Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Program Analyst will provide analytical support to the Professional Learning Network, Illinois' programmatic work, ensuring that quantitative and qualitative findings from the team are effectively and accurately collected, analyzed, organized, and synthesized to advise decision-making, drive quality improvement efforts, and communicate about PLN’s work internally and externally.

Reporting to the Quality & Systems Manager, you will:

• Collaborate with Start Early Professional Learning Network leadership and internal and external partners to analyze activity, evaluate needs, build strategies, and implement improved processes.
• Establish, manage, and report on metrics for Start Early and PLN priorities. Develop tools and reporting procedures in collaboration with the Q&S/Operations team. Serve as the technical lead for the team’s qualitative and quantitative data collection processes, ensuring that these provide high-quality data support for the goals of PLN and Start Early.
• Provide project management and change management support for special projects and initiatives, managing workflow to ensure timeliness and quality of work.
• Support the Quality & Systems Manager and internal and external partners with managing continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes and technical assistance by managing CQI project processes, collecting and sorting learnings from CQI projects, and supporting dissemination of practice implications back out to programs.
• Lead collaboration with internal Start Early teams to build, maintain, and improve systems and tools. Oversee the development of existing and new data models, systems, and tools to support activity, including creation and improvement of data structures, configuration and modification of software, and the design of reporting and other data outputs.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree preferred in social sciences, behavioral sciences, education, research/evaluation methods, or related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• 3 years of experience in research, evaluation, and use of measures of implementation and effectiveness of organizational leadership, health and early childhood programs, policy development and implementation, and outcomes for children, families, and systems
• Strong expertise in Microsoft Excel and Smartsheet as well as other data management systems/software (e.g. Tableau)
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus
• Recommended knowledge of Data Visualization Software experience, such as Power Bi, Qualtrics, and LMS
• Ability to monitor, analyze, consult, and report on program performance, Ability to work as a team member and a leader, integrating feedback from a variety of sources into project outcomes.
• Strong communication (both verbal and written), organizational, time management, analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work as a team member and a leader, integrating feedback from various sources into project outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment to coordinate planning, information, and collaborative networks.
• Ability to travel independently as necessary with some overnight stays required.
• Deep commitment to advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.
• Effectively establish and maintain effective customer relationships and gain their trust and respect.
• Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

This position can be Chicago or Springfield based

Base Annual Salary: $59K - $65K

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months of paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.