Careers

Trying Together’s mission is to support high-quality care and education for young children.

Trying Together is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that supports the work of early childhood by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the adults who interact with them. A fast-paced organization, Trying Together looks for dedicated and passionate staff who bring positivity to their work and a solution-oriented sensibility.

Trying Together encourages its team, partners, and communities to interact compassionately and honor the range of cultures, ideas, and identities that root each person. Young children develop and learn by example; this means that children whose early learning environments reflect just actions, equitable opportunities, diverse representation, and inclusive approaches experience healthier interactions and build relationships that enable them to thrive.

Trying Together provides a competitive compensation and benefits package.  Trying Together is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate and encourages qualified candidates of any gender, race, class, sexual orientation, faith, disability, or age to apply. All candidates will be evaluated on a merit basis.

Current Openings

Assistant Director of Communications Strategy
Full-Time | Salary Range: $62,000 – $68,000

The Assistant Director of Communications Strategy is responsible for managing the implementation of communications and marketing strategies in support of Trying Together’s advocacy, community resource, and professional growth opportunities in relation but not limited to the: Allegheny Child Care; Buzzword; Early Learning PA (ELPA); Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5; Everyday Interactions Matter; The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center; The Institute for Early Childhood Career Pathways; Message from Me; Playful Pittsburgh; Trying Together; and Your Career, Our Future brands, campaigns, initiatives, programs, and tools. The Assistant Director of Communications Strategy manages the work of the Communications Team which may include the following deliverables but is not limited to: advertising; analytics and data; branding; corporate; customer relationship management (CRM); development and fundraising; email; event; give-away; graphic design (digital and print); marketing; media; messaging; photography; presentation; print; registration; report; social media; videography; and website content and materials. The Assistant Director of Communications Strategy prioritizes meeting the branding, communications, engagement, and marketing needs aligned with Trying Together’s organizational tone and strategic priorities in the coordination and development of all content and materials. This position provides day-to-day supervision of the Communications Team, works collaboratively with all members of the Community Relations Team, and reports to the Director of Community Relations.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
  • Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
  • Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’, and colleagues’ humanity.
  • Work with the Director of Community Relations to develop communications and marketing strategies for the organization’s brands, campaigns, initiatives, programs, and tools that implement conversion/funnel marketing tactics to reach targeted audiences.
  • Attend interdepartmental and project meetings regularly to provide strategic direction to the Communications Team and inform the Director of Community Relations of any constraints to completing on-brand, high-quality deliverables in a timely manner.
  • Supervise the management of organizational content and material development needs submitted via the Marketing Request Form to ensure accuracy, branding, budget, and timeline expectations are met and to provide strategic thinking and direction as needed.
  • Supervise the coordination and drafting of organizational content development for websites to ensure accuracy, branding, budget, and timeline expectations are met and to provide strategic thinking and direction as needed.
  • Supervise the coordination and drafting of organizational content development for email and e-newsletters, Google Ads, social media, and text messages to ensure accuracy, branding, budget, and timeline expectations are met and to provide strategic thinking and direction as needed.
  • Supervise coordination of the organization’s Google Nonprofit Grant account and guide the strategy for implementing successful ad campaigns.
  • Guide the strategy for, supervise the collection of, and approve the development of analytic and data reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the brands, campaigns, initiatives, programs, and tools the Communications Team markets and promotes.
  • Maintain style guidelines across brands, campaigns, initiatives, programs, and tools managed by Trying Together.
  • Lead projects such as campaigns and special events as assigned.
  • Support the Director of Community Relations as needed.
  • Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work.
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
  • Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in: communications; English; journalism; marketing; or public relations. Graduate degree is preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience, knowledge, and skills in communications and marketing.
  • Current knowledge and five to 10 years working experience managing communications and marketing teams, events, and projects. Agency experience is a plus.
  • Proven track record of implementing successful communications and marketing strategies that have met or exceeded expectations.
  • Creative, proactive, and solution-oriented approach to addressing barriers and constraints to keep projects on task and maintain relationships.
  • Proficiency working with and managing others’ use of digital platforms including but not limited to: Adobe Creative Suite; BaseCamp; Dropbox; Google Suite; Hootsuite; MailChimp Pro; Meltwater; Microsoft Office Suite; NeonCRM; PA PD Registry; Phone2Action; Schoology; SLACK; social media; SquareSpace; Sucuri Monitoring; SurveyMonkey; WordPress; and Zoom.
  • Google Data Analytics and Advanced Data Analytics Professional, Project Management Professional, and Business Intelligence Professional Certifications preferred.
  • Understands and uses best practices for accessibility, information architecture, and writing for websites.
  • Strong oral and written communications skills.
  • Strong analytical, creative, strategic, organizational, and personal skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in an efficient manner.
  • Enthusiasm for professional growth and the ability to self-start.
  • Knowledge, interest, or experience in the early care and education field is helpful.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
  • Some statewide travel required.

