Job Title: Vice President, Professional Learning

The Organization: Acelero, Inc.

Who We Are:

Acelero, Inc. is a for-profit, mission-driven company that aims to improve school readiness for low-income children by both directly operating Head Start programs and offering programmatic support to other Head Start grantees.

Established in 2001, Acelero, Inc. is made up of two divisions - Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning. Acelero Learning provides direct Head Start services to more than 5,000 children and families in four states (delegates) - New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Acelero Learning's programs have been identified as a, a for early childhood education, and most significantly, has demonstrated, even during the pandemic.

Shine Early Learning (Shine), established in 2009, was created to scale the dissemination and utilization of Acelero Learning's proven tools and approaches through partnerships to other Head Start programs nationally. In the past three years, Shine has further diversified its offerings through training, technical assistance, and consultation to publicly funded early childhood systems, including the launch of SPARK Learning Labs.

Our nearly 1500-employee workforce includes 727 teachers, 156 Family Advocates, 158 middle managers (Center Directors and Coordinators), 79 senior leaders, and 39 executive leaders. Shine has partnerships in 26 states/territories throughout the country, which ranges from Head Start grantees to statewide systems.

The Current Landscape:

At the forefront of educational innovation, Acelero Inc. is navigating a pivotal phase of strategic transformation, commenced in June 2021, with a clear vision to expand exponentially and dismantle inequities. Guided by the insights and leadership of a diverse and representative national Design Team, the company has meticulously crafted a new vision, mission, and core values underpinned by a robust theory of change. This strategic evolution involves a deliberate restructuring of the organizational framework, positioning Acelero Inc. to achieve its objectives, and to surpass them significantly. Central to the company's ethos is an unwavering commitment to recognize and nurture every child's potential, ensuring no child is left behind due to systemic inequalities. Acelero Inc. is steadfast in its mission to empower families, fostering their ability to advocate effectively for their children and themselves. This period of transformative growth and commitment to equity presents a unique opportunity to contribute to Acelero Inc.'s journey towards shaping a more inclusive and empowering educational landscape.

The Purpose of the Role

The Vice President of Professional Learning provides visionary and equity-centered leadership in the design, implementation, and continuous innovation of a comprehensive values-aligned learning and development model for our internal staff and our external training and technical assistance strategy. This role will serve both our National Head Start unit, providing direct services, and our National Training and Technical Assistance Business Services unit. The Vice President will be dedicated to advancing professional excellence across all roles, from teachers and family advocates to coaches and senior executives, through a lens of equity and inclusivity.

A Year in the Life

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Leadership: Provides visionary leadership in creating and implementing a strategic professional learning framework that prioritizes equity. Collaborates with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align the learning and development strategy with our corporate values and organizational goals.

• Program Design and Implementation: Designs, develops, and delivers high-quality, equity-centered formal and informal learning solutions across different platforms - classroom, virtual, e-learning, workshops, and more. Leads the rollout of learning programs for both the Head Start and Business Services units, ensuring alignment with best practices and the unique needs of each unit.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the organization. Evaluates the effectiveness of current learning programs and continuously seeks ways to innovate and improve.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborates with senior leaders, frontline staff, and external partners to ensure learning programs are relevant, timely, and meet the diverse needs of our staff. Advocates for and drives awareness of the importance of equity-centered professional development within the organization and broader community.

• Team Management: Leads and mentors the Professional Learning team, fostering an environment of collaboration, growth, and efficiency. Manages budgets, resources, and timelines effectively, ensuring the successful delivery of learning initiatives.

• Evaluation and Reporting: Develops metrics and reporting frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of the learning and development programs. Continuously monitors and reports on the progress of the professional learning strategy to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Position Reports To: Chief Learning & Impact Officer

Position Manages:

• Director(s) of Learning Design

• Director(s) of Learning Engagement

• Instructional Designers

Who should apply? (Requirements/competencies)

• Master's Degree in Education, Organizational Development, Business, or related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in learning and development, with at least 5 years in a learning and development leadership role.

• Related coursework or certification in adult learning theory and instructional design.

• Demonstrated commitment to and expertise in equity-centered program development.

• Proven track record of designing and implementing large-scale professional learning programs.

• At least two years' previous experience in a leadership role overseeing a team of learning and development professionals. Experience leading virtual teams preferred.

When/Where/How Much

Start Date: Anticipated Spring 2024

Location/Travel: Remote position with travel required locally or long-distance up to 30% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

Base Salary: The position offers a base salary range of $114,165 - $175,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Please note: The total compensation package includes health insurance, retirement benefits, etc. Specific details regarding the incentive package will be discussed during the hiring process.

INTERESTED AND READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS?

For more insights about our organization and the specific role, we encourage you to delve into our FAQ and listen to our exclusive Hiring Manager Podcast.

To access the FAQ, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser:

Want to learn more?

We held a Fireside Chat with our Chief Learning and Impact Officer, Lydia Carlis, to discuss what it would be like working her, the executive team, and our organization, along with further information about the Vice President, Professional Development role. You can find the recording by copying and pasting the link below into your browser:

Email Talent Acquisition Partner:

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