Northwest Regional Education Service District is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive community and an environment free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. We are proud to be an antiracist organization. We work to understand how racial ideology is manufactured and how it impacts the lives of our staff and those we serve.
In line with our commitment to disrupting systemic racism, we acknowledge that research shows that Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and women are significantly less likely to apply for some positions, believing they must meet every qualification as described in the job description. At NWRESD, we value representation, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We know that sometimes that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described in the vacancy announcement below.
We are seeking a passionate and energetic early education leader with sharp business acumen and an unwavering enthusiasm for improving and enriching the lives of children, families, and staff by leading a collaborative, equity-focused early education program. The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm, an ability to lead and motivate others, and will think beyond regulations to provide excellence in service and programs while balancing a culture of professionalism and fun.
The Position - What you’ll do
The Executive Director of Early Learning at NWRESD is the chief administrator for all birth through age five educational and family partnership programming. Current programs include Early Intervention (EI), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), NW Early Learning Hub, NW Childcare Resource & Referral System, and the NW Parenting Hub.
The Executive Director is an anti-racist agency-wide leader responsible for program vision, administration, standards, monitoring, accountability, and reporting within the mission and vision of the NWRESD. As a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, the Executive Director will ensure high levels of collaboration amongst and between departments, effectively communicate with staff, family, community and school district stakeholders, and ensure program resources and improvement efforts are aligned to meet the commitments established in the Board-adopted Strategic Plan.
Specifically, you’ll lead and oversee NWRESD’s Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program, Early Learning Hub, Child Care Resource and Referral, and other community/K12 early learning partnership programs by:
Ensuring excellent instruction and service for children and families experiencing disabilities
Leading process improvement for the referral to evaluation pipeline in order to streamline process for families so children are best served throughout transition
Managing the EI/ECSE evaluation program and budget so the program operates in a fiscally sound manner
Coordinating all federal and state early childhood grants and is the primary liaison with ODE and the ELD
Implementing program redesign so children are primarily served in inclusive settings with an emphasis on family coaching
Initiating and organizing professional development related to program goals incorporating feedback from program staff, families, and partners
Coordinating efforts across EI/ECSE, Northwest Early Learning HUB, Northwest Parenting Hub, and the Northwest Childcare Resource & Referral programs
Skills and Talents - What you’ll bring to the role
We are looking for a Leader who is...
An anti-racist leader for equitable access and outcomes
Strong manager of people and budgets
Dedicated to inclusionary education services
A system change designer and implementer
Fluent user of technology hardware, applications, and software to perform assigned duties/responsibilities and for use in comprehensive distance learning (Seesaw, Zoom, Google Suite, etc.)
We are looking for a Leader who has...
Strong facilitation skills with various groups including families, staff, and partners
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Superb analytical skills
We are looking for a Leader who can...
Facilitate and promote collaborative decision making
Plan, organize and prioritize work to meet multiple schedules and deadlines
Work independently and as a member of the executive leadership team
For the full list of other qualifications for this position, please review the Position Description.
Compensation and Benefits - What’s in it for you
From Mt. Rainier to Mt. Hood, living and working in the Pacific Northwest is a dream for many. With it’s vast geographic region, residents enjoy beautiful coastlines, green interiors, rainy weather, amazing summers, and spectacular mountain scapes — there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy.
At NWRESD, we understand that our employees are people — people with lives outside of their careers. Our work culture encourages wellness, supports balance, and empowering actions so that our employees not only live, but thrive.
Northwest Regional ESD provides a generous benefits package which includes:
Medical (Kaiser and Moda options)
Dental (Kaiser, Delta Dental, Willamette Dental options)
Vision (Kaiser, Moda, VSP options)
Basic Life and AD&D
Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Plan (Reliant Behavioral Health)
Professional Development funds
3 Personal Leave days per year
The salary range for this position is $146.528 to $160,217, based on professional experience, which is inclusive of $15,000 Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA). This amount may be directed into a tax sheltered annuity (403 B plan), deferred compensation program (457 Plan) or paid directly to the Executive Director of Early Learning for other personal investment. Twelve-month work year (230 working days), including 10 holidays.
For additional compensation and benefit information please review our current Memorandum of Agreement for Administrative Personnel and our Benefits webpage.
About Us
Northwest Regional ESD is the largest of Oregon’s 19 education service districts. We serve students, educators, child care providers and families living in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties.
Our region includes the large, urban school districts of Washington County and the smaller, rural districts located along the Columbia River, the Coastal Range and the North Oregon coast. Our regional office is located in Hillsboro, about 12 miles west of Portland. We also operate service centers in St. Helens, Astoria and Tillamook. Within our region, there are 20 school districts with nearly 104,000 students.
Our staff members work collaboratively with school districts in the four counties we serve to deliver quality, cost-effective programs and services including special education, technology, professional development and school improvement. We also provide operational support such as business services and human resources.
Our central goal is to cultivate a supportive, positive and welcoming work environment where all staff can successfully thrive. We value and celebrate equity, diversity and inclusion. Our vision of equity includes a continuous commitment to becoming an antiracist, multicultural organization. We lead with racial equity in order to eliminate racial inequalities that impact student achievement and we implement strategies that result in racially equitable outcomes. These values are interwoven into the fabric of our organizational culture at all levels.
Learn more about our organizational culture by visiting:
About Northwest Regional ESD
Our 2020-2025 strategic plan
Our mission, vision and values
Our commitment to antiracism and equity
How to Apply
To complete an application please click on the red "Apply" button located in the top right hand corner. Most applications take 30-60 minutes to complete. Click "show/hide" to review the full job description. Salary, collective bargaining agreement and more position description information is included in the attachment links on the bottom-right side of the position announcement. If you need assistance completing the application, please email us.
Applications will be reviewed continuously beginning on Tuesday, November 1, 2022; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by Sunday, December 18, 2022 for priority consideration.
NWRESD believes that every individual makes a significant contribution to our success. The administration reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary that still reflect the essential functions of the department. It is our expectation that every employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the ESD’s goals.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Northwest Regional Education Service District is an equal opportunity employer; committed to building an inclusive community and an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are proud to be an antiracist organization. We work to understand how racial ideology is manufactured and how it impacts the lives of our staff and those we serve.
Northwest Regional Education Service District is proud to be an antiracist, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment, selection, and employment without regard to race, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, religion, veteran or military status, or any other category protected under the law.
Northwest Regional Education Service District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment procedures for individuals experiencing a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at hrhelp@nwresd.k12.or.us. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.