Required Clearances:

  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification

Required Training:

  • Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
  • NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment).

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

Collaborations and Supports Strategist
Full-Time | Salary Range: $43,000 – $45,000

The Collaborations and Supports Strategist is responsible for organizing and implementing a comprehensive strengths-based approach of providing strategies and supports for Allegheny County early learning programs to ensure that young children at risk of being suspended or expelled are retained in their program. The Collaborations and Supports Strategist will work with the ELRC Region 5 Local Leadership Council partners and Rapid Response Team to intentionally develop a team that is prepared to respond quickly to requests from early learning programs and families in Allegheny County when a child is at risk of being suspended or expelled.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
  • Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
  • Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’ and colleagues’ humanity.
  • Identify Allegheny County agencies familiar with the early childhood education system, early intervention behavioral health, and infant/early childhood mental health systems that have the capacity to provide support to early educators and program administrators.
  • Identify key stakeholders, develop and maintain a Rapid Response Team for Allegheny County.
  • Create a process for referrals from early learning programs, early intervention, and families when a child is at risk of being suspended or expelled from a program.
  • Design a referral process for the Team to take action to support an early learning program and a child at risk of suspension or expulsion.
  • Serve as a consultant to early learning program administrators and educators in collaboration with the ELRC 5 Quality Coach.
  • Ensure that the Team responds within 48 hours after a referral is received.
  • Ensure that the Team works through a Pyramid Model in partnership with the early learning program administrator and educators, family, and child.
  • Work collaboratively with the program director, teaching staff, early intervention staff, Team, and Quality Coach to assess and develop strategies to support the family and child.
  • Work collaboratively with the program director, teaching staff, early intervention staff, Team, and Quality Coach to create a plan of action to support the child.
  • Work collaboratively with the program director, teaching staff, Team, and Quality Coach to support families by connecting them to resources and information throughout the process.
  • Ensure that there is follow up with the early learning program director, Team, early intervention staff, and Quality Coach.
  • Collect data from the beginning of the process to the conclusion of the intervention with the early learning program.
  • Serve as an active member of the Quality Initiatives and ELRC teams to effectively respond to the needs of the field and the systems they work within.
  • Meet regularly with the Quality Initiatives and ELRC teams to provide feedback and brainstorm new ideas.
  • Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work.
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purposes of continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
  • Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field and five years of related experience in early childhood intervention, or human/social services working with children and families.
  • Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain a project timeline and monitor progress toward goals.
  • Must be able to interact with others in a positive and professional manner.
  • Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Excellent data collection and analysis skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

Required Clearances:

  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.

