Multnomah County
Preschool & Early Learning Division Director
Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Overview
Multnomah County voters chose to invest in high-quality, culturally responsive early learning opportunities for all 3- and 4-year-old children. This investment has transformed educational experiences for young children and their families, and we want you to help this program continue to thrive. Apply today to lead a multicultural workforce and manage a multi-million dollar budget with projected growth to over 11,000 Preschool For All seats by 2030. As the Director of the Preschool & Early Learning Division (PELD), you will lead the countywide implementation of a universal preschool system, utilizing the community framework and vision for Preschool for All. You will be a visible and inspiring advocate for the importance of early learning, the value of early educators, and the need for high-quality, culturally specific and culturally responsive preschools. You will collaborate with both community partners and PELD’s teams to develop bold solutions to the next phase of Preschool For All expansion, including building strong relationships with providers, increasing the number of early educators and early learning spaces. Your leadership, experience with media and intergovernmental communication, commitment to equity (including racial equity), and expertise in leading programs that benefit children and families will support a newer Division within the Department of County Human Services and guide the initiative to provide universal preschool within Multnomah County by 2030.
Primary responsibilities
Workforce + Equity : Integrate equity principles as a core focus across initiatives, hire, supervise, direct, and evaluate staff, and foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace that reduces barriers for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Support safe, belonging, and trust as the preschool workforce grows.
Partnerships : Collaborate with parents, preschool providers, state leadership, the Board of County Commissioners, department leadership, and community stakeholders. Develop and guide a diverse preschool advisory group aligned with equity and empowerment goals, including providers, organizations, and families in decision making.
Strategic Leadership + Framework : Develop and implement an expanded framework for preschool in Multnomah County, directing division-wide priorities and budget, determining contracted services, and addressing workforce and infrastructure shortages. Lead the management team to improve efficiency, effectiveness, customer focus, and data-driven results. Ensure alignment with union contracts, personnel policies, and workforce equity goals; maintain relationships with unions. Support Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and department-wide strategic plan.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies: Building Relationships : Invest time to create mutually beneficial relationships based on trust, understanding, and respect; promote trauma-informed values.
Promoting Equity : Deconstruct barriers to a racially just system; foster environments that value truth, courage, collaboration, and shared power.
Leadership and Creativity : Understand county culture and politics, lead by example, provide meaningful feedback, and pursue improved methods and systems to meet evolving needs.
Acting with Integrity : Be truthful, ethical, reliable, and transparent.
Learning Agility : Adapt to changing trends and encourage others to grow and problem-solve.
Key Knowledge & Experience: Understanding equity, inclusion, implicit bias, systemic oppression, and access to early care and education.
Knowledge of preschool systems or youth and family systems and best practices.
Understanding of cultures and experiences of communities facing marginalization, especially Black and Indigenous child care providers, families, and communities of color.
Trauma-informed practices that resist retraumatization.
Understanding of child care providers, including in-home providers and their role in the system.
Experience with participatory management to promote teamwork and a learning work environment.
Experience supervising diverse teams and leading complex programs.
To Qualify: We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills: Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
Six years of relevant leadership or technical program experience in early education/human services, including at least three years in a complex, diverse organization.
Valid driver’s license.
Criminal background check.
Reference check.
Screening and Evaluation
Required Application Packet:
Your completed application must include all of the following items: A completed online application and/or resume.
A cover letter with responses to: how your background makes you a great candidate; why Preschool for All appeals to you; and your work related to policy development, program management, and budget with a focus on equity.
Please note : Your materials should demonstrate how your experience aligns with the Overview and To Qualify sections; the quality of your responses may determine interview eligibility.
Internal candidates : After submitting, check your Workday inbox and complete the Veterans’ Preference Questionnaire before the deadline.
The Selection Process
Details on screening and evaluation follow: initial minimum qualifications, application evaluation to identify the most qualified, top candidates through phone screen and/or interviews, and background and reference checks. This process is subject to change.
Additional Information Type of Position : Salaried, at-will management; not overtime eligible.
Location : 458 SE 185TH Avenue, Portland, OR 97233
Teleworking : Hybrid telework with a minimum of three in-person days; eligible locations restricted to Oregon or Washington.
Benefits : Multnomah County benefits package. Details at: https://multco.us/benefits/new-employee-benefits
Pay Equity : The county regularly reviews pay equity, considering education, experience, seniority, training, and tenure in relation to similar roles.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters : County staff serve as a safety net during disasters; duties may require reassignment to emergency response. More at the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
Diversity and Inclusion : Multnomah County values diversity and inclusion; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. See the EEO Know Your Rights poster. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and supports veteran referrals.
Veterans’ Preference:
Under Oregon law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. See the veterans’ preference page for details.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act : We provide reasonable accommodation for applicants who need assistance; contact the recruiter. Telecommunications Relay Service available at 711.
Questions? Recruiter:
Anne Blumenauer Email:
anne.blumenauer@multco.us Phone:
+1 (971) 917-5769
Application information may be used throughout the selection process and is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer : This announcement is a general recruitment guide and may change; it does not constitute a contract.
