Child Care Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job SummaryThe child care resource specialist serves as a trusted connector and advocate for child care professionals, families, employers, and community partners across Hendricks County. This role supports family-facing organizations as they help families navigate child care options and access community resources to meet their needs. The specialist provides guidance and support to child care professionals by coordinating networking opportunities, sharing best practices, and assisting with efforts to open new programs, expand capacity, and enhance overall program quality. The specialist also plays a key role in building and sustaining collaborative relationships across the business community, social service agencies, and the local early care and education ecosystem. Through outreach, education, and partnership development, the specialist facilitates collaboration, promotes access to information and resources, and elevates the importance of quality child care to families, employers, and community leaders. This position plays a key role in promoting equitable access to quality early learning opportunities and strengthening the child care system to benefit children, families, and the broader community.Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesTo perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform and execute the following responsibilities with all audiences in a culturally-responsive manner, considering individuals' needs and goals. Child Care Answers (CCA) will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.Early Care and Education Ecosystem Development and Community EngagementStrengthen the local early care and education ecosystem by building relationships with family-facing and social service organizations, coalitions, child care professionals, employers, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, local policy leaders, and community stakeholdersServe as a connector across sectors, fostering collaboration among child care programs, schools, social service agencies, coalitions, and community partnersDevelop and maintain strategic partnerships that expand access to child care resources and support system coordinationServe as subject matter expert for and deliver resources on early care and education and the impact of child care in Hendricks CountyRepresent CCA at community meetings, events, and presentations to promote services and elevate the role of child care in community and economic well-beingFamily and Community SupportProvide support to families in Hendricks County through resources, education, and connection to family-facing organizations that provide child care referrals and other two-generation supports for health, economic mobility, careers, and their own educationDeliver clear, accessible education to families and family-serving organizations on:Choosing quality child carePaths to QUALITY (Indiana's quality rating and improvement system) and licensing standardsChild care financial assistance programs, including CCDF and On My Way Pre-KParticipate in outreach events and advisory opportunities that elevate family voice and engagementChild Care Program Engagement and Capacity BuildingServe as a primary point of contact for child care professionals, supporting program quality, sustainability, and growthGuide prospective child care professionals through the process of opening and licensing a program, including navigating and connecting them to appropriate resources.Participate, facilitate, and/or coordinate child care professional networks and learning communities aligned with identified needsBuild and maintain an up-to-date library of available resources for the child care industry related to training, credentials, business operations, and program supportCoach and connect child care professionals to appropriate resourcesBuild and maintain ongoing communication with child care professionals to monitor needs, capacity, and respond appropriatelyOrganizational Collaboration and CommunicationCollaborate internally across CCA teams to align outreach, services, and system-building effortsPartner with communications and data staff to support targeted outreach strategies, including website content, social media, and marketing initiativesParticipate in community events and engagements to increase awareness of CCA services, strengthen system visibility, and identify opportunities for supportEducation, Experience, and RequirementsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following:EducationBachelor's degree required in early childhood education, child development, consumer and family sciences, marketing, communications, public relations, business administration, social work, counseling, or related fieldExperienceMinimum of three years' experience working in an early childhood setting, a child care support agency, or an agency providing community support servicesStrong knowledge and familiarity with Indiana's child care regulation and licensing rules/requirements and the early care and education ecosystemExperience engaging diverse stakeholders, including families, child care professionals, and community partners preferredCompetenciesProficiency with Microsoft OfficeAbility to learn and navigate multiple data systems and work-related toolsExperience with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft TeamsFamiliarity with visual communication tools (e.g. Canva) and creating presentations or outreach materialsAbility to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate proactive initiative, and adapt in a dynamic environmentAdditional RequirementsFluency/proficiency in English required; proficiency in an additional language strongly preferredThis is a hybrid position, with a combination of remote work and in-office presenceA minimum of 40% of time will be spent conducting in-person and virtual outreach, networking, and engaging/attending community meetings and eventsMust have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insuranceWeekends and nights as determined by local meetings/events and other all-staff required eventsResidence in or strong familiarity with Hendricks County preferredKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThe successful employee will demonstrate the following core competencies:Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Because they will spend most of their time communicating, the specialist must possess superior communication skills to clearly articulate needs and opportunities to audiences in-person, virtually, via phone, or via written communication. Speaking in front of an audience and giving presentations should be an area of comfort and confidence.Social Perceptiveness and Professionalism: The specialist must be socially aware of socio-economic, geographic, cultural, and intellectual differences as they navigate from one audience to another, both internally and externally. They demonstrate professionalism in appearance and actions; approach difficult or sensitive situations with composure and respect. Contributes to a positive and inclusive work environment through equitable and respectful interactionsInnovative Thinking: The specialist must be an innovative thinker, pushing the boundaries of creativity, and identify opportunities to strengthen connections and expand impact. These skills are essential for seeking out diverse perspectives, fresh connections, and additional networks.Interpersonal Skills and Influencing Skills:  Interpersonal skills include compassion, positivity, patience, and active listening, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and maintain authentic relationships.  The specialist will influence and align stakeholders by clearly communicating goals, fostering shared understanding, and building engagement across diverse groupsProblem Solving / Decision Making: The specialist will use innovative ideas to logically resolve most challenging situations and develop alternative and effective solutions when faced with obstacles, exercising sound decision-making. They must be organized to ensure they stay on track with team goals and objectives, leveraging excellent time management skills to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accountability for results.The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.