All candidates should have proven leadership, fundraising, and relationship management experience.
Specific requirements include:
- At least seven (7) years of senior management experience;
- Advanced degree, ideally in public administration, public policy or business;
- Track record of effectively leading and expanding a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff;
- Past success working with a Board of Directors
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with leaders in business, philanthropy, local communities, government, and the early care and education community;
- Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to be a persuasive and passionate communicator;
- Excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills;
- Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning;
- Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people and cultures;
- Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.
Work Location and Hours
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday with flexibility to work various evening hours and occasional weekends, as needed.
Work Location: The Commission has offices at the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, located at 240 North 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. This position allows for flexibility in working off-site if internet and phone access are reliable. The position will require approximately 35% travel within Pennsylvania and occasionally out of state. Reliable car transportation is required.
Compensation and Benefits
Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission/Team Pennsylvania Foundation offers a variety of benefits to our staff including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Our employees can participate in a retirement plan with a generous matching contribution. A progressive paid leave plan allows you to earn more time off the longer you are employed and we provide paid time off for designated holidays. We also offer flexible work schedules and a friendly, supportive environment. This position is salaried with starting annual range of $90,000 – $110,000 commensurate with skills and previous experience.
To Apply
For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@paearlylearning.com.
Team Pennsylvania Foundation/Early Learning Investment Commission is an equal opportunity employer.
About Us
The Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission is a network of business leaders dedicated to making the success of every child in Pennsylvania a top priority. We work to improve tomorrow’s economy through smart policy and budget investments in today’s young children.
The Early Learning Investment Commission envisions Pennsylvania as a great place to raise young children, regardless of family income or zip code. We want our commonwealth to have a robust, diverse, and high-quality early care and education delivery system accessible to all children from prenatal to school age. Young children and their families will receive support to help them be loving, curious, playful, and prepared to succeed in school and be productive in life.
The Commission was created by Executive Order in 2008 for the purpose of mobilizing business leaders across Pennsylvania to secure support for public investment in early learning. Our 58 Commissioners, all senior business leaders from across the Commonwealth, represent 28 counties and many of Pennsylvania’s leading industries. We inform thousands of business and civic leaders annually about the critical importance of preparing all young children with the knowledge and skills required for success. We have been an effective advocate with state policymakers, resulting in increased investments in quality early learning programs. Our commissioners also work in local business coalitions to support increased access to high-quality care and education. Commissioners are appointed by Pennsylvania’s Governor for three-year terms.