SENIOR DIRECTOR - CHILDREN'S HEALTH

Job Summary :

The First Things First Senior Program Director is responsible for leading the Children’s Health team and works under the direction of the Chief of Programs and Evaluation and in coordination with other Program Area Senior Directors.

Children's Health Strategies and descriptions can be found by clicking "Children's Health" at the following website : The Senior Program Director oversees the development, implementation and continuous quality improvement of Children’s Health strategies and services at the statewide and regional / community levels to achieve the priority goals of the agency.

This position oversees Program Strategy Specialists within the Children’s Health team, and works in coordination with staff across the agency to carry out the FTF Strategic Plan.

The Senior Program Director maintains and utilizes the knowledge about current research and effective practices that are responsive to diverse cultures and communities.

This position is critical in statewide systems planning to support and advance solutions that positively impact and enhance a coordinated state early childhood development and health system.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces.

All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties :

• Responsible for day to day operations of the Children’s Health team, including team management, oversight of strategy implementation and programmatic practices.
• Supervise and support Program Specialists in the development and revision of strategies, implementation of services and programs, and provide final review of Children’s Health strategy documents and training in accordance with the First Things First Strategic Plan.
• Ensure Children’s Health strategy documents are in alignment with current research evidence, effective practices, and regional and tribal needs for children birth to 5.
• Coordinate with Program and Evaluation Senior Directors and other FTF Senior Directors to support shared work such as grant application process, programmatic outcome planning and programmatic improvement in effort to meet FTF’s strategic mission.
• Lead the programmatic aspects of the grant process, ensuring that all work is cohesive, coordinated, supported by theory and research (e.

g., development of standards of practice, scopes of work and theories of change) and connected to outcomes. This includes supporting program specialists and ensuring coordination with other FTF departments in the grant agreement process.

• Develop and implement an effective approach for synthesizing and reviewing qualitative and quantitative data to identify progress and areas of grant partner support in the implementation of FTF programmatic priorities related to Children’s Health.
• Use data to support regional staff and FTF councils with strategy implementation and strategic priorities and provide timely TA to grant partners regarding program implementation.
• Ensure that the goals area team conducts comprehensive coordination and collaboration efforts with local and statewide partners, including, public, private and tribal partners to support statewide and regional systems work.
• Present Children’s Health strategy and system information at FTF internal executive team meetings, FTF Regional Council meetings, and FTF Board meetings, as requested.
• Performs duties in a manner that supports the First Things First internal culture and mission with respect and cooperation.
• Supports additional opportunities as related to the role and Program and Evaluation functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

• Master’s degree required / doctorate preferred in early education, social work, education, health, public administration or other related fields.
• A minimum of five years experience in state early childhood systems (e.g., early care and education, child welfare, family support services, children’s health services, etc.

which encompasses experience working directly with agencies, organizations and / or children and families in the community or within the Children’s Health field.

• Minimum of 3 years experience in supervision and / or demonstrated progressively responsible leadership positions in public, private and / or non profit organizations.
• Knowledge of current research and issues, including effective programs and policy related to the early childhood system.
• Exceptional personal and professional integrity and credibility with the propensity to identify areas for self improvement, collaborate within and between teams, give and receive constructive feedback, work independently, take initiative, and be self directed.
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to adapt to changing demands to manage multiple and often simultaneous tasks with accuracy while meeting deadlines;

demonstrates strong critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills.

Adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict, crisis; politically astute and tactful; attentive to the perspectives and competing interests of various internal and external stakeholders;

effectively handle situations requiring tact, judgment, and composure; discernment in communication with staff members from various levels of the organization, including executive leadership.

Pre-Employment Requirements :

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply :

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits :

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work / life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive.

Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our

Retirement : ASRS

ASRS