Description

This role integrates contract administration, fiscal analysis, program budgeting, and contract and procurement compliance for programs that improve services for young children and their families. The role and requires effective relationship-building with both internal partners and external partners, effective problem-solving skills, and keen political acumen. The position manages internal and external grants, contracts, and assigned program budgets, ensuring effective contract administration and compliance for publicly funded systems work. The role also develops recommendations for management regarding the portfolio. 

Contracts & Compliance 

Lead contract and grant development, ensuring agreements are accurate, compliant, on time, and within budget.  
Support contract budget negotiations, including contract fiscal reporting requirements. 
Review contracts for risk and compliance, recommend approvals, and lead periodic internal contract audits. 
Serve as a subject matter expert on contract and procurement compliance and related requirements for internal and external stakeholders. 
Fiscal Management & Analysis 

Partner with Finance, Program, Data, and Planning teams on funding awards, budget development, tracking, projections, revisions, and year-end reporting. 
Track external funding awards, manage reporting and compliance requirements, and coordinate budget reconciliation with program staff. 
Support fiscal year-end closeout, audits, and compliance activities. 
Prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate complex financial and program information to diverse audiences. 
Supervision & Operations 

Supervise and support staff responsible for contract compliance and budget administration, ensuring high-quality work and timely deliverables. 
Use independent judgment to plan and complete complex work with limited existing guidance. 
Provide training and technical support to staff on grants, contracts, and financial systems and processes. 
Policy & External Relations 

Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation and budget proposals affecting early childhood systems and funding. 
Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, public agencies, and community partners who work to advance equitable early childhood fiscal policy. 
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications 

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Additional experience and/or education can be substituted to meet typical qualifications. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: 

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in contract, administration and development, compliance and budgeting, and completion of a bachelor's degree in public or business administration, accounting, or a closely related field. 

Additional relevant work experience may be substituted to meet the college coursework/bachelor's degree standard. 

Knowledge of: 

Early childhood systems and funding, including childcare, preschool, health, and family support programs. 
Contract development, negotiation, administration, and compliance. 
Budget development, fiscal analysis, and regulatory compliance. 
Principles and practices of staff supervision, leadership, and training. 
Research methods, data analysis, and report preparation. 
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and best practices. 
Cross-cultural competence and equitable engagement. 
Project planning and management principles. 
Standard office technology, software, and communication tools. 
 

Ability to: 

Plan, organize, and oversee the work of assigned staff. 
Provide effective leadership and work direction. 
Develop and implement goals, policies, procedures, and work standards. 
Monitor funding and contract compliance. 
Serve as an effective liaison with external funding agencies and partners. 
Prepare and review financial, compliance, and audit reports. 
Analyze financial and program data and provide guidance to internal teams. 
Plan and facilitate training across departments. 
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and agency policies. 
Prepare clear, accurate, and concise written materials. 
Exercise sound judgment and discretion within established guidelines. 
Manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently. 
Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing. 
Build and maintain effective working relationships. 
Use computer systems and software relevant to the work. 
 

Please note: 

We are currently working a hybrid 2 day per week in-office schedule and employees also come to the office to attend meetings and as requested. 
All First 5 employees must live and work in California. 
The salary range for this position is $94,000 to $136,000 and as an independent government agency, the posted salary is the set salary range for this position. We cannot offer salaries above this posted range.  
We conduct reference and background checks for all potential employees.