Careers

Description:

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Help Me Grow Manager is responsible for the coordination of a comprehensive initiative called Help Me Grow Pierce County. This position manages community partnerships engaged in collective efforts to build a comprehensive system of services and supports for families with children from pregnancy through five years old.  

About First 5 FUNdamentals (F5F)

Founded in 2008, First 5 FUNdamentals (F5F) is a non-profit organization with a mission to support community-based initiatives in achieving their goals for children and families. We are a small team made up of expert communicators, facilitators, strategic thinkers, partnership builders, project managers, and creative designers. We are passionate about making the world a better place for children and families by harnessing the strengths and ideas that live within communities. As our name states, the first 5 years of life are fundamental. Our role is to support cross-sector leaders in early childhood, to help make their collective vision for children and families a reality. 

F5F currently supports four initiatives across Washington State - Project Child Success, Help Me Grow Pierce County, the Washington Communities for Children, and Northwest Early Learning Coalition. Learn more about F5F here.

About Help Me Grow Pierce County

Help Me Grow (HMG) is a national model for system development that promotes cross-sector collaboration to build efficient and effective early childhood systems that mitigate the impact of adversity and support protective factors among families. The four core components are:

• Coordinated Access
• Family and Community Outreach
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Health Provider Outreach

The Pierce County initiative is a local sub-affiliate of Help Me Grow Washington, and builds upon existing community relationships to use this model for building and sustaining a comprehensive system of services and supports for families with children from pregnancy through five years old. Help Me Grow Washington partners have added two components seen as central to advancing well-being for children and families with the HMG model: Policy & Advocacy, and Equity.

Initiative Goals

While the initiative focuses on system level change, the primary goal is to reduce the number of dependency filings for children ages birth to three in focus zip codes, and to improve child and family health and well-being. Focus areas include the City of Lakewood, City of Tacoma, and Parkland (unincorporated Pierce County).

Partners and Leadership

HMG Pierce County is a collaborative and community-driven initiative. Key partners include the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County Council, United Way of Pierce County, HopeSparks, the Multicultural Child & Family Hope Center, Pierce County Juvenile Courts, WithinReach, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and many others. Implementing staff are located at multiple agencies in Pierce County. The HMG Manager does not directly supervise implementing staff, however, they collaborate with partner agencies on developing work plans and provide the support needed to implement the HMG model.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Help Me Grow Manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the initiative. Specific duties include:

• LEAD – Contribute to the strategic vision and long-term success of the initiative.
• ENGAGE – Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders, including high level leadership throughout Pierce County.
• FACILITATE - Organize and support committees and work groups. Develop strategic agendas, distribute materials, facilitate engaging and dynamic meetings, and supervise post-meeting communications.
• MEASURE - Monitor progress towards achieving initiative goals. Work with a data team to analyze metrics. 
• COMMUNICATE – Represent the HMG Pierce County initiative at various community meetings including City/County council meetings, Project Child Success partnership meetings, statewide work groups, and at national conferences.
• MANAGE – Administer all initiative logistics including budgets, timelines, tasks, and partnerships.
• ADVOCATE – Become a content expert and advocate for early childhood system change and public investment based on community impact and best practices.
• SUPPORT – Provide support to HMG implementing staff working at partner agencies in Pierce County including Family Resource Navigators and diaper bank locations. 
• RESEARCH – Review other promising practices to inform initiative implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of program management experience in a non-profit or government organization.
• Proven success leading and managing projects with external partners.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a highly adaptive environment.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Excellent critical thinking skills with the ability to think outside of the box.
• Strong strategic thinker with an understanding of systems change.
• Experience using data and reporting to guide decision-making.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

• Knowledgable of community organizing methods and practices including collective impact, new networks leaders, and others.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, social justice, and anti-racism.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Full-time, exempt position. Salary range is $70,000 - $75,000. F5F also offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, unlimited paid time off, and retirement account.

OFFICE LOCATION, TRAVEL, & REMOTE WORK

F5F is located in Tacoma, WA. However, our office is currently closed due to COVID-19. All employees are working from home. When safe to return, this position will have the option to remain partially working from home, but will also be expected to spend some time in the office and traveling to in-person meetings within Pierce County. Must have reliable transportation and possess a valid Washington State driver’s license and insurance.

HOW TO APPLY

Resumes with a cover letter can be sent to kateg@first5fundamentals.org. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered. Cover letter must address 1) why you are interested in the position 2) what skills and experience you bring to the organization, and 3) specific actions you have taken to demonstrate a commitment to anti-racism and equity.

This position will remain open until filled, with first round of interviews expected to take place the week of August 9th. Applicants are encouraged to submit application materials as soon as possible.

All questions can be directed to Kate Ginn at kateg@first5fundamentals.org

First 5 FUNdamentals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation,