Observation Manager

Position Overview
The Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) within the Institute of Child Development is seeking an Observation Manager with extensive experience working in childcare programming, data collection, and child and program assessment tools. This individual will serve as the CEED Observation Manager for an observation project in early childcare settings across Minnesota. This person will work closely with the CEED Associate Director and others designing, implementing, and analyzing the observation work on this project. This position requires travel using your own transportation.

The individual in this position works under an annual renewable contract contingent upon performance and available funding.

The University of Minnesota is a national leader in research, education, and outreach. This position would add to that mission by being a part of the research-to-practice arm of the number one developmental psychology program in the nation. The individual in this role will join a vibrant team working in a number of exciting research-to-practice opportunities. This role is classified under Professional and Administrative at the UMN, which provides excellent benefits and opportunities to partner with internal and external early childhood faculty, researchers, and organizations.

This position is based on campus. Travel is required. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.

Job Responsibilities

Reliability management (65%)

• Serve as the CEED Observation Manager for a statewide observation project in early childcare programs across Minnesota
• Lead the CEED Observation team in completing all observations in a timely manner and with high quality
• Lead the day-to-day operations and collaborate with the CEED associate director to implement observation project deliverables including dual coding, calibration, observer drift, observer reliability, and quarterly scoring events following all observation and reliability protocols
• Monitor observer team and individual observer reliability and implement professional development opportunities when needed
• Collaborate with CEED associate director to collect, analyze, and report program data including observer reliability
• Review and revise all feedback reports for data entry accuracy, overall consistency, and grammar
• Monitor Develop, or other data systems where observation data is entered, to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and thoroughness
• Develop and implement project-specific protocols for observations and update and revise these protocols on a biannual basis
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure or improve reliability such as additional field work or manual review

Observation (20%)

• Conduct on-site observations in various early care and education programs based on the observational visit protocol, as needed
• Maintain reliability in early childhood observation and assessment tools, as needed
• Write feedback reports and complete data entry following the project protocols
• Complete observations, feedback, and data entry in a timely manner and following project protocols

Teaming and Collaboration (10%)

• Contribute to the mission of professional advocacy, implementing best practices, and outreach activities that support CEED's mission
• Participate in meetings to generate new ideas to develop and meet future project goals
• Provide ideas and support to the Online Learning Community facilitators
• Attend professional conferences, colloquia, and symposia
• Attend meetings as requested and lead meetings for the observation team
• Actively participate in CEED's strategic planning and vision
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to solicit and execute external sales projects
• Complete other tasks as assigned

Training and Mentoring (5%)

• Provide training for CEED staff
• Provide mentoring to the observation team
• Conduct training for early care and education community

Required Qualifications

• A master's degree in early childhood development, child psychology, early childhood education, early childhood special education, social work, human development, psychology or closely related field, and a minimum of four years leading data collection projects or observing early childhood settings using early childhood assessment tools, or a BA/BS with at least six years of relevant post degree experience.
• