Director of Provider Engagement

The Director of Provider Engagement will lead strategic efforts to support, mobilize, and elevate early childhood education (ECE) providers across the region. This role is responsible for developing and executing programs that build provider capacity, strengthen community networks, and advance policy advocacy initiatives. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with deep experience in provider engagement, community partnership, and early childhood systems work.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Oversight

  • Develop and oversee all provider-facing support programming, including but not limited to:

    • Mentorship Program

    • Provider Nonprofit/Business Training

    • Kids Win Missouri Fellowship

    • Childcare Works

  • Lead development of a regional ECE quality standard in collaboration with providers and partners.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

  • Collaborate with the Communications and Advocacy Manager to:

    • Educate providers on key local, state, and national childcare policy priorities.

    • Support the creation of a local Provider Advocacy Organization.

  • Represent the organization in media appearances and speaking engagements focused on ECE and provider issues.

Fellowship & Community Engagement

  • Recruit and support six fellows (2 parents and 4 providers) from the region as part of the Kids Win Missouri Fellowship.

  • Engage fellows in community ECE initiatives, advocacy efforts, and fellowship activities, including:

    • Hosting at least 2 community engagement events with parents, providers, advocates, and policymakers.

    • Ensuring at least one event has a state legislative focus.

    • Maintaining ongoing communication and connection to local/regional advocacy.

    • Participating in Child Advocacy Day (March 25, 2026) and Veto Session (September 9–10, 2025) with fellows.

  • Secure at least 3 media pieces annually (e.g., op-eds, interviews, features) to highlight childcare advocacy.

Reporting & Collaboration

  • Participate in:

    • Mandatory orientation

    • Monthly check-ins

    • Ongoing technical assistance with statewide partners

  • Submit quarterly progress reports and a final program reflection.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Education, Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, or related field.

  • Demonstrated success in relationship-building and engaging with childcare providers.

  • Experience working with diverse communities, particularly in high-need areas.

  • Proven leadership and collaboration skills with internal teams and external partners.

  • Strong organizational agility; thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments.

  • Deep understanding of early childhood systems and a commitment to quality improvement.

  • Excellent communication and public engagement skills.

  • Track record of effective networking and stakeholder engagement.

  • Experience with media outreach, advocacy strategy, or public campaigns a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $70,000-$80,000

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Gateway Early Childhood Alliance is fiscally sponsored by The St. Louis Community Foundation, providing additional stability and resources to our team.

Why Join Gateway Early Childhood Alliance? 

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and impactful organization dedicated to improving early childhood education in the St. Louis region. As the Director of Provider Engagement, you will have the chance to shape the future of our work, build lasting relationships with key stakeholders, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Executive Director Tamyka Perine at tperine@gatewayecalliance.org. Applications will be accepted until August 11, 2025.

Director of Communications and Advocacy

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Policy Leadership:

  • Develop and execute advocacy strategies to influence federal, state, and local early childhood education policies.

  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, providing timely analysis and recommendations.

  • Lead efforts to mobilize stakeholders, including parents, educators, and community organizations, to advocate for ECE investments and reforms.

  • Collaborate with partner organizations to build coalitions and advance shared advocacy goals.

  • Represent the organization in meetings with policymakers, government agencies, and other advocacy groups.

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Mobilization:

  • Develop and implement engagement strategies to elevate community voices in the policymaking process.

  • Organize and lead grassroots advocacy campaigns, including trainings, town halls, and public awareness initiatives.

  • Cultivate relationships with diverse communities, ensuring advocacy efforts are inclusive and representative.

  • Facilitate strategic partnerships with businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community groups to amplify support for ECE.

Communications & Public Relations:

  • Develop messaging and advocacy materials, including policy briefs, op-eds, and social media content.

  • Serve as a spokesperson on early childhood policy issues, representing the organization in media interviews and public forums.

  • Oversee digital advocacy campaigns to engage stakeholders and expand outreach efforts.

  • Work collaboratively with the communications team to align messaging and increase public awareness of ECE priorities.

Program Management & Organizational Leadership:

  • Supervise advocacy and engagement staff, providing strategic guidance and professional development.

  • Manage program budgets and funding opportunities to support advocacy initiatives.

  • Track and evaluate advocacy outcomes, using data to inform and improve strategies.

  • Contribute to overall organizational strategy and serve as a thought leader on early childhood policy and advocacy.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, education, social work, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in policy advocacy, community engagement, or related fields, with a focus on early childhood education or education policy preferred.

  • Strong understanding of legislative processes and early childhood education policy at the federal, state, and local levels.

  • Experience leading advocacy campaigns and mobilizing diverse stakeholders.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate policy issues for a broad audience.

  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships across sectors.

  • Experience managing teams and developing staff.

  • Commitment to equity and social justice, with a passion for improving early childhood education opportunities.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience using digital advocacy tools and social media for policy engagement.

  • Knowledge of funding streams and budgeting for advocacy initiatives.

  • Bilingual proficiency in English and another language commonly spoken in the community is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $70,000-$80,000

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Gateway Early Childhood Alliance is fiscally sponsored by The St. Louis Community Foundation, providing additional stability and resources to our team.

Why Join Gateway Early Childhood Alliance? 

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and impactful organization dedicated to improving early childhood education in the St. Louis region. As the Director of Communications and Advocacy, you will have the chance to shape the future of our work, build lasting relationships with key stakeholders, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Executive Director Tamyka Perine at tperine@gatewayecalliance.org. Applications will be accepted until August 25, 2025.