ECE Technology Ecosystem Director

This is a fully remote position with the expectation that the individual selected would be available at least half-time. Payment could be on a consulting basis or as a salaried position.

Early Child Care and Education (ECE) is one of the last sectors in the US economy to benefit from a technology transformation, and while the need for change is significant and multi-faceted, the opportunity for innovation and growth is great.

Opportunities Exchange has been focused on transforming the business of ECE and is keenly aware of the role improved technology can play in scaling success. We recognize the need for truly neutral, vendor-agnostic information on technology solutions, and OppEx has worked to provide technology information and support. Increasingly, this means building capacity among ECE providers to effectively use Child Care Management Software, crafting strategies to collect and share data across a range of public and private entities, and finding new technology solutions that meet the needs of businesses, governments, funders, and other key stakeholders. Our vision for an effective ECE Technology Ecosystem requires engagement at all levels.

To realize this vision OppEx seeks a team member to provide strategic guidance and manage growth—acting as a liaison and advocate, working with partners to understand business needs and identify and plan technological and systemic solutions. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced technology professional, with a passion for making a difference and experience working collaboratively with diverse audiences to support integrated technology at scale with the capacity to generate real-time data.

The ideal candidate can confidently bridge the communication gap between technical experts and those not in the tech space while focusing on the big picture. They can conceptualize and articulate the value of technology and aligned, real-time data for the early education sector. The ability to plan, investigate, execute effectively, and pivot along the way will be critical to achieving success in this role. The ideal candidate enjoys delivering new information to a diverse pool of organizations that represent a wide range of technology experience and capacity. They enjoy challenges and doing what has never been done before.

THE POSITION

The ECE Technology Ecosystem Director will work with partners and stakeholders to conceptualize and integrate technology solutions that meet the needs of service providers, industry intermediaries and government agencies in the ECE space.

 The major focus areas of this position will include:

Consulting with industry leaders, individuals, and partner organizations to gather and understand challenges, requirements, and barriers that could be addressed with effective technology solutions. These internal and external stakeholders have a wide range of technology capacities and experience.
Building and fostering cross-sector partner relationships, assessing needs, crafting and presenting potential solutions that provide value.
Improving technology services and resources by building relationships with vendors to better inform and meet stakeholder needs: helping clients and partners vet, acquire, plan, and utilize technology products to address industry challenges.
Managing multiple projects and workflows; keeping team and partners informed and offering expertise and best practice sharing as needed.
Leading and contributing to content development and information resources that support the widespread use of integrated technology for the sector.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

Help craft project plans, goals, outcomes and metrics
Scope, understand, and analyze business and data needs across the sector
Provide information on a range of potential technology tools, systems and vendors (e.g., software, platforms, products)
Align specifications and technology capabilities to help clients identify potential solutions

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building

Serve as a liaison between customers, technical teams, and internal staff, with the ability to troubleshoot and interface with diverse audiences
Share the ECE Technology Ecosystem vision with passion, to help build engagement and capacity for change
Communicate with and foster positive purposeful relationships with external stakeholders, vendors, funders, and partners to ensure growth and sustainability
Build working rapport to understand business requirements and perspectives; translate business processes, data flow, and application functions into best technology solutions that meet business requirements.

Creative, Solution-Focused Problem Solving

Approach tasks with curiosity and expertise aimed at uncovering “how it could be done,” through vetting, developing strategy and goals, then implementing the next steps
Gather information from various sources to craft and interpret patterns and trends
Collaborate with the leadership team to craft and share ideas that maximize the potential of technology aimed at aligned, real-time data
Utilize feedback and data to drive enhancements and growth
Collaborate closely with and learn from internal team and partners

Committed Advocate for the ECE Sector

Focused on strengthening the field as a whole, with special emphasis on the end user
Willing to develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of processes, deliverables and needs of stakeholders and partners, including subject matter expertise in business systems processes and tools
Able to envision a future state and what changes are needed to attain and support it

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of technology certifications and/or experience.
Proficiency in working with and in technology systems, communicating value and articulating solutions.
Experience designing and/or implementing or building technology services and solutions for diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, listen and learn from others in order to lead change.
Superior customer-centric mindset and approach. Knowledge and/or experience with user-centered interface development.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present highly technical material to non-technical business audiences.
Team player who carries out complex work in collaboration with others, often leading projects and tasks with limited direct supervision.
Demonstrated experience working with SaaS vendors and cloud-based solutions required.
Knowledge of the ECE sector, preferably based on experience in the field

COMPENSATION

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and could be structured as a consultant or as a salaried position based on preference.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter (that clearly outlines your experience and how it aligns with the goals of this position), a writing sample, and a resume to recruiting@civstrat.com with ECE Technology Ecosystem Director in the subject line.