Program Manager

Position Summary:

The Program Manager reports to the Program Director and oversees comprehensive technical assistance provided by TAC North staff to programs participating in GROW NJ Kids in Northern New Jersey. GROW NJ Kids is a key component of New Jersey’s Early Care and Education System and supports efforts to improve the quality of early care and education for children statewide. This hybrid position requires two days in the Morristown office and three remote workdays each week.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required by the employee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Support the Program Director in implementing program activities, including technical assistance and coaching protocols, website updates, quarterly webinars, networking meetings, mentor programming, peer collaboration, and development of tools and resources.
• Monitor program activities, documentation, service levels, and data entry to ensure consistent implementation and quality.
• Collect and review staff monthly and quarterly reports, assess program outcomes, and identify best practices.
• Maintain and update knowledge in the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) assessment tools, including ECERS, ITERS, and FCCERS, and apply this expertise to strengthen technical assistance services.
• Oversee implementation of a best-practices inventory aligned with the five Grow NJ Kids 2025 Standards of Practice.
• Collaborate with regional and statewide stakeholders to promote and support GROW NJ Kids implementation, including NJCCIS, the NJ Workforce Registry, Rowan University Early Childhood Leadership Institute, Grow NJ Kids Rating Center at Montclair State University, GNJK Training Center at Rutgers University, other Grow NJ Kids partner agencies, and school- and community-based organizations.
• Represent the program within the agency and with external partners.
• Monitor the overall activities and progress of participating programs and providers.
• Compile and submit quarterly data reports to the Program Director.
• Assist the Program Director with quarterly and annual grant contract reports; interview, hire, orient, and supervise program staff and senior technical assistance specialists.
• Develop a research-based coaching manual and ensure implementation of the Coaching Assessment Protocol, including mentoring and field observation of staff.
• Plan and coordinate staff professional development in required areas and regularly assess professional development needs.
• Ensure all TAC North staff are registered in the NJCCIS Workforce Registry and maintain active registration status.
• Facilitate regularly scheduled team meetings and individual supervision sessions.
• Conduct ongoing performance appraisals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director or agency.

Working Conditions:

• Travel throughout New Jersey is required, with a focus on Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Sussex, Union, Warren, and Hunterdon counties.
• Flexible hours may be needed for evening or weekend training, site visits, meetings, or related activities.
• No unusual work conditions are associated with this position.
• The office noise level is moderate.
• Professional/business attire is required. Employees may attend meetings at external locations and may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

Education:   

• A Master's degree in Early Childhood or related field) and 3+ years' experience with early childcare and education, children and families OR Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or related field) and 5+ years' experience with early childcare and education, children and families.
• Experience supervising staff, providing professional development to adults, and managing direct reports required.
• Experience building and sustaining community networks, along with practical and managerial field experience.
• Demonstrated expertise and/or practical experience in most content areas of the GNJK 2025 Standards of Practice.
• Computer proficiency required, including familiarity with NJCCIS, the NJ childcare database, and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills required.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to provide proof of ongoing automobile insurance coverage.
• Familiarity with Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties; travel to program sites is required.
• Awareness of cultural diversity and sensitivity to its impact on planning and service delivery.
• Highly organized, motivated, and flexible.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires frequent driving, typing and the ability to occasionally lift up to twenty pounds of materials or equipment.