EHS-Early Education Training Academy, Director

Job Description

Job Description

About UPO

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, DC, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents.” Our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.” Our Promise: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

About the Office of Early Learning (OEL)

OEL’s Mission

In collaboration with Family and the community, we will educate, empower and support children by providing continuous high quality comprehensive services to achieve successful parent engagement and positive child outcomes. The UPO Office of Early Learning has a special focus on helping children from birth to age 3 to grow and thrive in a healthy, supportive environment. Our Early Head Start programs provide infants and toddlers with the tools needed to develop their social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills—steering them in the direction of happiness and success.

POSITION: EHS Early Education Training Academy, Director (1)

PROGRAM/DIVISION: OEL (EHS)

BULLETIN No: 0101206

SALARY RANGE: $90,000 -$100,000 (Commensurate with Education and Experience)

OPENING DATE: January 16, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

The Director of the Early Education Training Academy is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of professional learning programs for early childhood educators. This role ensures that training initiatives align with best practices, state and federal standards, and the organization's mission to promote high-quality early learning experiences for all children. The Director of Early Education Training Academy supports the design, delivery, and coordination of professional development programs for early childhood educators. This role combines instructional expertise with strong organizational skills to ensure high-quality training experiences that promote equitable, developmentally appropriate practices in early learning settings.

Design and implement a comprehensive training academy focused on early childhood education. Develop curricula and training modules that reflect current research, culturally responsive practices, and inclusive pedagogy. Oversee scheduling, logistics, and delivery of in-person and virtual training sessions. Deliver engaging, research-based training sessions to early childhood educators, both in-person and virtually. Facilitate workshops, webinars, and coaching sessions aligned with academy goals and adult learning principles.

Collaborate with internal departments, external partners, and community organizations to identify training needs and opportunities. Build relationships with early childhood educators, administrators, and policymakers to promote academy offerings. Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of training programs. Provide coaching and professional development to academy personnel. Manage budgets, contracts, and reporting requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in early childhood education, education administration or related field. Five (5) years of progressive experience working in an Early Childhood Education Program as an administrator, with at least 2 years in a leadership or training role. Strong knowledge in child development and the ability to implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Must be able to work sensitively, confidentially and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Demonstrated expertise in adult learning theory and instructional design. Strong project management and organizational skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Doctoral degree in early childhood education, education administration or related field and five (5) years of progressive experience working with children aged to five. Knowledgeable in the measurement and evaluation of child outcomes and classroom quality.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

This is a Special Trust position subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing

This position IS NOT in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union

Competitive Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k) Matching Plan 100% Vested

Annual Leave 4.5 hours every pay period

Sick Leave 4.5 hours every pay period

2 Personal Days (after 6-month introductory period)

Paid Holidays

Ongoing Professional Development

Apply Today: Submit a resume, and a copy of your Degree or Transcripts to our Career Center

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer