Director Mississippi Jumpstart

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Definition of Class

This position provides strategic leadership and direction for the MS Jumpstart for Young Children program. The incumbent leads, develops, and implements activities related to the program; provides leadership and direction for program site managers and corps members; develops and implements professional learning opportunities; and oversees program reporting requirements.

Examples of Work Performed

• Leads the Mississippi Jumpstart for Young Children program across the state.

• Fosters and maintains communication and working relationships with key stakeholders in the project, such as partner Institutions of Higher Learning, preschool programs, etc.

• Nurtures and supports funding opportunities to sustain the project, as well as assists with budgeting processes and procedures.

• Facilitates communication between and among a variety of stakeholders to support Mississippi Jumpstart with a focus on ensuring that more children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed.

• Informs and advises stakeholder groups regarding Mississippi Jumpstart progress to include data collection and analysis.

• Recruits new partner sites/communities for Mississippi Jumpstart.

• Participates in the development of program processes and procedures.

• Shapes the overall work of the national Jumpstart organization by providing critical feedback and insights on the program.

• Represents Mississippi Jumpstart and serves as a liaison to the national Jumpstart organization.

• Utilizes communication strategies and documents developed by the national organization, as well as technical expertise provided by the organization.

• Collects, analyzes, and maintains data required by the national organization, as well as other entities.

• Oversees and manages statewide curriculum materials.

• Participates in Mississippi Jumpstart site manager search processes.

• Supports Mississippi Jumpstart site managers across partner locations on a regular basis with consistent communication.

• Develops and/or implements professional learning opportunities for Mississippi Jumpstart site managers and corps members.

• Provides technical assistance to site managers, as well as other program partners, to ensure the Jumpstart program maintains implementation with strong fidelity.

• Conducts site visits at partner community locations and provides feedback and technical assistance based on observations.

• Prepares program documents, including reporting requirements across departmental, university, state, and national program levels.

• Prepares and publishes reports, news stories, presentations, and literature related to the project.

• Writes grants and/or supports grant writing efforts for project sustainability, as well as other fundraising opportunities.

• Participates in webinars, conference calls, in-person meetings, conferences, etc., as required by the department, university, partner sites/communities, and other stakeholder groups.

• This position requires extensive travel to partner sites.

• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Provides strategic leadership in the development and implementation of the program.
2. Establishes and implements program goals and objectives.
3. Develops and implements professional learning opportunities.
4. Provides leadership and direction for internal and external partners.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in Education or a related field from an accredited college or university.

AND

Experience:
Five (5) years of experience related to the above described duties.

Substitution Statement: Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Salary/Wage Information

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.