Child Care Initiatives & Projects Coordinator

United Way Worldwide; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Heart of Missouri United Way seeks a Child Care Initiatives Coordinator in Columbia, MO to advance countywide child care efforts by managing an existing subsidy program and supporting early childhood initiatives.

The role blends program coordination with project management, stakeholder engagement, and systems-building to improve access to affordable, high-quality child care for families and providers.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, nonprofit management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 0–3 years of experience in early childhood, social services, nonprofit programs, or project coordination.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills.
• Knowledge of or interest in the child care system.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Cultural competence and commitment to equity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Manage eligibility, enrollment, and ongoing participation for families, child care providers, and employers participating in the Child Care Works program.
• Serve as a liaison between families, providers, employers, and program partners.
• Assist families in navigating child care subsidy and related programs.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with grant and data privacy requirements.
• Provide high-quality customer service across all communication channels.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with child care providers and community agencies.
• Track data, assist with reporting, and support grant compliance.
• Support planning and implementation of a community Early Childhood Education Hub.
• Coordinate timelines, tasks, and deliverables across multiple partners.
• Assist with development of resources for families and providers.
• Support development and execution of a long-term child care advocacy strategy.
• Track policy developments and emerging funding opportunities.
• Help organize community meetings, convenings, and workgroups related to child care initiatives.
• Provide project management support for emerging early childhood initiatives.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Project coordination

Communication skills

MS Office

Equity & inclusion

Independent work

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Early childhood education degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Heart of Missouri United Way seeks a Child Care Initiatives Coordinator in Columbia, MO to advance countywide child care efforts by managing an existing subsidy program and supporting early childhood initiatives.

The role blends program coordination with project management, stakeholder engagement, and systems-building to improve access to affordable, high-quality child care for families and providers.