Senior Director, Grants and Government Affairs

Remote

Cadence Education is currently in search of our next Senior Director, Grants and Government Affairs.

Cadence Education is one of the premier early childhood educators in the United States, operating over 325 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With over 30 years in business, we have developed an unparalleled expertise in preparing students to thrive in the next step of their childhood.

At Cadence Education, our mission is to create bright futures for children, families, employees and our communities. This mission can only be accomplished through a team of passionate childcare professionals who combine their talents to provide an unparalleled level of care and compassion for children and their families. Our research-based curriculum and home-based environments are the leading edge of early education.

Our schools are staffed with individuals who are talented, fun, and genuinely enthusiastic about child development and learning. We encourage collaboration and cherish open-communication in each school and with our corporate office.  We work hard to create an outstanding work-life balance by supporting leaders and staff members every step of the way. For additional information about Cadence, please visit www.cadence-education.com.

Benefits of Working Full Time at Cadence Education:

• Competitive compensation
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Educational and professional development
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
• Paid time off that increases with seniority
• Medical, dental, vision options available
• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• 401K
• Pet insurance
• Paid CDA 

Senior Director, Grants & Government Affairs Required Skills and Education:

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:	·       Strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills. ·       Requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time, potentially more during legislative sessions. ·       Must demonstrate ability to be self-directed, as well as demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal skills and research capabilities. ·       Must be able to manage priorities, deadlines and objectives simultaneously in a dynamic environment and adapt to change quickly and positively.   ·       Requires the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to possess good customer service. ·       Must be influential, persuasive, communicative with strong administrative abilities, and requires the ability to read, write and speak effectively in English.
  Education or equivalency:	·       Requires a bachelor’s degree.
  Experience:	·       At least 3 years of experience in grant administration, including grant writing and budgeting (required). ·       At least 3 years’ experience in project management (required) ·       At least 3 years’ experience in government affairs (preferred) ·       At least 3 years’ experience in quality rating programs (preferred) ·       Familiarity with the federal and state legislative process (preferred) ·       Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  Specialized training:	·       Project Management Professional or equivalent training preferred.

Senior Director, Grants & Government Affairs Job Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the General Counsel, this position will be responsible for creating and executing the organization’s public-private strategy, including grants, quality rating, and government affairs. Primary responsibilities include working closely with the Operations, Finance and Legal Teams to ensure (i) coordination of company advocacy efforts related to federal and state childcare programs; (ii) grant sourcing, application, administration, and ensuring that funds are used effectively to achieve the organization’s goals; (iii) overseeing and project managing the quality rating function; and (iv) creation and implementation of effective strategies around universal pre-k and mixed delivery pre-k.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. 1. Grants (50% of role)
      1. Develop and oversee grants strategy.
      2. Develop and implement grant application and reporting procedures in compliance with funder requirements and organizational policies and procedures.
      3. Research and identify funding opportunities that align with the organization’s mission and programs.
      4. Assist Operations Team and others with preparing and submitting grant applications and proposals and provide training and support on grant applications and reporting processes as needed.
      5. Prepare grant applications proposals and budgets, including coordinating with Operations Team and others as necessary.
      6. Review grant applications and proposals and budgets, including coordinating with Operations Team and others as necessary.
      7. Review grant applications and make recommendations to the Operations Team, and in the instance of larger funding opportunities, the Executive Team, for funding decisions.
      8. Work with the Finance Team to monitor grant budgets and progress, ensure compliance with the grant requirements, and provide regular reports internally and to funders as required.
      9. Maintain accurate grant records and prepare timely and accurate grant reports.
      10. Assist the Finance Team with grant-related audits as necessary.
      11. Ensure effective communication, reporting, and coordination of grant-funded activities.
   2. Government Affairs and Advocacy (20% of role)
      1. Monitor, track and organize all aspects of federal and state funding for ECE programs, including staying abreast of changes that could impact access to funding and differentiating between state requirements and practices, primarily in states where Cadence operates.
      2. Facilitate ECEC efforts, including coordinating internal resources to ensure Cadence is maximizing its opportunities to participate in critical federal, state, and local advocacy efforts.
      3. Assist in preparing employees to advocate on behalf of Cadence or ECE, including helping to write or revise testimony and preparing information packets on legislation and government affairs efforts.
      4. Deliver timely communications and education to internal stakeholders, including the CEO, CFO, and General Counsel regarding regulatory/legislative/policy developments that could impact the business to ensure an opportunity to influence outcomes.
   3. Quality Rating (15% of role)
      1. Develop Cadence’s Quality Rating strategy.
      2. Oversee QR program in a project management role, ensuring that Quality Rating initiatives are on-time, on-budget, and performing according to KPIs.
      3. Create regular reporting regarding the status and outcomes of the Quality Rating program.
      4. Work closely with Finance and Operations to successfully execute the Quality Rating program.
   4. Pre-K Strategy (10% of role)
      1. Develop Cadence’s Pre-K strategy.
      2. Research and analyze state, federal, and local pre-k offerings, including universal pre-k and mixed delivery pre-k. Offer advice and recommendations for strategies to maximize pre-k opportunities.
      3. Create regular reporting regarding pre-k programs and opportunities.
      4. Work closely with Finance and Operations to successfully develop and execute a pre-k strategy.
   5. Other duties as assigned from time to time (5% of role).

Cadence Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.