Early Learning Initiatives Manager

About the Role

You will help bring early learning ideas to life through innovative communities of practice and hands-on pilot initiatives, working alongside early childhood providers, local leaders, and system partners to test new approaches and strengthen and scale what works. You will support implementation work aimed at improving operational excellence and systems innovation, always with an eye toward real-world usability and continuous improvement. This is not a desk-only role—you’ll be close to the work, the people, and the learning. You will report to the Executive Director of the Center for Early Learning Solutions collaborating closely on strategy, learning, and execution.

What You’ll Get

• A front-row seat to systems-level early learning work

• The chance to help design and run communities of practice where practitioners learn from each other and solve real problems together

• Hands-on experience supporting pilot initiatives, such as tech-enabled solutions and high-quality instructional materials, from planning through implementation

• Meaningful collaboration with Local Leads and partners who know their communities and care deeply about impact

• Space to bring creativity, curiosity, and judgment to your work—this role values learning and iteration, not perfection

• Exposure to strategy and execution, with opportunities to grow your leadership and influence over time

If you like work that’s dynamic, relational, and purpose-driven, you’ll feel at home here.

What You’ll Do

• Support the design and facilitation of communities of practice that encourage peer learning and practical problem-solving

• Help implement and manage pilot initiatives with high fidelity and an eye toward scale

• Work closely with the Local Lead network to support coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement

• Manage timelines, logistics, and partner coordination to keep initiatives moving forward

• Collaborate with consultants and external partners to support effective implementation

• Capture insights, lessons learned, and promising practices to inform strategy and storytelling

What We Offer

• A collaborative, mission-driven team that genuinely likes working together

• Work that is meaningful, challenging, and never boring—no two weeks look the same

• A culture that values trust, clear communication, and shared ownership

• Room to learn, grow, and stretch into new responsibilities as the work evolves

• Competitive compensation and benefits

• Flexibility and respect for the fact that strong work and full lives go together

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree

• At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit, education sector, or client-facing work

• Experience in early childhood or PK–12 education preferred

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent organizational and project management abilities

• Comfort juggling multiple projects with different timelines

• A mindset of action, learning, and continuous improvement

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following to Jamie Rayford at jrayford@forwardarkansas.org:

• A résumé

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined above

• Three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.