Community Planner

The Community Planner plays a vital role in the Oklahoma Preschool Development Grant, focusing on early childhood care and education. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies to support families and communities, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring equitable access to resources. The role involves collaborating with various organizations and leading initiatives for community capacity building, strategic planning, and policy advocacy. Key qualifications include a bachelor's degree, at least two years of relevant experience, proficiency in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, and strong communication skills. The position is temporary, funded until December 31, 2025, with potential for renewal based on available funding.

Job Description

The Community Planner is responsible for strategic performance initiatives of statewide and local priorities of the Oklahoma Preschool Development Grant and addresses the most pressing needs of the early childhood care and education workforce, children, families, and communities and equitable and seamless access to supports.

Assigned responsibilities involve community planning and outreach for successful implementation of family engagement strategies; and systems and policy actions. This position will interact with Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness and Department of Human Services leadership as well as community stakeholders, from both the public and private sectors in Oklahoma.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is funded through the Oklahoma Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Renewal Grant. The funding for this position will expire December 31, 2025. It is the goal of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to apply for more funding if it becomes available.

Typical Functions

Coordinates the support, development, and implementation of program. Develops goals, objectives, and outcomes for strategies aimed to improve outcomes for child well-being and parent engagement across early childhood systems;Consults with stakeholders and agency leadership to ensure that strategic goals and program outcomes are developed, implemented, and monitored within prescribed time frame and resource parameters;Leads strategic efforts related to community capacity building, strategic planning, partnership consultation, training & development, public education and awareness and policy advocacy;Facilitates and provides technical assistance state and local organizations, coalitions, and other groups;Serves as a consultant to stakeholder groups; develops and fosters strategic partnerships; and represent agency at various community events and meetings;Maintains a statewide repository of tools, products, resources, and partnerships;Facilitates meetings, research gathering and report writing for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Oklahoma Preschool Development Grant and other reports;Adheres to all federal and state grant guidance and maintains all required records and documentation for funding compliance including completing regular progress reports.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;Minimum of two (2) + years of professional experience in early childhood care and education, public administration, community development, communications, business, public health, social services, or closely related field;Knowledge and experience in strategic planning, performance management, policy development, and parent and stakeholder engagement;Experience planning, organizing, and directing the completion of advanced level projects;Experience in building community partnerships, facilitating training, and collaborating with diverse populations;Experience facilitating and/or providing technical assistance and support to state and/or local community boards, advisory committee, coalitions, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Ability to set an inspiring vision and motivate others to reach goals in support of that vision;Ability to establish ambitious goals and set aligned strategy;Desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities to learn;Knowledge of systems and polices influencing early childhood development, education, care and families;Strong understanding of equitable family and community engagement practices;Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills;Knowledge of technology and software (virtual meetings, Microsoft Office, social media) and ability to use them to maximize efficiency and services;Ability to effectively organize one’s own time and complex collaborative projects;Ability to track and report program measurable;Conscientious commitment and willingness to provide courteous, consistent, efficient service through the performance of the prescribed job duties;Must be willing and able to conduct occasional job-related travel, in state out of state.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.