Penn State Extension Better Kid Care Program Manager

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Penn State Extension, Better Kid Care program, seeks an experienced Program Manager to guide strategic direction, operations, and development for leading early childhood and out-of-school-time professional development. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate cross-state registry approvals.

Collaborative leadership, grant development, and curriculum innovation are essential as you help expand training offerings and enhance quality of care for

Qualifications

• Experience in the early care and education field to meet state licensing requirements for training approval.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships.
• Experience with grant-funded projects and budget development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in strategic planning, personnel supervision, budget oversight, program evaluation.
• Lead grant writing and development of new projects and funding opportunities.
• Coordinate trainer and training organization approvals with state registries nationwide.
• Oversee course submissions and ensure compliance with state requirements.
• Develop online courses and educational resources for early childhood and out-of-school-time professionals.
• Support CDA initiatives and partnerships.
• Represent Better Kid Care at meetings, conferences, and partner events.

Skills

Leadership

Grant writing

Budget management

Program evaluation

Curriculum development

Stakeholder collaboration

Staff supervision

Education

Master's degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Extension's Better Kid Care program is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as Program Manager. This leadership position assists the Director in providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and program development for one of the nation's leading professional development programs serving early childhood and out-of-school-time professionals. The Program Manager plays a key role in program administration, staff supervision, strategic planning, budget management, grant development, program evaluation, and curriculum innovation. This position also oversees state approval processes for online professional development courses and training organization approvals across multiple state registry systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the leadership and administration of the Better Kid Care program, including strategic planning, personnel supervision, budget oversight, program evaluation, and revenue analysis.
• Lead and support grant writing activities and development of new projects and funding opportunities.
• Coordinate and maintain trainer and training organization approvals with state professional development registries nationwide.
• Oversee course submission processes and ensure compliance with varying state requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with state registry partners and professional development systems.
• Guide the development, revision, and promotion of online courses and educational resources for early childhood educators and out-of-school-time professionals.
• Support and expand Better Kid Care's Child Development Associate (CDA) initiatives and partnerships.
• Represent Better Kid Care and Penn State at professional meetings, conferences, and partner organizations.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in the early care and education field sufficient to meet state childcare licensing requirements for approval as a training professional.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.
• Experience with grant writing and grant-funded projects.
• Experience with budget development and management.
• Experience in curriculum development, evaluation, and online learning environments.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research-based information into practical, learner-centered educational resources.

Additional Information

This position supervises professional staff and contributes to program-wide decision-making and operational management. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to support the continued growth and impact of Better Kid Care at the state and national levels.

About Penn State and Better Kid Care

Penn State Extension's Better Kid Care program provides professional development and educational resources to early care and education professionals, helping to improve the quality of care and learning experiences for children and youth. Through innovative online learning, credentialing support, and workforce development initiatives, Better Kid Care serves professionals across Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $108,444.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.