Fast Facts

Acelero, Inc. is seeking an Early Childhood Education Project Director to lead the implementation of Connecticut’s Local Governance Partner system under the Early Start CT initiative, focusing on bridging gaps in early childhood education.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include overseeing contract management with approximately 50 Local Governance Partners, ensuring accountability and compliance, leading strategic initiatives, and managing a multi-million-dollar budget.

Skills: Candidates should possess strong leadership and fiscal management skills, experience in early childhood education systems, and excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development or a related field is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. 5-10 years of relevant experience is also necessary, particularly in Connecticut.

Location: The job is remote in Connecticut with occasional travel required (up to 30%).

Compensation: $110000 / Annually

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for growth, innovation, and transforming the landscape of early childhood education? Acelero, Inc. is looking for a dynamicProject Director to drive our mission to eliminate the gaps between young children’s potential and their success in school and life.

Why Acelero?

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young childrenʼs inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve. 

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

Your Role:

As the Project Director, you will lead the implementation and oversight of Connecticut’s Local Governance Partner (LGP) system as the Intermediary under the Early Start CT initiative. This role ensures that Shine fulfills all contractual deliverables with the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) while building a strong statewide system that connects families, providers, communities, and the state.

In this critical role, you will be responsible for executing subcontracts with approximately 50 LGPs, providing oversight and technical assistance, managing data and reporting requirements, and ensuring accountability across the system. This role requires a strategic leader with facilitative leadership skills, deep knowledge of early childhood systems, strong fiscal management skills, and proven success managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Serve as the primary liaison between Shine, OEC, LGPs, subcontractors, and statewide early childhood stakeholders.
• Set the vision for statewide implementation of the LGP system in alignment with OEC’s Early Start CT goals.
• Provide strategic oversight of all contracted services, including professional development, onboarding, technical assistance, communications, and evaluation.
• Lead development of statewide strategies that amplify parent voice, strengthen community collaboration, and improve equitable access to high-quality early care.
• Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of all LGP initiatives, ensuring alignment with deliverables, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with statewide, regional, and local stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings, track progress, and provide regular updates to funders and internal leadership.

Contract & Program Management

• Execute and oversee all subcontracts with LGP Fiduciaries; disburse funds, monitor compliance, and conduct quarterly fiscal and programmatic reviews.
• Ensure all services and deliverables meet timelines, budgets, and performance measures as outlined in the OEC contract.
• Develop and implement statewide onboarding and training for LGP Liaisons, Parent Ambassadors, and Community Tables.
• Coordinate communities of practice, technical assistance sessions, and structured feedback loops with providers, families, and partners.
• Lead the development of statewide communication plans, marketing materials, and messaging to strengthen visibility and alignment of the LGP system

Fiscal Oversight 

• Manage a multi-million-dollar budget that includes both intermediary administration and flow-through funds to local LGPs.
• Ensure fiscal accountability, timely disbursements, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Provide quarterly financial and programmatic reporting to OEC.

Data, Reporting & Evaluation

• Lead performance monitoring and quality assurance through Active Contract Management (ACM) with OEC.
• Oversee development of surveys, needs assessments, and evaluation processes to inform continuous improvement.
• Produce required quarterly and annual reports, highlighting progress, successes, challenges, and system-level recommendations.
• Conduct a Landscape Analysis of the LGP system and provide recommendations for long-term improvements.

Supervision

• Supervises assigned department personnel. Includes the following responsibilities, but are not limited to: hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, and ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and the completion of all work performed by direct reports.  
• Educates direct reports on all project and company policies and procedures.
• Meets with assigned staff regularly to identify and resolve problems, manage projects, track goals, and review work processes and procedures.  
• Represents team and/or department at meetings, events, and training as required. messaging to strengthen visibility and alignment of the LGP system.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Education, Public Administration or related field required, Masters preferred.  
• 5-10 years’ experience in early childhood, family and community engagement, technical assistance, including experience in coaching, supervision, program management and providing technical assistance. Experience in Connecticut is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects and subcontracted partners.
• Strong fiscal management skills; experience with large and complex budgets.
• Deep knowledge of early care and education policy, governance, and quality frameworks.
• Experience working with diverse communities, including family and provider engagement strategies.
• Strong data analysis, reporting, and evaluation skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel within Connecticut and occasionally out of state (up to 30%).  
• Connecticut Residency required.

When/Where/How Much:

When: Fall 2025

Where: Remote in Connecticut with 30% travel

How Much: This position pays up to $110,000 annually.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
• A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
• Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
• Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks

If you’re ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join us as our next Project Director. Together, we’ll help every child reach their fullest potential!

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.