Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08852

Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division: Early Learning Division

Job classification: WMS BAND 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Management, Human Services, Organizational Development, Research, Program Management

Summary

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community.

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community.”

Job Title: Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Administrator (WMS02) - Project

Location: Olympia, WA - This position is flexible/hybrid and can be done remotely; however, you will need to be in Olympia to attend in-person quarterly meetings.

Closes: Thursday, November 5th, 2026

Duration: This project position is now funded through 09/29/2027, but it is likely to be extended through 09/29/2028.

Salary: $95,568 - $119,460 Annually

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on how children and families are served in Washington State? Consider becoming a leader within the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Early Learning Division. We are looking for a Preschool Development Grant Administrator (WMS2) to implement DCYF's federal Birth through Five Preschool Development Grant (PDG). We offer a flexible work environment, with the freedom to work from an office and the comfort of your home.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

In this role, you will manage all major aspects of the PDG grant, ensuring the project is implemented on time, within budget, and in accordance with the project scope. You will communicate with key partners, legislators, external advocates, and organizations on topics related to PDG implementation, and federal and state resources supporting grant activities.

The work of this position and the entire PDG team centers efforts to identify and interrupt patterns and practices that have reproduced inequities in our system. DCYF is committed to building authentic relationships with communities most often marginalized by our system. We seek to lift up the voices and direction of lived experts and Community Based Organizations within government systems. If you are innovative and committed to grant management while also partnering with lived experts and community-based organizations, this role is for you.

Some of what you will do:

• Manage and maintain the overall PDG work plan to ensure all activities are completed in compliance with grant requirements and timelines.
• Manage the PDG budget and all aspects of financial reporting required under the federal award including completing continuation applications, carryover requests, and closeout reports.
• Oversee development and implementation PDG contracts with a variety of partners and coordinate with other DCYF divisions to ensure execution of all PDG-related deliverables.
• Manage the development and implementation of the PDG Statewide Needs Assessment and Early Learning Coordination Plan (ELCP).
• Lead the PDG Coordination Team and key grant activity teams that support the ELCP Network, develop agendas, schedule regular meetings and provide facilitation and oversight of the team’s work.
• Supervise the PDG Specialist Senior (CS5) and PDG Integration Specialist (MA4) including direction, guidance, support and performance management.
• Oversee development, review, and approval of PDG reports. Coordinate with internal and external partners and contractors to ensure reporting is completed and submitted within grant timelines.
• Compile, analyze, and communicate PDG progress with DCYF Executive Leadership, key partners, and others as designated.
• Provide consultation regarding PDG to DCYF executive management, government officials, other agencies and stakeholders.
• Participate as a key member of the Early Learning Division leadership team, ensuring continued integration with PDG core activities throughout the grant period.

Required qualifications:

• Seven (7) years of professional and leadership experience with extensive project management and facilitation skills.

OR

• A bachelor's degree or higher in public administration, education, early childhood or related field AND Five (5) or more years professional and leadership experience with extensive project management and facilitation skills.

AND

• This position requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities to:
• Implement an approach to large-scale project management designed to fulfill grant requirements within designated timelines.
• Provide strengths-based supervision and performance management with employees.
• Understand and facilitate strategic planning processes across a broad array of topics and stakeholders.
• Understand Washington state contracting and procurement guidelines and effectively oversee management of a wide range of contracts.
• Understand and manage federal grant budgets and reporting requirements.
• Work collaboratively with individuals, teams and divisions of DCYF to build an integrated system of services for children and families.
• Work collaboratively in a political environment with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and partners, including local and state elected officials, other state agencies, tribal communities, families, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Understand the government-to-government relationship between the state and federally recognized Tribes of Washington State, as affirmed by the Centennial Accord.
• Engage an array of internal and external audiences through skilled public speaking.
• Participate in DCYF's efforts to advance a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in all practices.
• The ability to take action to learn, grow and meet the needs of others.

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will bring the following preferred knowledge, competencies, and experience:

• Principles of effective collaboration and partnership.
• Principles of change management.
• Early learning, child welfare and juvenile rehabilitation programs and services in the State of Washington.
• Racial Equity and Social Justice.
• Issues affecting families in poverty and culturally diverse families.

How do I apply?

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter
• Resume (current/updated)

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility, visit: Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact DCYF Recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22, or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, the individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans’ Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DSHS BHHA Strategic and Organizational Performance Manager description imageDCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

2026-08852