Professional Development Coordinator

Division: Education Reports to: Senior Education Program Manager Worksite: Early Childhood Work Hours: M-F, 8:00am to 4:30pm LLBO Status: Non-Exempt Safety Sensitive: Yes License/Certification Requirements: Valid MN Driver’s License, current insurance or be insurable is preferred. Summary: Coordinate and lead professional development initiatives for Head Start and Early Head Start staff, including annual Pre-Service training, ongoing professional learning opportunities, staff credentialing, higher education pathways, and workforce development.

Ensure professional development systems are grounded in the mission, values, and cultural framework of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe by incorporating Anishinaabe language, history, traditions, and ways of knowing into staff learning and program practices. Coordinate the CDA Credential Cohort, support staff through all phases of the CDA process, collaborate with educational partners to expand career pathways, assist with supervision of high school students participating in career exploration programming, develop program communications, and ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and organizational professional development goals.

Education

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Possess a Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. Experience working in a Head Start or Early Head Start program in a management/coordinator or Team Leader capacity. Administrative, project management, and supervisory experience preferred. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Demonstrate a strong understanding and sensitivity to the culturally specific needs and concerns of Native American children and families.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, database management systems (including Child. Plus), and other technology used to support professional development and program operations. Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effectively working relationships with children, families, staff Tribal departments, educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse professional and community groups.

Native American Preference will apply in accordance with applicable Tribal policies. Physical exam upon initial hire and every 2 years thereafter Mantoux (TB) upon hire and every 5 years thereafter. Successful completion of criminal background check. Pre-employment drug screening required. Subject to random drug testing.

Supervisory Duties: None. Duties/Responsibilities: Administrative: Maintain knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Licensing Requirements, Miziwegin Child Care Services Policies, and program goals to ensure compliance and effective professional development practices. Collaborate with management to develop, implement, and evaluate professional development initiatives, training plans, program goals, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

Develop and manage the annual Professional Development Plan, Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Plan, new staff orientation and onboarding processes, and related work plans. Collect, analyze, and prepare reports on staff training, professional development activities, program outcomes, and quality improvement efforts.

Monitor and update program outcomes to support planning, decision-making, and organizational goals. Promote effective communication, teamwork, and partnerships that support high-quality early childhood education, family engagement, and workforce development. Participate in committees, community partnerships, and professional activities that strengthen program services and support staff growth.

Develop and distribute newsletters, training communications, informational materials, and other resources to support staff, families, and program initiatives. Training Coordination: Develop and manage the annual professional development calendar, including training schedules, presenters, logistics, and staff participation.

Collaborate with management and supervisors to identify training needs, coordinate professional development opportunities, and ensure alignment with Head Start Performance Standards, Leech Lake Licensing Requirements, and program priorities. Coordinate Pre-Service, mandatory trainings, and ongoing professional development opportunities for Early Childhood Development staff, Family Child Care providers, parents, and other LLBO programs as appropriate.

Coordinate Total Staff Meetings, including agenda development, scheduling, communication, and collaboration with management to support program priorities and staff engagement. Develop, coordinate, and maintain the New Staff Orientation and Onboarding process. Facilitate the Internal and External BEST Committee by supporting collaboration, communication, and representation across program content areas.

Maintain accurate professional development records, training transcripts, and databases in Child. Plus and other tracking systems; provide reports on staff training progress and Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDPs). Serve as a professional development liaison for partnerships with Leech Lake Tribal College, Cass Lake-Bena Schools, and other higher education partners to support degree attainment, internships, dual-credit opportunities, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives.

Coordinate the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Cohort, including recruitment, orientation, scheduling, coaching, documentation, and progress monitoring. Maintain knowledge of CDA Council requirements and provide technical assistance to CDA candidates, supervisors, and managers throughout the credentialing process.

Coordinate the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program by supporting participants, monitoring progress, maintaining documentation, and collaborating with educational partners and program representatives. General Responsibilities: Work collaboratively as a member of the Early Childhood Development team while promoting professionalism, teamwork, and a positive work environment.

Participate in ongoing professional development, required meetings, trainings, conferences, and educational opportunities to maintain current knowledge and enhance job performance. General Responsibilities: Support continuous quality improvement efforts through program self-assessment, monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of improvement strategies.

Maintain confidentiality, professional ethics, and compliance with program, Tribal, federal, and state requirements. Promote the Head Start mission, philosophy, and values while supporting culturally responsive practices that honor the history, language, and culture of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Build and maintain positive relationships with staff, families, Tribal programs, educational institutions, and community partners.

Maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license and travel as needed to support program operations, partnerships, and professional development activities. Participate in program events, activities outside of regular work hours, and special projects as assigned. Physical Requirements: Primarily Sedentary work involving prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and office-based administrative tasks.

Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting or carrying training materials, supplies, and equipment up to 25 pounds. Frequent travel between program sites and occasional out-of-area travel for meetings, conferences, trainings, and partnership activities. Ability to work in office, classroom, and training environments with varying schedules and locations.

Subject to internal working conditions. Non-smoking environment.