Overview
The First Steps Program Coordinator at the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) provides leadership and administrative support for First Steps: the NRV’s Early Childhood Education and Development Network.
This position will focus on managing a four-year project funded with a $1.15 million grant from the Town of Blacksburg to stabilize and expand the early childhood education and development (ECED) workforce in the NRV. This full-time position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is responsible for significant aspects of the Foundation’s ECED work including, but not limited to:
- Grant management for “Strengthening Blacksburg Childcare Workforce”, a four-year project funded with a $1.15 million American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grant from the Town of Blacksburg to stabilize and expand the ECED workforce. The program will serve as a pilot for a larger, regional project.
- Administrative support to the First Steps Leadership Team and work groups to advance the network’s priorities.
- Collaboration with nonprofit, business, university, and government partners to promote the importance of ECED and its workforce.
The successful candidate must live in or be willing to relocate to the New River Valley (counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and the City of Radford, Virginia) but need not work in the Foundation’s Blacksburg office. While the position is remote, it will have access to resources at the Foundation office (internet, printing, copying, meeting, and storage space, etc.).
The position requires some early morning and evening meetings (in-person and remote), and occasional travel throughout the New River Valley and surrounding regions. Funding for this position is guaranteed through July 2026, with the ability to continue in the role if resources are available.
Duties & Responsibilities
The First Steps Program Coordinator is responsible for advancing the priorities of First Steps: The NRV’s Early Childhood Education and Development Network. Responsibilities include, but are not limited, to:
- Leadership and administration for “Strengthening Blacksburg Childcare Workforce”, a $1.15 million grant from the Town of Blacksburg. Together with the First Steps Leadership Team and the Foundation’s CEO, the project will:
- Increase the number of children Blacksburg childcare centers can serve by improving recruitment, retention, and professional development for educators, support staff, and administrators through stipends and financial incentives.
- Expand and support the pipeline of individuals entering the ECED workforce through scholarships and a job placement program.
- Create a sustainable funding model to raise wages and expand access in partnership with NRV businesses and other local and regional stakeholders.
- Work with the CEO and CFNRV accountant to develop quarterly progress reports, invoices, and financial documentation for the Town of Blacksburg, and ensure compliance with the project scope and contract requirements.
- Communications and administrative support for the First Steps network and its work groups including:
- Electronic, written, and oral communication with network members, work group participants, and the First Steps Leadership Team.
- Meeting planning and facilitation.
- Event planning and support.
- Grant research and writing.
- Development of marketing and other materials in collaboration with the Foundation’s Assistant Director, CEO, and First Steps Leadership Team members.
- Work with the CEO and First Steps Leadership Team to connect First Steps to other collaborative initiatives at the CFNRV and across the region, including Healthy Roots NRV, an initiative focused on addressing social determinants of health.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- Significant experience in project design and management with evidence of increased levels of responsibility over time
- Passion for and experience with work in human services, education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, education, or training.
- Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and consultative skills.
- Positive orientation with strong self-direction.
- Ability to prioritize work within a dynamic system and to operate effectively within a collaborative network that emphasizes relationship-building and shared leadership.
- Outstanding writing and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and manage resources to achieve goals and objectives.
- Willingness to support team needs and pitch in to assist other areas when needed.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Comfortable learning and navigating new systems.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, ability to seek and tailor best practices to the Foundation’s context and operate with flexibility.
Preferred:
- Experience with managing private, state, or federal grants.
- Experience and interest in early childhood education and development.
- Experience with Constant Contact and WordPress.
Compensation
Annual salary of $45,000-$55,000, commensurate with skills and experience, and competitive benefits package.
How to apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and list of at least three references to Dr. Jessica Wirgau at jessicawirgau@cfnrv.org or to PO Box 6009, Christiansburg, VA 24068-6009. Review will begin the week of January 30, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
About the Community Foundation of the New River Valley
Founded in 1994, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) is a placed-based philanthropy dedicated to investing in our community, now and for future generations, by encouraging charitable giving, supporting innovative programs, and nurturing collaboration. Serving the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Wythe, and the City of Radford, Virginia, we:
- Work with donors to establish and manage permanent, charitable endowments benefiting the New River Valley.
- Invest and grow our funds to address current and future community needs in all aspects of community life including animal welfare, arts and culture, civic affairs, education, environment, health, poverty, family supports, parenting, and care.
- Convene nonprofit, government, business, and community leaders to identify and understand our community’s challenges, develop long-term solutions, and provide start-up and ongoing financial and in-kind support.
- Build the effectiveness and capacity of our nonprofit leaders by providing technical support and professional development opportunities.
The CFNRV currently manages $13 million in assets and awards over $500,000 annually in grants and scholarships. Additional information can be found at cfnrv.org.
About First Steps
Established in 2016, First Steps is a network of agencies and individuals working to support young children and families in the New River Valley. It is one of four collaborative initiatives made possible by The Fund for the NRV at the CFNRV, and the CFNRV provides funding and administrative support for the network. Membership includes childcare providers, public school officials, health and human service providers, enrichment and afterschool programs, higher education representatives, and early childhood advocates. It is led by a Leadership Team of 11 individuals, and includes two work groups that help to advance the following priorities:
- Increase knowledge about and access to available services through an early childhood education and development information hub.
- Identify shared values and messaging so agencies can speak with a common voice about the importance of early childhood.
- Support and strengthen the early childhood education and development workforce through professional development, recognition, and compensation.
Additional information about First Steps can be found at cfnrv.org/firststeps.
The CFNRV’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We believe all people are equal and worthy of dignity, honor, and full inclusion in community life. Through our work, we seek to support more equitable opportunities and access for all community members throughout the New River Valley, recognizing that historic and systemic barriers pose ongoing and complex challenges.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drives us to consider all who live in our communities. We recognize and support community-determined solutions and priorities and celebrate the strengths of diverse groups that contribute to a more just and affirming culture. We seek diverse representation in our decision-making. And we evaluate the outcomes of our investments, grant-making, and collaborative efforts in light of our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.