Early Learning Workforce Navigator

This position offers excellent benefits including generous employer contributions to medical, dental and vision premiums, and participation in the Oregon PERS retirement system. Starting salary is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. 

We offer an opportunity for…

The Early Learning Workforce Navigator will support the growth, development, and retention of the early learning workforce across Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler counties. Through community outreach, workforce development, and retention efforts, this position will assist prospective and current child care business owners in navigating Oregon’s child care licensing process, requirements, and available resources.

The Early Learning Workforce Navigator will also coordinate the accuracy and maintenance of the statewide child care database, Find Child Care Oregon (FCCO), for the region, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for families, providers, and community partners.

By connecting community partners, prospective child care business owners, and early learning professionals with relevant resources, services, and supports, the Early Learning Workforce Navigator will contribute to expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care throughout the region. This position will serve as a key connection between local communities and Child

Care Partners (CCP), helping strengthen relationships, identify workforce needs, and connect individuals and communities to opportunities and support.

Who we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to promoting an academic and social environment that serves the evolving needs of the vibrant and diverse communities across its district and beyond. The College aims to foster an inclusive and equitable climate where employees and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We understand these values are foundational to our mission and are critical to ensure the well-being of the communities in our service area. As a college CGCC commits to being accountable to communities who have been historically excluded from higher education, and to the land in the area it serves. Candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Mission: CGCC prioritizes equitable access to education, empowers all students through learning, and drives inclusive prosperity throughout our community. 

Vision: As an institution of higher education, CGCC innovates and excels, champions equity and inclusion, and nurtures belonging among our students, employees, and the community.

Priorities: 

• Ensuring equitable access to education
• Advancing equitable student learning and educational outcomes
• Fostering economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community 

Guiding Principles: Open Communication, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Equity and Inclusion.

Where we are…

Columbia Gorge Community College serves a diverse region in north-central Oregon and south-central Washington. CGCC acknowledges we are on the homelands of the Confederated Tribe of the Yakama Nation and neighboring tribes as well as the 14 bands along the Inchi I’wana (Columbia River). Our main campus is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in The Dalles, Oregon. We also have a beautiful site in the city of Hood River.   

What the area offers…

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, our College offers more than just a job; it offers a unique lifestyle. Imagine waking up to stunning mountain views, enjoying outdoor adventures in your backyard, and being part of a tight-knit community dedicated to educational equity and innovation. 

As a center of Native American trade for over 10,000 years and situated near the end of the Oregon Trail, the Columbia Gorge has a rich history. Much of the area is connected to agriculture, with large acreages of wheat fields, cherry, pear, and apple orchards. There are also dozens of world-class vineyards, wineries, and breweries that, together with outdoor recreation, have created a strong hospitality and tourism industry.

Organizations like Comunidades, The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door are representative of the groups that span the Gorge area to provide community resources and leadership. Manufacturing, technology, and IT companies are expanding rapidly in the area, which is home to companies such as Insitu, Tofurky, Cardinal Glass, Sagetech, HoodTech, and Google. Portland is roughly an hour away, with its various urban attractions and access to international travel.

What you will do…

The Early Learning Workforce Navigator duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

1. Recruitment and Retention: Plan and coordinate Child Care Partners’ participation in community events and other outreach opportunities to recruit prospective child care business owners throughout the region. Promote and coordinate access to Child Care Partners’ services, resources, and supports. Support the retention and success of existing child care businesses and early learning professionals through business-practice assistance, professional development and training opportunities, grants, scholarships, and technical assistance.

2. Supporting Licensing Navigation: Help prospective child care business owners in navigating the licensing process in the state of Oregon. Provide technical assistance to complete the required training and certification to become and maintain a licensed child care business. Acquire knowledge and understanding of the different licensing types, rules, requirements, financial supports, opportunities, and professional development for new child care business owners and early learning professionals.

3. Trainings & Professional Development: Help present, schedule, and coordinate business-centered trainings and professional development opportunities, primarily the Introduction to Registered Family Child Care - Part Two training and the Child Care Business Accelerator Cohort. Support the navigation of meeting training requirements for licensed and listed early learning professionals and child care business owners.

4. Maintaining Find Child Care Oregon Database: In partnership with other CCP team members, the Early Learning Workforce Navigator will coordinate the accuracy and maintenance of regional provider information within the statewide Find Child Care Oregon (FCCCO) database. This is done through quarterly updates, annual updates, and the biennial Market Price Supply Study.

What you bring….

• Minimum of two years of experience working with computer software applications,including, but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Zoom, and Google Suite.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with and supporting adults.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in an Early Childhood Care and Education setting, or in an equivalent educational setting.
• Basic knowledge of higher educational systems and programs (taken college courses, or have an understanding of the navigation of college systems).
• Minimum of two years working and collaborating with community partners.
• Minimum of two years of experience in community Outreach and Recruitment.
• Bilingual, Biliterate, Bicultural (English/Spanish) required.

Minimum Requirements….

• Proficient communication (writing, spelling, listening, and speaking) and interpersonal skills (i.e., tact, patience, and respect). 
• Ability to translate/interpret written and spoken communication in English and Spanish. 3. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. 4. Ability to meet schedules and timelines, and follow through to completion of assigned tasks. 
• Ability to work without close supervision. 
• Ability to work at an assigned workstation. 
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, video conferencing, Google Suite, and applicable software. 
• Maintain and continue increasing knowledge in the Early Childhood and Education field.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks. 
• Maintains self professionally as a representative of Child Care Partners and Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC). 
• Must have reliable transportation, a driver’s license, and insurance. 
• Uses telephone and email techniques with courtesy, respect, and tactfulness. 
• Ability to travel within our region and adjust to frequent schedule and work location changes. 
• Adhere to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct and apply the Oregon Equity Lens. 
• Work respectfully with individuals of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. 
• Maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information. 
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with Oregon Statutes and procedures. 
• Register and be in compliance with the State of Oregon’s Central Background Registry. 
• Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect training must be completed within 60 days of the hire date and maintained current. 
• DELC required safety training must be completed within 30 days of the hire 

Position information Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications for this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. 

Open until filled. An initial review of applications begins September 28, 2026.

Starting salary is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Please include a resume, and letter of interest with your application material