APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICSPenn 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 InformationThis 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.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSMaster's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe 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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant 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.
