ehs administrative specialist

WHO WE ARE:

The mission of Maryland Family Network (MFN) is to ensure that very young children have strong families, quality early learning environments, and a champion for their interests. We work in collaboration with public and private funders, community-based organizations, parents, and other individuals and agencies to support those who care for young children as families strive to reach their goals. Through two-generation programs that support parents to become economically self-sufficient, raise healthy, successful children, and find quality child care; through regional services that help child care professionals improve their practice; and through public policy advocacy of programs and policies that benefit families with young children, MFN strives to ensure that all Maryland children are cared for by adults who are skilled to raise them in environments that are conducive to growth and development.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early Head Start (EHS) Administrative Specialist position is responsible for providing direct administrative and clerical support to the EHS Team, including the EHS Director and professional staff, implementing and maintaining MFN/EHS standard operating procedures and supporting special events of the organization, as needed. The EHS Administrative Specialist will provide direct support to the EHS Program Director in the development, writing and submission of grant proposals, contracts, and reports. Performing a variety of tasks related to the completion of operating procedures and special events are essential functions of the position.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direct administrative and clerical support to members of the EHS team with preparation of written and electronic correspondence, reports, program materials, grants, data, etc. 
• Requires periodic travel to EHS centers statewide, as necessary.
• Assists with planning and follow-up required for program meeting and events, including contact with vendors and network staff, developing and duplicating program materials, sending follow-up letters/materials, and set up/cleanup of meeting rooms at MFN. 
• Assists Early Head Start team with arranging, scheduling, and coordinating travel and other logistics for in-house and off-site meetings, teleconferences, and professional conferences. 
• Assists with EHS Policy Council activities, as assigned. 
• Assists with development of materials for grant applications and/or proposals, as directed.
• Provides support to MFN's special events projects. Functions as liaison with organizations, vendors, and companies that conduct business with the organization. 
• Provides administrative support such as word processing, duplicating, interfacing with vendors, collating materials, handling incoming faxes, and preparing correspondence/documents for directors and other staff members, as assigned. 
• In cooperation with other MFN administrative staff, stocks machines and maintains MFN procedural forms, workstation office supplies, kitchen supplies, and paper for copiers and printers, as needed, to support the Early Head Start team and others. Perform other duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES and OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

• Deep experience in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, or a related field.
• Knowledge and passion for early childhood education, family support, and community development.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to MFN's mission and values.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree preferred.
•  A minimum of two years of relevant administrative or program support experience. 
• Understand computer systems and databases and be proficient in Microsoft Office. 
• Must have a valid driver's license with access to dependable transportation. 
• Effectively multi-task, set priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment -- be highly efficient in time management and meet deadlines under pressure. 
• Complete work that is accurate, thorough, timely, well-organized, and free of errors. 
• Collaborate and cooperate as a team player who works exceptionally well with colleagues, vendors, and others. 
• Work independently and take initiative -- be a self-starter who is resourceful and self-disciplined.
• Listen actively, observe closely, and respond appropriately. 
• Recognize and solve problems effectively and efficiently. 
• Exercise sound judgment guided by general instructions. 
• Ability to write and speak clearly.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must possess the ability to remain in a stationary position, such as standing or sitting, 50% of the time.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
• May occasionally have to position self or move to stoop, crouch, reach, push, pull or kneel.
• Must be able to communicate, express oneself and exchange information with others.
• May occasionally have to pick up an item that weighs 10 lbs. or less.
    

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The person is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Maryland Family Network staff enjoy a hybrid work schedule and great benefits to include:

• 15 Holidays Per Year Plus 4 Floating Holidays
• Vacation Leave is accrued starting at 12 days per year
• Sick leave is granted at a rate of 12 days per year and is prorated based on hire date
• 403(b) Retirement Plan including discretionary employer contributions at 5% after 6 months of service with 3 years vesting schedule
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)
• Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Employee Assistance Program & More