As the Equity Fund Manager, you operationalize the Early Childhood Equity Fund, leading the development of annual Equity Fund goals, action plans, and priorities related to helping more young children and families access programs specifically designed to meet their cultural or linguistic needs. The position conducts program and policy analysis and collaborates with external constituencies, other agencies, and community partners to support policy and program initiatives. The position promotes knowledge and understanding about the importance of investing in and supporting culturally specific organizations, the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon, and programs in community systems, among all relevant partners across the state.  The position provides technical assistance to grant partners, including to culturally specific organizations and programs and Tribes.  The position utilizes program and project management techniques to effectively oversee the administration of the Equity Fund and achieve program goals.

Tasks can be varied according to the time of year and include:

Consultative Advice

Recommend administrative controls, organizational structures, and program standards to support the implementation of the Equity Fund. Work with partnering agencies through the Early Learning Council and other mechanisms to recommend changes to programs that interact with the Equity Fund. Research best practices in advancing equity through early learning programs. Support communications on the Equity Fund to other agencies and the public. Plan and lead cross-agency groups as needed. 

Building Collaborative Partnerships

Work with key stakeholders across state agencies, community organizations, and internal to the Early Learning Division to develop program policies and procedures for the equity fund. Represent the ELD in public engagements with stakeholders. Convene other partners as needed to advise on program rules and operations. Identify non-traditional or non-existent partnerships in order to ensure all communities necessary to advance the goals of the equity fund are represented in conversations and engagements. Develop and maintain relationships. 

Program Development

Develop and develop continuous quality improvement systems that ensure implementation of the Equity Fund to meet legislative intent and the goals of the ELD. Lead or commission research to develop new program services, evaluate best practice, or predict impact of the Equity Fund. Identify needed statutory, rules, or other policy changes to improve implementation. Develop proposals for the federal government or philanthropic partners as needed. 

Commitment to Equity

In addition to the cultivation of equitable practices across all aspects of your position description. Learn and apply knowledge and skills to interrupt systemic oppression. Participate and engage in efforts to further Early Learning Division wide efforts to develop and implement the Equity Breakthrough Team work plans. Have knowledge of and apply tools, such as the Equity Lens, Culturally Responsive Community Engagement tool, etc., to all the work to ensure that the shared vision and mission of the Early Learning Division is clearly articulated in all the work produced.

Working Conditions

Work days will include a combination of significant desk and computer time with interspersed meetings and off-site events.  Travel within the state will be required.
 

What Oregon State Treasury is looking for:

Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work; OR any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of experience related to evaluative, analytical and planning.

Candidates who are the most competitive will possess the following background, skills and experience:

• Strong understanding and utilization of education equity.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy and practice.
• Ability to establish effective relationships and demonstrate collaborative skills with early learning educators, parents, community stakeholders, tribes, and personnel from partnering institutions and groups.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and to be assertive when faced with noncompliance issues.
• Experience and skill in oral presentation and public speaking.
• Experience working with culturally and individually diverse groups.
• Preference may be given to candidates with the following skills:
  • Bilingual and Bicultural candidates.
  • Experience in applying web technology as a communication tool and in data collection.
  • Experience in collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Experience reporting data trends.