WHO WE ARE

A child’s foundations in life and learning are essential to lifelong success. First 8 Memphis (F8M) was founded to build an early care and education system that will allow every child in Memphis and Shelby County to reach their full potential by focusing on building a strong start during a child's first 8 years of life. We are an advocacy, coordinating, and convening organization working across the age spectrum and programs that support young children and their families, including: home visiting, childcare, Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K), and Kindergarten - 3rd grade supports. F8M’s early care and education systems building work is conducted in collaboration with the F8M Leadership Council and other stakeholders. F8M is governed by a highly regarded Board of Directors that partners with staff to help reach our community and organizational goals. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Background 

Memphis and Shelby County have made substantial progress in expanding early care and education in recent years, including expanding pre-kindergarten access across the community. However, this progress is at risk due to a shortage of qualified early childhood providers and educators. To address this critical workforce need, First 8 Memphis convened a multi-agency workgroup of local nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and one local school district to develop a comprehensive plan to recruit, train, and retain a diverse early care and education (ECE) workforce. The strategy leverages the work group's knowledge and resources. It aligns efforts toward a common goal: cultivating and nurturing a pipeline of well-prepared ECE educators in Memphis and Shelby County.

Position Description 

Memphis and Shelby County are facing a critical shortage of early childhood educators, limiting the region’s ability to expand high-quality early learning opportunities. The Senior Manager of Early Childhood Workforce Strategy will be pivotal in addressing this challenge by leading a cross-sector strategy to grow and strengthen the ECE workforce.

This role will be a strategic connector and facilitator between high schools, higher education institutions (including community colleges, trade schools, and universities), early learning providers, and community-based organizations. The Senior Manager will coordinate a collaborative workgroup of stakeholders and manage the implementation of the ECE workforce strategic framework that increases pathways into the profession, supports current educators, and improves long-term learning outcomes for children.

The ideal candidate brings a mix of strategic thinking, community partnership, and project management experience, and is passionate about driving systems change to address educational inequities in under-resourced communities.

Responsibilities:

Strategy Implementation & Planning

• Lead the execution of the countywide ECE workforce development strategic framework, designed collaboratively by a multi-agency workgroup.
• Develop annual work plans with clear goals, timelines, deliverables, and performance measures.
• Identify and implement best practices from other cities and national models, tailoring them to the Memphis context.
• Align local efforts to create a seamless pipeline into the early education profession.
  

Workgroup Coordination & Systems Alignment

• Facilitate the multi-agency workgroup of ECE providers, school districts, higher education institutions, and workforce partners.
• Ensure continuous alignment and resource-sharing across stakeholders.
• Leverage the assets of each partner to drive collective action.
  

Partnership Development

• Build relationships with CTE programs, school systems, colleges and universities, workforce boards, and community organizations.
• Serve as a trusted liaison between institutions of higher education, K-12 systems, and community-based providers.
  

Pipeline Expansion

• Design and evaluate recruitment and retention strategies targeting high school students, opportunity youth, and current early childhood educators.
• Promote career awareness and support entry into ECE programs and credentials.
• Partner with institutions to improve access to pathways into the field, including credentialing and hands-on experience.
  

Data & Reporting

• Track and report key performance indicators related to workforce growth, retention, and participation in ECE pathways.
• Use data to inform continuous improvement and communicate impact to stakeholders.
  

Communications & Outreach

• Develop outreach campaigns and materials to elevate awareness of ECE workforce opportunities.
• Represent F8M and the ECE workforce initiative at public meetings, conferences, and events.
• Communicate clearly with diverse audiences including educators, families, policymakers, and funders.
  

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support First 8 Memphis' mission.
  
  

THE F8M CANDIDATE

The ideal team member for First 8 Memphis describes themselves as a self-starter ready to roll up their sleeves and work in an organization transitioning from the start-up to the growth phase. You are resourceful, comfortable navigating a dynamic workplace, and can work independently and collaboratively. You must align with F8M’s vision and mission, and have deep empathy and commitment to addressing issues and challenges faced by under-invested communities, families, and young children in Memphis and Shelby County. 

Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking and execution abilities.
• Proven ability to influence and build relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse audiences and various leadership levels.
• Exceptional listening and feedback skills.
• Ability to facilitate the coordination of multiple tasks and manage various projects simultaneously.
• Ability to perform all required functions and responsibilities accurately, completely, and in a timely.
• Ability to work independently and effectively function as a member of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work productively with practitioners, government agencies, professional organizations, and higher education in a positive, pleasant, experienced, and productive manner in writing, by telephone, online, and in person.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in early care and education or a related field preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of the ECE workforce, including challenges, needs, and trends in Memphis-Shelby County and nationally. 
• A degree in early childhood or a relevant field (e.g., education, public administration) is required, and at least ten years of work experience is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

This position is primarily grant-funded.