Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Administrator (WMS02) - Olympia

Salary: $95,568.00 - $119,460.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Early Learning Division
Opening Date: 10/29/2026
Closing Date: 11/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Job Title: Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Administrator (WMS02) - Project
Location: Olympia, WA - This position is flexible/hybrid and can be done remotely; however, you will need to be in Olympia to attend in-person quarterly meetings.
Closes: Thursday, November 5th, 2026
Duration: This project position is now funded through 09/29/2027, but it is likely to be extended through 09/29/2028.
Salary: $95,568 - $119,460 Annually
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on how children and families are served in Washington State? Consider becoming a leader within the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Early Learning Division. We are looking for a Preschool Development Grant Administrator (WMS2) to implement DCYF's federal Birth through Five Preschool Development Grant (PDG). We offer a flexible work environment, with the freedom to work from an office and the comfort of your home.

Click here to learn more about

The Opportunity:
In this role, you will manage all major aspects of the PDG grant, ensuring the project is implemented on time, within budget, and in accordance with the project scope. You will communicate with key partners, legislators, external advocates, and organizations on topics related to PDG implementation, and federal and state resources supporting grant activities.
The work of this position and the entire PDG team centers efforts to identify and interrupt patterns and practices that have reproduced inequities in our system. DCYF is committed to building authentic relationships with communities most often marginalized by our system. We seek to lift up the voices and direction of lived experts and Community Based Organizations within government systems. If you are innovative and committed to grant management while also partnering with lived experts and community-based organizations, this role is for you.

Some of what you will do:

• Manage and maintain the overall PDG work plan to ensure all activities are completed in compliance with grant requirements and timelines.
• Manage the PDG budget and all aspects of financial reporting required under the federal award including completing continuation applications, carryover requests, and closeout reports.
• Oversee development and implementation PDG contracts with a variety of partners and coordinate with other DCYF divisions to ensure execution of all PDG-related deliverables.
• Manage the development and implementation of the PDG Statewide Needs Assessment and Early Learning Coordination Plan (ELCP).
• Lead the PDG Coordination Team and key grant activity teams that support the ELCP Network, develop agendas, schedule regular meetings and provide facilitation and oversight of the team's work.
• Supervise the PDG Specialist Senior (CS5) and PDG Integration Specialist (MA4) including direction, guidance, support and performance management.
• Oversee development, review, and approval of PDG reports. Coordinate with internal and external partners and contractors to ensure reporting is completed and submitted within grant timelines.
• Compile, analyze, and communicate PDG progress with DCYF Executive Leadership, key partners, and others as designated.
• Provide consultation regarding PDG to DCYF executive management, government officials, other agencies and stakeholders.
• Participate as a key member of the Early Learning Division leadership team, ensuring continued integration with PDG core activities throughout the grant period.

Required qualifications:

• Seven (7) years of professional and leadership experience with extensive project management and facilitation skills.

OR

• A bachelor's degree or higher in public administration, education, early childhood or related field AND Five (5) or more years professional and leadership experience with extensive project management and facilitation skills.

AND

• This position requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities to:
  • Implement an approach to large-scale project management designed to fulfill grant requirements within designated timelines.
  • Provide strengths-based supervision and performance management with employees.
  • Understand and facilitate strategic planning processes across a broad array of topics and stakeholders.
  • Understand Washington state contracting and procurement guidelines and effectively oversee management of a wide range of contracts.
  • Understand and manage federal grant budgets and reporting requirements.
  • Work collaboratively with individuals, teams and divisions of DCYF to build an integrated system of services for children and families.
  • Work collaboratively in a political environment with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and partners, including local and state elected officials, other state agencies, tribal communities, families, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups.
  • Understand the government-to-government relationship between the state and federally recognized Tribes of Washington State, as affirmed by the Centennial Accord.
  • Engage an array of internal and external audiences through skilled public speaking.
  • Participate in DCYF's efforts to advance a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in all practices.
  • The ability to take action to learn, grow and meet the needs of others.

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will bring the following preferred knowledge, competencies, and experience:

• Principles of effective collaboration and partnership.
• Principles of change management.
• Early learning, child welfare and juvenile rehabilitation programs and services in the State of Washington.
• Racial Equity and Social Justice.
• Issues affecting families in poverty and culturally diverse families.

How do I apply?
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter
• Resume (current/updated)

Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

2026-08852
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt emp