Required Training:

  • Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
  • NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

ELRC Early Learning Program Engagement Specialist
Full-Time | Salary Range: $44,000 – $47,740

The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 Early Learning Program Engagement Specialist (ELPES) serves as a representative between Child Care Works (CCW) and child care providers both regulated and relative. The Early Learning Program Engagement Specialist will support providers with: Provider Self Service; recruitment, enrollment, and determination eligibility in Child Care Works: enrollment in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP;) and provide additional assistance as needed. The Early Learning Program Engagement Specialist will provide outreach to relative providers to identify needs and connect them to resources and supports. This position reports to the ELRC Director of Early Learning Program Engagement.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities. 
  • Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together. 
  • Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’ and colleagues’ humanity. 
  • Provide comprehensive customer service by completing thorough provider orientations, address all phone calls and provider correspondence within 24 business hours as applicable, and attend to walk-in clients/providers.  
  • Establish provider agreements for all certified and relative providers and assist providers with primary subsidy concerns and questions. 
  • Teach and support regulated providers to use Provider Self Service to ensure their information is up to date. 
  • Advise providers of the PA Department of Human Services and Child Care Works regulations. 
  • Provide technical assistance and support for relative providers seeking to become a state certified and enroll in Child Care Works. 
  • Refer and engage child care providers to community resources and advocate for the providers in obtaining these services.
  • Identify and assess barriers relative providers face with regards to providing quality child care and identify resources and supports as needed. 
  • Support relative providers to meet their professional development requirements.
  • Collaborate with Allegheny County Family Centers to connect relative providers to community resources and supports as needed. 
  • Connect providers with a Quality Coach and Fiscal contact. 
  • Assist providers in enrolling in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and other provider resources.
  • Operate as a liaison for the provider between all Child Care Works departments and programs.
  • Organize and participate in provider outreach to help promote quality child care and positive child and adult interactions.
  • Address system-generated alerts in a timely manner to maintain integrity within the PELICAN System.
  • Maintain communication with other Child Care Works agencies within Pennsylvania regarding provider information and updates.
  • Regularly participate in outreach and other meetings both locally and statewide. 
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, vendor, employee, and contract information. 
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purpose of providing effective provider engagement.
  • Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work. 
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purposes of continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base. 
  • Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Associates, Business, or Technical Degree in Human Services, Early Childhood Education or related field. Will consider experience in lieu of a degree. 
  • Two years of relevant case management experience. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and email. 
  • Knowledge of local, state, and national systems for early care and education.  
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team member.
  • Attention to detail and advanced problem-solving techniques. 
  • Ability to multitask. 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Good judgment and decision-making abilities.
  • Must demonstrate enthusiasm and flexibility. 
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Required Clearances:

  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.

Required Training:

  • Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
  • NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

 

ELRC Quality Coach
Full-Time | Salary Range: $44,000 – $47,740

Coaching is inherently relationship-based work. The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 Quality Coach supports program administrators, classroom staff, and home-based child care providers in Allegheny County to develop new skills and continuously improve their early care and education practices to achieve higher program quality. The ELRC Quality Coach engages program administration and staff that work with children in a collaborative process that involves observation, reflective communication, professional growth, role modeling, and goal setting. Whenever possible, a mutual learning partnership is developed to share responsibility and accountability for project goals. Coaching is customized and every effort is made to establish trust and respect for educators and program leaders and a variety of coaching strategies and practices are employed to achieve goals. 