Job Profile:
9602 - Division Director 2
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Multnomah County voters chose to invest in high-quality, culturally responsive early learning opportunities for all 3- and 4-year-old children. This investment has transformed educational experiences for young children and their families, and we want you to help this program continue to thrive. Apply today to lead a multicultural workforce and manage a multi-million dollar budget with projected growth to over 11,000 Preschool For All seats by 2030. As the Director of the Preschool & Early Learning Division (PELD), you will lead the countywide implementation of a universal preschool system, utilizing the community framework and vision for Preschool for All. You will be a visible and inspiring advocate for the importance of early learning, the value of early educators, and the need for high-quality, culturally specific and culturally responsive preschools. You will collaborate with both community partners and PELD’s teams to develop bold solutions to the next phase of Preschool For All expansion, including building strong relationships with providers, increasing the number of early educators and early learning spaces. Your leadership, experience with media and intergovernmental communication, commitment to equity (including racial equity), and expertise in leading programs that benefit children and families will support a newer Division within the Department of County Human Services and guide the initiative to provide universal preschool within Multnomah County by 2030.
Primary responsibilities
Workforce + Equity : Integrate equity principles as a core focus across initiatives, hire, supervise, direct, and evaluate staff, and foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace that reduces barriers for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Support safe, belonging, and trust as the preschool workforce grows.
Partnerships : Collaborate with parents, preschool providers, state leadership, the Board of County Commissioners, department leadership, and community stakeholders. Develop and guide a diverse preschool advisory group aligned with equity and empowerment goals, including providers, organizations, and families in decision making.
Strategic Leadership + Framework : Develop and implement an expanded framework for preschool in Multnomah County, directing division-wide priorities and budget, determining contracted services, and addressing workforce and infrastructure shortages. Lead the management team to improve efficiency, effectiveness, customer focus, and data-driven results. Ensure alignment with union contracts, personnel policies, and workforce equity goals; maintain relationships with unions. Support Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and department-wide strategic plan.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies: Building Relationships : Invest time to create mutually beneficial relationships based on trust, understanding, and respect; promote trauma-informed values.
Promoting Equity : Deconstruct barriers to a racially just system; foster environments that value truth, courage, collaboration, and shared power.
Leadership and Creativity : Understand county culture and politics, lead by example, provide meaningful feedback, and pursue improved methods and systems to meet evolving needs.
Acting with Integrity : Be truthful, ethical, reliable, and transparent.
Learning Agility : Adapt to changing trends and encourage others to grow and problem-solve.
Key Knowledge & Experience: Understanding equity, inclusion, implicit bias, systemic oppression, and access to early care and education.
Knowledge of preschool systems or youth and family systems and best practices.
Understanding of cultures and experiences of communities facing marginalization, especially Black and Indigenous child care providers, families, and communities of color.
Trauma-informed practices that resist retraumatization.
Understanding of child care providers, including in-home providers and their role in the system.
Experience with participatory management to promote teamwork and a learning work environment.
Experience supervising diverse teams and leading complex programs.
To Qualify: We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills: Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
Six years of relevant leadership or technical program experience in early education/human services, including at least three years in a complex, diverse organization.
Valid driver’s license.
Criminal background check.
Reference check.
Screening and Evaluation
Required Application Packet:
Your completed application must include all of the following items: A completed online application and/or resume.
A cover letter with responses to: how your background makes you a great candidate; why Preschool for All appeals to you; and your work related to policy development, program management, and budget with a focus on equity.
Please note : Your materials should demonstrate how your experience aligns with the Overview and To Qualify sections; the quality of your responses may determine interview eligibility.
Internal candidates : After submitting, check your Workday inbox and complete the Veterans’ Preference Questionnaire before the deadline.
The Selection Process
Details on screening and evaluation follow: initial minimum qualifications, application evaluation to identify the most qualified, top candidates through phone screen and/or interviews, and background and reference checks. This process is subject to change.
Additional Information Type of Position : Salaried, at-will management; not overtime eligible.
Location : 458 SE 185TH Avenue, Portland, OR 97233
Teleworking : Hybrid telework with a minimum of three in-person days; eligible locations restricted to Oregon or Washington.
Benefits : Multnomah County benefits package. Details at: https://multco.us/benefits/new-employee-benefits
Pay Equity : The county regularly reviews pay equity, considering education, experience, seniority, training, and tenure in relation to similar roles.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters : County staff serve as a safety net during disasters; duties may require reassignment to emergency response. More at the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
Diversity and Inclusion : Multnomah County values diversity and inclusion; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. See the EEO Know Your Rights poster. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and supports veteran referrals.
Veterans’ Preference:
Under Oregon law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. See the veterans’ preference page for details.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act : We provide reasonable accommodation for applicants who need assistance; contact the recruiter. Telecommunications Relay Service available at 711.
Questions? Recruiter:
Anne Blumenauer Email:
anne.blumenauer@multco.us Phone:
+1 (971) 917-5769
Application information may be used throughout the selection process and is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer : This announcement is a general recruitment guide and may change; it does not constitute a contract.
Job Profile:
9602 - Division Director 2
#J-18808-Ljbffr