Job Responsibilities

• Leads the design, implementation, and continuous quality improvement of operational systems that expands access to high-quality 4K, Including First Seps 4K team organization, business development, and use of 4K data systems. ensuring all initiatives are measurable and aligned with the strategic goals of SCFS and SCDE. Develop and implement data-informed strategies, including intervention pilots and targeted supports, to improve provider performance and maximize child outcomes. Oversees strategic site selection and 4K provider renewals using performance data to inform contract decisions and ensure adherence to safety, educational. and reporting requirements. leads the development and oversight of the annual First Steps 4K budget. including cost forecasting and strategic investment in evidence-based interventions with the highest return on school readiness outcomes.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive workforce strategy to strengthen educator effectiveness and sustainability across South Carolina's mixed delivery 4K system. Manages per-pupil reimbursement models for public and private providers to maximize state fund drawdown while ensuring fiscal accountability and audit compliance. Supports the Director of 4K Professional Development in implementing a statewide evidence-based training network for teachers and 4K professionals Uses workforce data to identify turnover trends and gaps, deploying targeted pilots and retention strategies to stabilize the teacher pipeline. Oversees specialized training for teachers and school leaders focused on instructional leadership and operational excellence. Collaborates with partners to align workforce investments and professional learning.
• Leads the design and execution or a statewide continuous quality improvement (COI) framework for 4K programs and manages instructional coaching implementation, ensuring alignment with SCFS and SCDE school readiness goals. Implements the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) to measure teacher-child interactions and drive all classrooms toward "Exemplary" ratings. Established a unified coaching model for public and private providers, leveraging shared data to inform professional development and strengthen instructional practices. Uses longitudinal data and program audits to evaluate and refine curriculum and evidence-based interventions to improve child outcomes. Translates CQI findings into actionable recommendations for policy and resource allocation.
• Other duties: Facilitates regular briefings and strategic planning sessions with leadership from SC First Steps, the South Carolina Department of Education, the Education Oversight Committee, and the members of the General Assembly to align policy and funding. Serves as a key liaison to external stakeholders and state legislators to advocate for early learning priorities. Collaborates closely with internal cross-functional teams to break down silos, leverage shared data, and integrate statewide initiatives to maximize the collective impact on school readiness.
• Supervises staff to include preparing performance planning and evaluation documents and related personnel paperwork. Coaches, counsels and trains employees. Establishes and monitors work processes. Implement management policies and initiatives and promote teamwork.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Master’s degree in early childhood education, public health, public administration, business education, or a related field.

• Position may require overnight travel
• Position requires essential declaration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred: Graduate or Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in research or analytics. Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within education; and has achieved measurable system level change as a result of data driven decision making within an education related organization. Experience successfully managing and braiding public and private funding. Proficiency in analytic and data management software. Experience in conducting randomized control trials and other quasi-experimental evaluation studies. Familiarity with early childhood funding streams, best practices in policy and approach and CLASS.

Additional Comments

SC First Steps is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

SC First Steps offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

• Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.