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities. 
  • Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together. 
  • Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’, and colleagues’ humanity. 
  • Recognize and build on the existing knowledge and skills of program staff through observation, reflective practice, goal setting, and planning.
  • Collaborate with classroom staff and program administration for the purpose of creating a cohesive approach to continuous quality improvement with the program team.
  • Provide one-on-one and small group coaching to classroom staff to help strengthen child development practices and ensure quality programming.
  • Facilitate face-to-face and virtual professional development sessions for providers.
  • Complete on-site face-to-face program visits offering support and strategies for continuous quality improvement. 
  • Provide regular time and space to foster a learning community among program administrators and teaching staff that includes opportunities for reflection and learning about cultural respect and responsiveness. 
  • Review STARS scores with the program leadership team and staff to help identify areas of strength and develop goals for improvement. 
  • Using a strengths-based approach; provide constructive feedback and support for the purpose of increasing program administrator and educator confidence and competence.
  • Develop and support the implementation of an individualized plan that identifies strengths, needs, and goals for each program staff.
  • Strive for excellence in work by consistently incorporating cultural competencies and employing relationship-based coaching and consultation practices. 
  • Work collaboratively with ELRC and Trying Together Quality Initiatives team members to ensure the needs of Allegheny County early care and education programs are being met. 
  • Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work. 
  • Follow the procedure for reporting suspected child abuse.
  • Complete monthly monitoring reports or coaching logs for assigned visits and submit them according to timelines for the purpose of tracking and monitoring.
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purposes of continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base. 
  • Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; advanced degree preferred. Specialized certifications are welcome. Related degrees and ECE experience considered. 
  • Two or more years of early childhood classroom experience and two years of experience at an administrative level in an early care and education setting. 
  • Ability to employ a variety of consultation and coaching strategies that are based on appropriate and culturally competent practices and the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
  • Capacity to align consultation with professional development content. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
  • Knowledge of state assessment tools. 
  • Experience working with adult learners.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Intermediate to advanced computer, internet, and email skills.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and national systems for early care and education.
  • Willing and able to engage in honest self-reflection about coaching progress and personal contribution to the process.
  • Ability to foster a program’s capacity building and assume a strengths-based approach.
  • Ability to establish credibility as a resource worthy of the program’s respect and trust.
  • Ability to facilitate a program’s own problem-solving process.
  • Ability to maintain a project timeline and monitor progress toward goals.
  • Must be able to interact with others in a positive and professional manner.
  • Acceptance of diversity and ability to work comfortably in a variety of settings.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Good judgment and decision-making abilities.
  • Must demonstrate enthusiasm and flexibility.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
  • Must own a reliable vehicle as the nature of this job includes regularly visiting early learning programs in-person across Allegheny County.

Required Clearances: 

  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.
  • Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. 

Required Training:

  • Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
  • NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

Everyday Interactions Design Strategist
Full-Time | Salary Range: $50,000 – $55,000

Relationships from a strengths-based approach are fundamental to this position. The Everyday Interactions Design Strategist supports program administrators, classroom teachers, assistant teachers, and home-based child care providers with developing new skills and continuously improving their daily interactions to achieve higher program quality. The Everyday Interactions Design Strategist engages program administration and staff that work with children in a collaborative process that involves reflective communication, professional growth, and goal setting to affirm the importance of human interactions in children’s lives. The Everyday Interactions Design Strategist’s approach begins by building on what professionals already do well and is based on the understanding that the “active ingredient” in a child’s growth is the developmental relationship between the child and the adults that care for them.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
  • Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
  • Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’ and colleagues’ humanity.
  • Recognize and build on the existing knowledge and skills of program staff through reflective practice, close observation, and peer discussion.
  • Based on the work of Fred Rogers and the Fred Rogers Institute, facilitate learning communities for program leaders, assistant teachers, co-teachers, and head teachers to help strengthen daily interactions with children and assure quality programming based on developmentally appropriate practice.
  • Facilitate supportive discussion between early learning team members with a focus on strengths, connection, and appreciation.
  • Using a strengths-based and practice-based approach, ensure that the leadership team and staff sustain their learning by way of reflective thinking and goal setting.
  • Provide feedback loops and support for the purpose of increasing program administration and teacher confidence and competence.
  • Work with the early learning program’s leadership team to provide professional development for program leaders and classroom teaching teams.
  • Develop and support the implementation of an individualized plan that identifies relational strengths, needs, and goals for each program’s staff.
  • Visit early learning programs to capture video footage of authentic interactions between early learning professionals and children.
  • Contribute to a community of support in which educators can reflect on their everyday interactions and unique approach to connecting with young children.
  • Support the program leadership team and staff to develop programming that is both equitable and inclusive.
  • Provide support and coordinate resources for program administration and staff on providing a better learning environment for a child exhibiting behaviors that put them at risk for suspension or expulsion.
  • Follow the procedure for reporting suspected child abuse.
  • Complete monthly monitoring reports or coaching logs for assigned visits and submit them according to timelines for the purpose of tracking and monitoring.
  • Have a working knowledge of the Everyday Interactions Matter approach and philosophy.
  • Consistently model the Everyday Interactions Matter philosophy in interactions with early learning leadership and educators.
  • Have knowledge of local, state, and national systems for early care and education.
  • Is willing and able to engage in honest self-reflection about progress and their contribution to the process.
  • Can foster a program’s capacity building and assume a strengths-based approach.
  • Can establish credibility as a resource worthy of the program’s respect and trust.
  • Can facilitate a program’s own problem-solving process.
  • Has the ability to maintain a project timeline and monitor progress toward goals.
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team member.
  • Must be able to interact with others in a positive and professional manner.
  • Has the ability to work comfortably in a variety of settings.
  • Can maintain confidentiality.
  • Has good judgment and decision-making abilities.
  • Must demonstrate enthusiasm and flexibility.
  • Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet the mission and accomplish the work.
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purposes of continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
  • Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measures project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in early childhood education, organizational leadership, or related field required.
  • Two years of early childhood classroom experience and two years at an administrative level in an early care and education setting.
  • Experience working with adult learners and knowledge of adult learning principles.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and email skills.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

