Professional Development Specialist

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. 

At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

 

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Quality Programs, the Professional Development Specialist will be responsible for the design, implementation, monitoring, and successful achievement of staff training and development for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Early Learning and Head Start program. In addition to understanding effective, research-based professional development standards and delivery models, the Professional Development Specialist will demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to meet the needs of diverse learners. Develop and maintain collaborative partnership with Early Learning Leadership as professional development plans are developed and revised to meet the evolving needs of employees and drive continued growth and professional development. training approach and content to support professional growth across YMCA Early Learning Professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

• Plan, develop, and provide or facilitate professional learning programs in alignment with YMCA goals and initiatives. Training topics related to early childhood development and learning including, but not limited to Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) rules and regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC, Quality Rated, leadership development, coaching, teamwork, behavior management, cultural competence in childcare settings.
• Implements professional learning opportunities through multiple delivery models including formal structured workshops and digital platforms. Manage logistics for trainings; schedules, reserve locations, secure equipment, and meet any other general needs for training purposes.
• Ability to tailor presentations of concepts and make it relatable for the target audience.
• Designs the development of the training calendar to ensure adequate professional learning time.
• Collaborates on the design and implementation of a comprehensive Professional Development Plan of all staff.
• Assess training needs through surveys, staff evaluations, one-on-one meetings with staff, etc. Engages team members and all other appropriate parties to receive feedback on the training process in order to identify and resolve gaps in content or retained knowledge
• Analyzes and uses data to identify professional development needs and to evaluate, improve and report on program effectiveness.
• Collaborates and maintains the recording and reporting of Professional Development hours and participation.
• Design and create training manuals, online learning modules, and course materials.
• Keeps abreast of innovative professional development techniques to provide the highest quality of professional developmental activities.
• Coordinate the development of MOUs, contracts, forms, grants, awards, and other materials related to professional development and follow set processes accordingly.
• Visit early learning programs to build relationships, enhance participation in programs and assist with quality programming.
• Assist with capturing all conferences that are applicable to Head Start programming and maintain conference tracking document.
• Provide professional development training, mentoring, and coaching to interns that support professional development and/or partnership programs as needed.
• Prepare and present progress updates to YMCA of Metro Atlanta management and staff as requested.
• Maintain all records and fiscal reporting requirements as designated by the supervising entities.
• In collaboration with the Sr. Director of Early Learning Quality, ensures high quality and consistency while ensuring that local, state, and federal regulations are being met within YMCA’s Early Learning program.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet program needs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Human Services, or related field
• 3+ years of experience providing early childhood professional development and training or related process
• Must be able to meet the state trainer requirements as prescribed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) as described at https://www.training.decal.ga.gov
• Demonstrate superior interpersonal and customer service skills to work with the community and state agencies on behalf of YMCA of Metro Atlanta, families, Early Learning providers, and partners
• Knowledge of DECAL childcare rules and regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and early childhood best practices
• Excellent customer service skills, time management, organizational skills, and oral/written communication skills
• Excellent critical thinking, analysis, decision making, and problem-solving skills
• Must be a self-starter, who works well with minimal supervision, as well as the ability to work in partnership with other team members
• Proven success in working in a collaborative, team environment
• Must have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; ability to use a networked database
• Must have a personal vehicle, valid Driver’s license, and appropriate insurance
• Experience with an LMS a plus

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through Early Childhood Development Co., LLC, whose sole managing member is the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.

Employment Requirement: 

• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.

• Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Location:

YMCA Leadership and Learning Center