The Early Childhood Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) is seeking applications for the position of Executive Director.  The Executive Director has primary responsibility for the leadership, development, planning, budgeting, and operations of the organization as well as overseeing the implementation of the strategic framework. The Executive Director serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization and develops and sustains collaborative statewide partnerships in order to achieve our mission, goals, and objectives.

Working closely with ECCLA’s Board of Directors and Early Childhood Council members, the Executive Director will guide and supervise the organization’s core functions including finance and operations, data and evaluation, membership and communication, and direct programming. The Executive Director will provide leadership and oversight for the capacity building work of ECCLA and our member Councils. This opportunity strategically supports the Councils’ work in the domains as identified in Colorado’s Early Childhood Framework. In addition, ECCLA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job related factors. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

The Executive Director will play an essential role in fulfilling ECCLA’s long-term vision, strategic priorities, and leveraging key partnerships throughout the state. She or he will guide and support staff in a variety of functions that relate to our work with Councils, partners, foundations, policy makers, and government agencies. Last, the Executive Director will help guide the growth and success of the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® COLORADO Scholarship Program.

Occasional travel and availability for occasional weekend and evening meetings will be required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Management

• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Hire, lead, coach, and evaluate ECCLA staff.
• With support from ECCLA staff, help develop and lead approximately four statewide Council Membership meetings annually, along with monthly calls/webinars, and one-on-one correspondence.
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors; seek and build board involvement with strategic direction and resource development.
• Ensuring effective nonprofit best practices and accountability.
• Ensure ongoing organizational excellence, rigorous evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and operations, fundraising, data and evaluation, communications, professional development, and advocacy; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve strategic goals.
• Ensure effective systems to track progress, regularly evaluate program components, and measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the Board, funders, and other constituents.
• Actively engage and energize Board members, Council committees, partnering organizations, and funders.
• Identify opportunities for collective effort, and foster relationships with local, state and federal stakeholders.

Resource Development

• Support and sustain development efforts through a comprehensive and long-term resource development plan including foundation, corporate, and individual donors as well as state contracts.
• Build strong and trusted relationships with current funders and prospective donors.
• Oversee fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals, and administrating fundraising records and documentation.
• Ensure consistent and high-quality donor cultivation and stewardship.

Communication and Advocacy

• Serve as the chief spokesperson for ECCLA.
• Maintain and develop relationships with state level early childhood stakeholders to facilitate their awareness of early childhood issues and participation in ECCLA’s work.
• Engage in public policy process and advocacy at the local, state, and federal level. Work with statewide policy teams and entities, guide appropriate policy and make recommendations, and engage with policymakers and provide testimony as needed.
• Promote an effective, high-visibility, and positive public image of ECCLA and its mission and work to elevate the leadership position of ECCLA.
• Attend state meetings, including with the Colorado Department of Human Services/Office of Early Childhood, as needed to ensure ECCLA voice is represented concerning public policy, best practices, programs, appropriations, standards, and other matters related to early childhood systems building.
• Ensure robust ECCLA communication among membership, the Board, Officers, and community and state partner organizations.

Accountability

• Ensure compliance with organizational vision, mission, and strategic framework.
• Provide leadership and help facilitate Board of Directors and Board Finance Committee meetings as well as other ECCLA/Committee meetings as needed.
• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Adhere to organization-wide policies and procedures.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field across the state and to help ensure best practices within ECCLA’s scope of influence.