Required Clearances:

  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.

Required Training:

  • Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
  • NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

Professional Learning Coordinator
Full-Time | Salary Range: $41,000 – $46,000

Under the leadership of the Director of Professional Learning, the Professional Learning Coordinator will work with the Trying Together Associate Executive Director, Quality Initiatives Professional Learning team, ELRC Quality Coaches, and Early Head Start Coaches in carrying out the mission of the organization. The Professional Learning Coordinator will be a source of administrative support for both staff and students, assisting the organization in successfully fulfilling key parts of the strategic roadmap. The Professional Learning Coordinator will be responsible for organizing and administering customized, contract, and grant-funded Trying Together professional learning opportunities and will work with the Quality Initiatives team to ensure that all professional learning opportunities work together effectively. In addition, the Coordinator will serve as a go-to resource and coach for students seeking additional support in completing the self-paced components of Trying Together’s workforce and professional development opportunities. This is a great opportunity for an individual early in their career who is looking to develop their knowledge of early childhood professional growth and instruction.

Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with the Quality Initiatives team to determine current and relevant professional development topics that meet ECE and School Age professionals’ needs.
  • Conduct research and review literature on current and significant developments and trends in the early childhood field at the national, state, and local levels to determine relevant PD topics.
  • Schedule and coordinate all Trying Together professional learning opportunities for Early Learning Program Directors/Administrators and early learning educators.
  • Serve as the PA PD Registry Administrator for Trying Together and submit all relevant PD module information to the PA PD Registry for approval.
  • Work with the Communications team to ensure that all Trying Together sponsored PD is being promoted in the most effective manner.
  • Implement policies and procedures that ensure an efficient process for all internal and external Professional Learning opportunities and requests.
  • Create and monitor registration for all Trying Together Professional learning opportunities.
  • Maintain and update a tracking spreadsheet of all Professional Development opportunities with appropriate reporting information if necessary.
  • Ensure that all students enrolled in all Trying Together coursework receive proper Professional Development credit.
  • Work with the Professional Learning team to ensure that Trying Together is accredited to provide applicable PD credits. (CEU, Act 48, PQAS, Organizational PQAS).
  • Ensure that participants in all specialized PD receive appropriate credit (CDA, Induction, Unconference, Partner PD).
  • Facilitate professional development opportunities for early learning professionals and stakeholders on relevant topics that meet the needs of the field, on an as-needed basis.
  • Conduct regular outreach to current and past participants of Trying Together’s credential and certificate programs to gather and record data on success and completion rates as well as collect qualitative feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Provide structured support to students who face barriers to post-coursework success, including assisting with voucher and credential applications, preparation of required materials, and connecting with tech-lending and other supportive resources.
  • Assist the Director of Professional Learning with reporting procedures necessary to fulfilling grant and contract requirements.
  • Work closely with instructors throughout and after each course timeline to ensure that students are proactively and fully supported in reaching their goals.
  • Ensure that Trying Together Professional Development connects to projects and the work of the ELRC.
  • Work effectively and collaboratively with community partner organizations.
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for the purpose of growing and developing new skills.
  • Promote and support the vision, mission, and goals of Trying Together.
  • Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society.
  • Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measures project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or related field and two years of related experience required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
  • Demonstrate ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
  • Demonstrate competency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Internet research.
  • High level of organizational skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work within deadlines.
  • Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of the early childhood and school-age field in general and NAEYC and PennAEYC specifically.
  • A working knowledge of Keystone STARS and state and national support systems for early learning programs.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and values the notion of respect among colleagues. The Professional Learning Coordinator will be required to abide by the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct for Early Childhood professionals.
  • Is flexible and open to quick changes being made to better meet the needs of program and project audiences as well as perform other duties to support Trying Together initiatives, as assigned.
  • Has the ability to ask questions whenever unclear about a concept, task, or activity.

