Job Title: Project Associate, Early Childhood

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000

For more than five decades, the Bainum Family Foundation has invested in the well-being of children and families, evolving our strategy over the years to reflect new thinking and learning and changing community needs. We know that systemic racism in the United States leads to inequitable child outcomes, in part by interfering with the ability of communities and caregivers (such as parents, grandparents, guardians and early childhood educators) to create the conditions and environment needed for children to thrive. Because of this, we are striving to build an equitable society that supports all children and families, particularly those who have been systematically excluded from power, resources and opportunity because of poverty and racism. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is who we are and what we do. It is not separate but at the heart of our work. We are committed to driving change that centers communities and results in equitable societies, starting with a commitment to equity and inclusion for our staff. Specifically, we have committed to center racial equity and become an antiracist organization. Our team is expected to demonstrate and uphold our core values as well as our commitment to DEI in every facet of their work. The Foundation strongly encourages and seeks applications from all qualified individuals whose racial, socioeconomic, ability status, and other individual dimensions allow them to bring unique and diverse perspectives. 

As part of this commitment, we expect all staff to gather, care for, use and openly share knowledge in ways that advance equity, support shared learning, and amplify community expertise. 

The Foundation structures our work through a portfolio of interconnected initiatives. All staff play a role in connecting and synthesizing knowledge across teams to further the Foundation’s mission and vision. Therefore, this person may be assigned to any of the Foundation’s initiatives based on initiative cycles and evolving organizational needs. 

The Project Associate of Early Childhood plays a pivotal role in supporting the efficient and effective execution of a diverse range of projects aligned with the foundation’s early childhood strategy. The Project Associate contributes to project planning and coordination, collaborates with cross-functional groups, and assists in the documentation and monitoring of project outcomes. The Project Associate provides comprehensive administrative and operational assistance to ensure seamless project delivery for multiple, concurrent projects while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. Their attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and collaborative mindset contribute to the impact and success of projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management Support

• Assists in planning and executing projects under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to help design project plans, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion of tasks
• Maintains standardized processes and resources to facilitate streamlined project lifecycles, including utilizing project management software  
• Helps identify and address potential risks or dependencies, proposing solutions and contingency plans
• Contributes to the collection and synthesis of project data to assess impact and effectiveness, supporting continuous improvement efforts
• Maintains accountability for all project-related documentation
• Proactively communicates and follows up on project commitments
• Monitors project inboxes and communicates as needed with internal and external stakeholders
• Delegates tasks to project team members when necessary
• Prepares and distributes project materials
• Contributes to internal workgroups or committees to foster collaboration and cohesiveness across initiatives

Event Coordination

• Participates in the planning and execution of internal and external events, including organizing and coordinating logistics and providing day-of support
• Assists in the preparation and distribution of event materials such as agendas, presentations, signage, name badges, and other appropriate supplies
• Builds and maintains a comprehensive database of industry contracts, vendors and venues
• Ensures seamless execution of engaging and impactful events

Administrative Support

• Provides and coordinates administrative meeting support (e.g. scheduling, ordering supplies, set up, etc.)
• Takes meeting notes including synthesizing key takeaways, next steps, and decision points
• Supports the management of project budgets, including tracking expenses and ensuring adherence to spending goals
• Maintains organized records of project-related information and resources to enhance accessibility and knowledge sharing
• Other duties as assigned

FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: The functional requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Equivalent combinations of work experience and training that provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will also be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least 2 years of experience in a relevant project management role
• Demonstrated project management skills, including an ability to meet deadlines by identifying resources and appropriate prioritization
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Experience gathering and centering user feedback in designing projects
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration across initiatives and with external partners
• Ability to convey necessary information accurately, listen effectively, and ask questions when clarification is needed
• Self-driven and adaptable, with a strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrate openness to feedback and commitment to continuous improvement
• Strong quantitative and qualitative skills and ability to effectively tell a story with data and other findings
• Familiarity with project management software (Asana preferred)
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Requirements:

• CAPM or Agile certification in project management
• Knowledge of PMBOK, standard project management methodologies, processes, procedures and practices

• Experience working with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and/or Objectives and Key Results (OKRAs)
• Remote work experience
• Passion for early childhood education and equity-centered approaches
• Experience in the social and human services sector preferred 

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the position and does not include every task or responsibility that may be required. Adaptations and additional duties may be assigned as needed. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described below are representative of the requirements by an employee for the successful performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may occur to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly be required to talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to sit and use their hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position will be performed in a hybrid workplace with a mix of in-office and remote work. The in-office work environment is typical of an office setting. The noise level is usually quiet. Remote work requires logging onto your computer at home during work hours, responding to emails, and participating in video calls and meetings throughout the day; therefore, access to high-speed, reliable internet is crucial. The Foundation provides all required equipment and supplies to undertake the tasks of the job at home, including laptop, monitors, and other accessories, which are shipped to the employee’s home.