Early Childhood Specialist

International Rescue Committee; Virginia, Richmond (MN, VA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established humanitarian organization seeks a passionate Early Education Specialist to support refugee children in accessing educational opportunities. This role involves building strong relationships with local schools and community partners, advocating for children's needs, and enhancing parental engagement. The ideal candidate will have a background in education or social services, with experience in multicultural environments. Join a dedicated team making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable communities, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

Benefits

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or social services, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years in childhood development and academic support.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning for early childhood educational opportunities.
• Build relationships with schools and community partners.
• Provide case management and advocate for children.

Skills

Program planning

Relationship-building

Multicultural environment experience

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Fluent in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or social services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital tools for data entry

Job description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), operating in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. We help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, join us in positively impacting lives worldwide for a better future.

This job posting was opened on 4/23/25. Please note that we will prioritize candidates who are current IRC (and recently employed by IRC) staff before other applicants. If necessary, we will extend the opportunity to external candidates.

Job Overview: The Early Education Specialist supports refugee children in accessing preschool services and succeeding academically and socially in elementary school. They also assist parents in participating in school activities and support schools to identify resources for meeting the language and cultural needs of refugee students and families. The Specialist develops strong relationships with local school systems, students, parents, and other stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead planning and implementation of IRC's efforts to maximize accessibility to early childhood educational opportunities such as Head Start, pre-kindergarten, early learning scholarships, and other school opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with school personnel and community partners involved in early childhood programming.
• Lead enrichment activities for students and parents, including orientations, workshops, and social-emotional development.
• Orient newly arrived families to the American public school system and family law issues to increase interaction and parental participation.
• Provide individualized case management and refer families to community resources as needed.
• Advocate for children in situations of abuse or neglect, referring to partner agencies as appropriate.
• Work with parents to advocate for children with special needs, including identification, testing, and services.
• Enhance school personnel's understanding of refugee families' cultural and language needs.
• Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements, including documentation, database management, and file maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in education, social services, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years' relevant experience in childhood development, social-emotional support, youth academic support, and safety in a school setting; prior experience supporting recently arrived immigrant children/youth preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Program planning and implementation skills, including managing groups and strategic thinking.
• Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills.
• Experience working effectively in multicultural environments.
• Self-motivated with problem-solving skills and effective time management.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in client group languages desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital tools for data entry and research.
• Valid driver's license and access to insured vehicle.

Working Environment:

• Combination of office, remote, and field work within the service area.
• Occasional weekend/evening work may be required.

Compensation: Pay ranges are based on location, experience, and skills, with specific offers calibrated accordingly.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC considers all applicants based on merit, regardless of protected characteristics.

US Benefits: Includes paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, disability & life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and more.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC employees must adhere to the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct, emphasizing Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.