Preschool Development Grant Program Coordinator - CLEE - UTK

TN, United States

The Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Program Coordinator will work with key stakeholders within the Center for Learning, Education & Employment and the TN Department of Education to implement the Preschool Development Grant, which focuses on providing intensive support to early learning programs across the state through training, planning and evaluation with a goal of building a high-quality early learning programs across the state of Tennessee.

The goal for the PDG Coordinator is to increase access to developmentally appropriate environments and high-quality instruction with the focus on improving outcomes for all children. A person in this position has knowledge of instruction and developmentally appropriate practices for children birth-5 in Tennessee. This position will assist in team management, help support the development and revision of TDOE Early Learning standards and collaborate with TDOE and expert stakeholders, design and deliver high-quality professional development, and assist in evaluating progress.

On a daily basis, this person will determine who needs support, create process tools, arrange virtual or face to face meetings amongst stakeholders, and then delicately facilitate communication at these meetings to keep project work on track. This person is a negotiator, diplomat, coach, consultant, trainer, and data-based problem solver, but above all, a collaborator and communicator intimately familiar with preschool educational systems and how they can be improved.

This position will collaborate closely with CLEE’s Associate Director. They will have a general knowledge of the project budget and be able to help identify needs in program including but not limited to staffing. This is a home-office based, full-time, exempt University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) position. Participation in regular online meetings and training are required in order to collaborate with program staff as well as UTK staff and district team members.

This person should be experienced in setting their own work schedule and taking the initiative to meet multiple stakeholder priorities. Travel throughout the state is a requirement of this position. This position will require moderate travel to assigned regional programs. This position is contract funded; continuation of employment will be dependent on continuous district participation and engagement and cannot be guaranteed for any length of time.

Currently, the project is expected to conclude September 30, 2026.

Collaborate and Design

• Work with CLEE Associate Director and program leadership to develop needs assessment and effectively implement scope of work.
• Manage Regional Access Coaches to ensure aligned and coordinated support to participating programs, schools and educators.
• Develop a strategic action plan based on needs identified on initial assessment, using in-person/virtual leadership team meetings and observations/walkthroughs to monitor progress
• Collaborate closely with CLEE Associate Director to ensure all aspects of the Preschool Development Grant are running smoothly and accurately.
• Collaborate with team to develop high-quality content for training and professional development based on TN-ELDS.
• Develop and present training and professional development in-person and virtually to districts across the state of Tennessee.
• Work alongside Associate Director to seek out and apply for additional funding opportunities

Evaluation and Support

• Use collected data to help in summarizing the program’s growth for mid-year and end-year reporting
• Continuous monitoring of improvement through scheduled walkthroughs
• Ability to interpret and coach leadership on data regarding the quality of their early learning programs
• Travel to programs to both provide direct support or support the assigned Regional Access Coach in coaching educators and program leadership based on needs determined in initial needs assessment and/or collected data.

Administrative

• Form collaborative relationships with all necessary program staff participating in PDG Initiatives in support of building a foundation for enhanced preschool excellence
• Provide…