Whatcom Early Learning Program Manager

Position Open Date: 09/24/2026

Position Close Date: 10/08/2026

Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as the Whatcom Early Learning Program Manager!

WHO WE ARE:

For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.

OUR VALUES:

At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. We’re also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our work—from the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff.

To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Whatcom Early Leaning Programs Manager WELP oversees the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of classroom-based services for children one to five years of age, with comprehensive wrap-around services for all enrolled children for medical, dental, behavioral and specialized education services. The WELP Manager works with service area coordinators to ensure services are carried out in accordance with EHS center-based/Head Start/ECEAP Performance Standards, as well as local, state and federal regulations, service area work plans, and program policies and procedures. In collaboration with other Early Learning & Family Services personnel, the PS Manager tracks and reports on program and performance outcomes for governance bodies and funders.

WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time, Monday through Friday

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of developmentally appropriate programs for children enrolled in Head Start and ECEAP, including:
  • Curriculum planning and development;
  • Disabilities Services for children with special needs, ages 1 – 5;
  • Health, Mental Health, and Nutrition Services; and
• Is the point person for all WELP HR activity, including developing work plans, initiating and facilitating hiring, initiating terminations, and staffing placement development.
• Oversees the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of comprehensive service area work plans that meet state and federal mandates, requirements of funding sources, and best practices.
• Provides input into budget development and evaluation. Assists in resource/funding development, grant writing, research, presentations, proposal/request development, and other fundraising efforts.
• Collaborates with Agency initiatives and other departments on service alignment and mutual supports for clients.
• Leads service areas in preparation for all state and federal monitoring activities.
• Coordinates relevant data collection plans and participates in annual self-assessment; develops written plan for growth or improvement that include recommendations for corrective action measures from funders or department director.
• Provides direct supervision and support to Health coordinator, subcontracting Liaisons and Site/Center Supervisors.
• Participates as a member of ELAFS Leadership Team.
• Provides on-going training and professional development for staff.
• Participates in community needs assessment processes within Opportunity Council and in the community at large. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Bachelors or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development/Human Services or related field (advanced degree preferred) or relevant education/experience.  
• Minimum five years relevant experience working with similarly aged children and their families in an educational or social service setting. 
• Minimum three years supervisory and management experience, with specific training in supervisory skills, communications, group process, observation techniques, basic financial management and grant management. 
• Appropriate training or experience in social services, particularly work with low-income households. 
• Basic knowledge of operations of early childhood development programs (Head Start or ECEAP.)  
• Have (or obtain prior to hire date) and maintain Washington State Food Handler’s Permit during length of employment.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and five-year driving history within Opportunity Council’s Auto Insurance Standards.
• Initial health examination indicating you are fit for duty and free from communicable disease within 60 days of hire. Medical check-ups are required every two years thereafter.
• Completed TB test prior to hire date. 
• Proof of MMR Vaccination Status. 
• Criminal records check and obtain a Washington Portable Background clearance to ascertain that the applicant has not been convicted of a child abuse or neglect offense per Washington State Child Abuse Law (Ch. 486, Laws of 1987) or DSHS licensing requirements. 
• Current First Aid card and Infant/Child CPR training (or obtain within 30 days), and must maintain current certificates for length of employment. 
• Must have Bloodborne Pathogens/HIV/AIDS training (or obtain within 60 days). 

We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services. 

OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.

• Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays)
• Paid time off for wellness needs
• Employer-paid holidays
• Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
• HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms
• Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
• Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
• Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and personal legal services

ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY:

Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute

We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. That’s why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.