Required Clearances:

  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.
  • Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance.

Required Training:

  • Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
  • NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process.

Interested Applicants:

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.

Program Coordinator
Full-Time | Salary Range: $40,000 – $42,000

The Program Coordinator for The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center will perform general support to activities and responsibilities. This position provides direct support to the Hub & Family Center located at 7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

This position will work closely with the staff to ensure planning and operations for events are properly executed. The Program Coordinator will also lead small group programs when needed, including the managing and planning for events. The Program Coordinator will report to the Director of The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to racial equity and inclusion and a willingness to do the ongoing personal work to bring about a more just society by actively participating in professional growth opportunities.
  • Actively work with peers to create a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
  • Willingness to disrupt practices that do not honor children’s, families’, educators’, and colleagues’ humanity.
  • Strong ability to build a positive rapport with children and their families, early educators, and community partners.
  • Actively participate in ongoing outreach/recruitment for the Hub & Family Center.
  • Actively participate in the development and facilitation of small events, group sessions for adult family members, and programs at the Hub & Family Center and assist staff with other projects as needed.
  • Schedule and coordinate meetings including but not limited to catering, set-up, and tear-down.
  • Assist with coordinating and scheduling regular office maintenance projects.
  • Work effectively and collaboratively with community partner organizations.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Must maintain files and complete all management information system paperwork accurately as required in a timely manner.
  • Maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the Hub & Family Center and ensure a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Relationships with and/or knowledge of the Homewood-Brushton community is helpful.
  • Work collaboratively across departments within Trying Together to meet its mission and accomplish the work.
  • Participate in initial and ongoing professional development for continuous learning and expanding one’s professional knowledge base.
  • Consistently use the NeonCRM platform to build relationships with constituents, record data that measure project performance, and support continuous quality improvement in the organization’s resources and services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Three years of related experience in early childhood education/development, or human/social services working with children and families. Continued education beyond high school is preferred.
  • Demonstrate ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Competency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products and internet research.
  • High level of organizational skills.
  • Take a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work within deadlines.
  • Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience presenting and running small group events.
  • Ability to work  evenings and/or weekends a few times a month.

Required Clearances: 

  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance.
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance.
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification.
  • Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance.

Required Training:

  • Mandated Reporter Training (must be completed in the first month of placement).
  • NeonCRM Training (required and recommended online courses must be completed in the first three months of placement).
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (must be obtained within the first year of employment for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree).

Applicants must apply at tryingtogether.applytojob.com/apply and upload their resume and three work-related references. Phone calls will not be accepted. Posting will remain open until filled.