Creative, entrepreneurial, politically savvy, goal oriented, flexible leader with a clear commitment to creating better opportunities for Denver’s children.
These characteristics describe what we seek in a new President & CEO for the Denver Preschool Program.
The Denver Preschool Program, a Denver-based ballot initiative approved by voters in November 2006, reflects the values and commitment of Denver residents in creating opportunities for all children to have an equal start in life.
Through a newly developed sales tax allocation, to be administered by an independent non-profit organization, an estimated minimum of $12 million annually will be reserved to maximize access for parents and families of four-year old children to Denver’s many licensed early childhood providers. Additionally, these funds will be used to improve the quality of such programs, ensuring that they have the resources necessary to lay the foundation of knowledge, social skills and self confidence in children that paves the way for success in kindergarten, throughout school, and later in life.
The six core components of the Denver Preschool Program serve as the guiding principles of this initiative:
- Open and Voluntary - The program is open and voluntary, so any Denver child can attend for the year before they are eligible to enter a kindergarten program.
- Parental Choice - Families will receive tuition credits (on a sliding scale based upon financial need) to use at licensed preschool providers willing to participate in the program.
- Inclusive of All Provider Types - Any state licensed early childhood provider may elect whether or not to participate in the program.
- Quality Programs - All providers participating in this program must agree to participate in a quality improvement system.
- Independent, Efficient Administration – The Denver Preschool Program will be administered by an independent non-profit, with its own Board of Directors and Advisory Board, whose sole purpose is to institutionalize and govern this program for the betterment of the greater Denver community.
- Oversight and Accountability - The Board of the Denver Preschool Program will be required to report to the Mayor, City Council and the public on the number of children in preschool, the quality rating and improvements of preschools in Denver, the financial health of the program, and the long-term academic achievement of the children.
The selected candidate will report to the Board of Directors and will be charged with developing the infrastructure of a new non-profit organization as well as managing its financial policies and practices, its business model and staffing composition, and its relationships within the community, its stakeholders, and its Board of Directors. The long-term feasibility of this initiative and its value to Denver residents are central to the organizational development objectives and strategies that will be entrusted to the President/CEO of this organization to cultivate.
We seek qualified candidates who have these characteristics and experience:
- A deeply held, demonstrated belief in and value for early childhood education.
- Experience with blending multiple funding sources at the Federal, State, and local levels.
- Strong fiscal management background with expertise in grants and contracts management and administering public funding.
- Ability to navigate within a variety of public and private institutions including PK-12, higher education, and the public policymaking arena.
- Strong organization and leadership skills.
- Knowledge of the challenges early childhood educators face in urban environments.
- Demonstrated track record of engaging diverse constituents throughout a community and promoting diversity within an organization.
- Experience with and demonstrated competency working with diverse economic, cultural and linguistic communities. · Experience in developing and working with boards of directors.
- Ability to work with a variety of governing bodies, both public and private.
- Ability to communicate effectively in many ways; demonstrating strong public speaking skills; being a powerful motivator of diverse staff and volunteers.
- Experience in working with media representatives.
- Proven track record in partnership building.
- Collaborative approach to project development, implementation and capacity building.
- Awareness of regulatory and legal environments.
- Ability to successfully hire, coach and supervise professional staff.
- Familiarity with Denver and its early childhood community.
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
- Ability to speak Spanish preferred.
Candidates must be authorized to work indefinitely in the U.S. and be willing to live in the Denver metro area. Final candidates may be asked to participate in public forums.
To apply for the position, qualified professionals should send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Carolyn McCormick at the same email address noted above.
The Denver Preschool Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People representing diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.