Program Manager, Early Care and Education

THE COMPANY 

The Low Income Investment Fund is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that mobilizes capital and partners to achieve opportunity, equity and wellbeing for people and communities. LIIF innovates financial solutions to create more equitable outcomes for all by building and preserving affordable homes, quality educational opportunities from early childhood through higher education, health clinics, healthy food retail and community facilities. In this way, LIIF provides a bridge between private capital markets and communities. LIIF’s headquarters is in San Francisco and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to the ECE Director, Western Region and will have direct supervisory responsibility for staff and/or selected consultants in implementation of activities for the program.  

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Program Manager is responsible for the oversight and management of initiatives aimed at improving early childhood environments in Alameda County. This role leads program design and implementation, staff development, and strategic partnerships to enhance and expand the availability of high-quality early care and education spaces for young children.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Design and Implementation:

Lead the design, planning, and execution of grant programs supporting licensed child care programs and other child-centered environments.
Develop and implement program policies, timelines, and guidelines to ensure transparent and effective grant administration.
Oversee the grant monitoring process to ensure compliance, track progress, and achieve key deliverables.
Utilize data management platforms such as Submittable and Salesforce to monitor program performance and generate comprehensive reports.
Technical Assistance and Training:

Identify and assess technical assistance and training needs; develop and implement capacity-building initiatives for staff, consultants, and child care providers.
Provide subject matter expert technical guidance on facility planning, site assessment, and construction project completion.
Lead the selection, engagement, and management of consultants delivering specialized technical assistance.
Partnership Development:

Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including ECE advocacy organizations, government agencies, and local community partners.
Collaborate with city and county agencies to identify potential child care sites and coordinate activities to optimize site utilization.
Partner with Community Care Licensing, Fire, Building, and Planning Departments to support facility expansion or renovation.
Strategic Planning and Budget Oversight:

Collaborate with directors to streamline workflows and assess operational systems for improved service delivery.
Provide fiscal oversight for program budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and contractual obligations.
Lead hiring, onboarding, and mentorship of staff to promote a culture of learning and innovation.
Other Responsibilities:

Support fundraising efforts, including prospecting and grant management.
Collaborate with internal teams to identify cross-departmental opportunities for advancing program impact.
Prepare internal and external reports, clearly communicating program outcomes, goals, and funding priorities.
 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Five years of professional experience in program management, early childhood education, or community development.
Proven experience in leading teams and developing new programs or initiatives.
Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
Expertise in working with diverse populations and building inclusive relationships.
Experience with data management platforms such as Salesforce and Submittable is highly desirable.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

LIIF offers a hybrid work environment with flexibility to balance in-office and remote work. However, all employees are expected to work on-site at least two (2) days per week. The successful candidate may be expected to travel occasionally for meetings, trainings, conferences, or other Company sponsored events.