Program Manager-Early Childhood

Theuniversityunion; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness

OPERS retirement contributions

Deferred compensation options

Paid holidays

Excellent leave policies

Job summary

Theuniversityunion seeks a Program Manager, Early Childhood Education to support day-to-day operations of the ECE program and Partnership team in Columbus, OH. You will ensure smooth communication, contracts, meetings, and administrative systems so the team can focus on delivering high-quality services.

Ideal candidates are highly organized, proactive, and adept at relationship-building, with experience supporting senior leadership and managing calendars and meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Experience in program coordination, office management, or administrative leadership.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support to ECE staff to ensure efficient office operations.
• Collaborate with the ECE Director on daily priorities, scheduling, and follow-through.
• Oversee fiscal and contractual accountability for ECE contract sites.
• Prepare agendas and gather information for leadership meetings.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, and program events with accuracy.
• Record and distribute meeting minutes and maintain documentation.
• Lead weekly coordination meetings with Directors and staff.
• Manage the weekly Partnership News content and publication.

Skills

Program coordination

Office management

Project management

Communication

Calendar management

Discretion

Leadership support

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

• Location 2879 JOHNSTOWN RD,COLUMBUS, OH, 43219,United States
• Base Pay $23.70 - $27.48 / Hour

Description

Position Summary

The Program Manager, Early Childhood Education plays a central role in supporting the day-to-day success of the ECE program and the broader Partnership team. This position helps bring consistency, care, and operational excellence to a mission that directly impacts children, families, staff, and community partners. Working closely with the ECE Director, the Program Manager ensures that communication, coordination, contracts, meetings, and administrative systems all run smoothly so the team can stay focused on delivering high-quality early childhood services. This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, proactive, relationship-oriented, and energized by meaningful work that supports both people and process.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to ECE secretaries to ensure efficient office operations and consistent, high-quality administrative services.
• Partner closely with the ECE Director on daily priorities, projects, scheduling, and operational follow-through.
• Oversee fiscal and contractual accountability for ECE contract sites, including quarterly expense review, annual contract meetings, and coordination with legal counsel as needed.
• Anticipate the needs of the Director and leadership team by preparing agendas, gathering information for upcoming meetings, and identifying issues that need attention.
• Coordinate and manage calendars, meetings, home visits, class visits, staff meetings, and larger program events with accuracy and professionalism.
• Record, organize, and distribute meeting minutes and maintain key documentation electronically.
• Lead weekly coordination meetings with Assistant Directors and office staff, helping surface priorities, challenges, and support needs.
• Manage the weekly Partnership News process, including content collection, editing, formatting, listserv maintenance, and publication.
• Conduct special projects, research, and issue analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Support staff and team culture through thoughtful coordination around major life events and other employee support initiatives.
• Manage travel arrangements, email review, timekeeping approvals, reporting, and related administrative systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the ECE mission.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Strong commitment to supporting early childhood education and the people who make that work possible
• Demonstrated experience in program coordination, office management, or administrative leadership
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple responsibilities with accuracy and efficiency
• Experience supporting senior leadership and managing complex calendars and meetings
• Ability to analyze information and prepare clear, actionable summariesAbility to anticipate needs, solve problems, and keep projects moving
• Proficiency with office systems, scheduling tools, and reporting processes
• High level of discretion and professionalism

Why This Role Matters

This role helps create the structure, communication, and support systems that allow the ECE team to do its best work. The Program Manager serves as a trusted operational partner who helps ensure staff feel supported, leaders stay informed, and program priorities move forward with clarity and care.

Benefits of working at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities:

• On-site fitness
• 14% employer contribution towards retirement plan (www.opers.com or www.strsoh.org)
• Deferred compensation options (www.ccao457empower-retirement.com & www.ohio457.org)
• Paid holidays
• Excellent leave policies (sick, vacation, and personal days)