Director, Grants and Government Affairs
Location: Cadence Education – Scottsdale, AZ

Cadence Education is a leading provider of early childhood education, operating over 330 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With more than 30 years of experience, we are committed to preparing children for lifelong success through research-based curriculum and nurturing environments.

Our mission is to create bright futures for children, families, employees, and communities. We achieve this through a passionate team of educators and support staff who prioritize care, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Position Overview

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Director of Grants and Government Affairs will lead Cadence Education’s public-private initiatives, including grant strategy, government advocacy, quality rating programs, and pre-kindergarten expansion efforts. This role requires close collaboration with Operations, Finance, and Legal teams to align funding opportunities and policy engagement with organizational goals.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and on-demand pay
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Tuition reimbursement and paid CDA
• Paid time off, holidays, and company-paid life insurance
• Pet insurance and additional voluntary benefits

Key Responsibilities

Grants Management

• • Develop and execute a comprehensive grants strategy.
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities aligned with Cadence’s mission.
  • Oversee grant applications, reporting, and compliance processes.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to prepare proposals and budgets.
  • Monitor grant performance and ensure timely reporting to funders.
  • Support audits and maintain accurate grant documentation.

Government Affairs & Advocacy

• • Track federal and state ECE funding developments and policy changes.
  • Coordinate advocacy efforts and represent Cadence in key initiatives.
  • Prepare internal stakeholders for legislative engagement.
  • Communicate policy updates to executive leadership and advise on strategic responses.

Quality Rating Oversight

• • Manage the Quality Rating program, ensuring timely execution and alignment with KPIs.
  • Provide regular performance reports and collaborate with Finance and Operations.

Pre-K Strategy Development

• • Research and evaluate universal and mixed-delivery pre-k programs.
  • Recommend strategies to optimize participation and funding.
  • Report on pre-k opportunities and coordinate implementation with internal teams.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• • Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in grant administration and government affairs.
  • Strong background in project management and policy analysis.
  • Familiarity with legislative processes and quality rating systems preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25%, with potential increases during legislative sessions.

Preferred Training

• • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.