EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOP AND HEALTH BOARD

First Things First (Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board) is an essential leader and partner in creating a family-centered, equitable, high-quality early childhood system that supports the development, well-being, health and early education of all Arizona’s children, birth to age 5. Created by voter initiative in 2006, First Things First is governed by a state Board with 28 regional partnership councils. First Things First is a decentralized organization that engages diverse constituencies to accomplish its mission. Organizational values include a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; a focus on accountability, transparency, coordination and collaboration; and an emphasis on the outcomes that will ensure young children start kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Address:  77 Calle Portal, A220, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Salary: $86,000 

Grade: 23

The Regional Specialist advances First Things First’s (FTF) mission to support the healthy development and learning of young children in the region by serving as a trusted regional leader and an agent of systems change in the area of early childhood development and health issues across the region who embraces challenges, leads local community engagement, and motivates/guides others to recognize opportunity for change and/or new direction. This position inspires community support for early childhood initiatives, influences public thinking and action, and fosters collaboration across multiple stakeholders. The Regional Coordinator serves as both a connector and a thought partner, coordinating regional efforts while supporting statewide systems change and community engagement goals. In this role, the Regional Coordinator reports to the Regional Area Director as a member of the FTF Regional Unit and will help support the following regional partnership council(s): Cochise Regional Partnership Council.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Participate in Regional Partnership Council meetings, committees, and community meetings; ensure compliance with the Arizona Open Meeting Law.
  
• Assist the Regional Area Director in the regional strategic planning process with the regional council and community stakeholders to create a multi-year regional strategic plan and annual funding plans that reflect regional priorities and align with FTF’s statewide direction.
  
• Work with cross-functional internal teams to develop, implement, and monitor regional strategies and initiatives implemented in communities.
  
• Assist the Regional Area Director with the initial and ongoing development of Regional Partnership Council members, helping them fulfill their roles effectively and increasing their satisfaction and engagement.
  
• Identify, recruit, and onboard new regional partnership council members who reflect the diversity and priorities of the Cochise Region.
  
• Support completion of the biannual Regional Needs and Assets report under direction from the FTF Evaluation Team, to include securing tribal approval.
  
• Under the supervision of the Regional Area Director, the Regional Coordinator will assist with the implementation of regional funding plans—ensuring programmatic and systems change strategies align with regional council intent, organizational standards, and strategic priorities.

Systems Change, Community Engagement & Public Awareness

• Engage communities within and outside of the early childhood system through tailored presentations, workshops, and communication strategies that introduces FTF, educates about the needs of young children and families, and inspires action in support of early childhood.
  
• Leverage networking opportunities at meetings, events, and conferences; maintain regular follow-up communication and share engagement materials, success stories, and earned media.
  
• Collaborate with FTF teams and community partners to meet shared awareness and systems change goals.
  
• Apply creativity, strategic thinking, and systems-level perspective to design and lead engagement strategies and planning conversations.
  
• Lead engaging presentations and discussions with the Regional Partnership Council and community partners to share outcomes, data, and opportunities.
• Represent First Things First as a regional spokesperson on the importance of early childhood, using multiple communication channels including social media, newsletters, and media outreach.

Government Relations & Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and sustain strong relationships and partnerships with municipal and county officials—including mayors, supervisors, city managers, and policy staff—to align early childhood system goals with local priorities.
  
• As part of the FTF multi-disciplinary team, the regional coordinator will provide regular briefings and strategic insights to the Regional Area
• Director and the Senior Director of Government Affairs regarding emerging trends, local government actions, and partnership opportunities across assigned regions when appropriate.
• Represent First Things First in regional coalitions, associations, and public forums to share information including data, resources, and updates on state-level policy and funding initiatives.

Organizational Alignment & Culture

• Clearly convey information and ideas through multiple formats to help diverse audiences understand and retain key messages.
  
• Perform duties in a manner that supports First Things First’s mission, internal culture, and values of respect, collaboration, and integrity, in alignment with organizational and strategic direction
  
• Support additional opportunities related to regional operations and community engagement functions as needed.
  

Extensive knowledge of early childhood development and health issues and demonstrated ability to develop successful strategies to address those issues.

Bachelor’s degree in early education, social work, education, health or other related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Management or leadership experience in public, private or non-profit organizations, demonstrated strong record of leadership in early childhood development and/or health programs.

Possess a collegial leadership style and an ability to work effectively in and cooperatively with staff, parents, community leaders, local governments, public and private entities and faith-based groups to improve the quality of and access to early childhood development and health programs in the region.

Demonstrated ability to ensure public accountability as well as measure and improve outcomes appropriate for program goals.

Creative, solution-driven, and detail-oriented with the ability to self-motivate and meet competing deadlines.

Demonstrated knowledge, skill and success in generating financial support and developing cross-sector partnerships with the private and public sectors.

Competence in working effectively with a volunteer governing board and community volunteers to advance the interests of programs.

Strong problem-solving, leadership and analytical skills, including the ability to identify areas for self-improvement to perform assigned projects and carry out responsibilities to meet desired outcomes; actively pursue appropriate means and methods to increase effectiveness in those areas.

Experience that demonstrates reliability and productivity working with minimal supervision, maintaining multiple responsibilities, the ability to maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate partnership development, preparing presentations and supporting materials.

High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Google Workspace and intranet/internet communication tools and methods to produce and deliver reports, documents and communications.

Ability to travel, including overnight stays. This remote, community-based position also requires regular in-person participation at meetings held outside the immediate service area.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

ASRS

HR@FirstThingsFirst.org