Job Opening Collaborative Manager: Connecticut Early Childhood Funders Collaborative

[Lee Cruz]

Connecticut Early Childhood Funders Collaborative

A partnership through the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy

Position Description—Collaborative Manager

 

ABOUT THE COLLABORATIVE

The Connecticut Early Childhood Funders Collaborative (Collaborative) is a broad and diverse coalition of members of the Connecticut philanthropic community committed to the successful realization of the goals identified in PA 11-181, An Act Concerning Early Childhood Education and the Establishment of a Coordinated System of Early Care and Education and Child Development.

 

The Collaborative comprises 14 funders from around the state who bring many years of experience in supporting and operating programs that serve the needs of children and families. Members of the Collaborative believe a partnership between government and philanthropy can help us pursue our common goal of designing a comprehensive statewide early childhood system. The flexibility with which the philanthropic community can provide fiscal and programmatic resources, coupled with state government's access to data, federal policies, and public-sector resources will lead to the best thinking and outcomes for young children and their families.

 

The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy (Council) is the host organization and fiscal sponsor for the Collaborative.

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Collaborative Manager reports to the president of the Council and is responsible to the Collaborative to ensure that its mission is effectively realized.  The CM works closely with the Office of Early Childhood on behalf of the Collaborative. This is envisioned as an up to 20 hour/week position.

 

Specific responsibilities may include:

 

• Perform development and policy activities related to the Collaborative’s interest in promoting early childhood systems building and the successful development of the OEC
• Manage grant activities, including submitting grant requests and reports related to funding for theCollaborative
• Perform initial review of requests for funding from the Collaborative in preparation for Collaborative review
• Monitor funded activities, contracts and reporting
• Prepare and distribute a monthly update to members of the Collaborative and partners
• Collect, synthesize and analyze key data related to implementation of OEC as related to support – financial and otherwise—from the Collaborative and movement towards goals of the Collaborative
• Mobilize members to respond to relevant policy or advocacy issues as they arise
• Foster engagement among members, including providing resources, encouraging participation, facilitatingconnections, and maintaining regular communication
• Provide staff support and coordination for all Collaborative meetings, including preparation and distribution ofagendas, member communication, scheduling and logistics, facilitating discussions as needed, and performingfollow-up activities
• Work with the Council and Collaborative co-chairs to develop and maintain Collaborative budget
• Represent the Collaborative at meetings, as necessary.
• Strategize outreach activities, including development and distribution of materials, and handling media or press inquiries, in partnership with Collaborative and OEC leaders
• Work with the Collaborative co-chairs and members on the development of meeting agendas; manage and participate in the creation of a historical narrative of the work of the Collaborative and its engagement in early childhood systems development
• Work with the Council and co-chairs to increase participation by other Connecticut funders in the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative

 

REQUIREMENTS

The Collaborative Manager should have the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications:

• Ability to work closely and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and at different professional levels
• Ability to collaborate and function as part of a larger team
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, manage multiple responsibilities, and prioritize tasks
• Strong analytic, research, and critical thinking skills
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Comfortable and articulate when speaking in public
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Familiarity with the causes and implications of the current early childhood issues and opportunities, or willingness to learn about these issues quickly
• At least 5 years experience working in professional settings, knowledge of early childhood and legislative issues preferred
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, in public policy, public administration, nonprofit management, social services,  or related field
• Energy, a sense of humor, and a passion for improving the lives of others
• Understanding and experience in the philanthropic sector preferred

 

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Communications – keeping collaborative members well informed and documenting the lessons learned and process of development of the Collaborative
• Attraction and retention of funder interest and participation
• Sustained level of funding or transition activities to partner organizations

 

To apply for this position: By August 15, 2013, please send a thoughtful cover letter explaining how your education and experience qualify you for this position, along with a description of why it is of interest to you, your hourly rate, and your resume to:

Carol Schofield 
Director of Special Initiatives 
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy 
[e-mail]

No calls please.

Connecticut Council for Philanthropy values a diverse staff reflecting the rich diversity of the community.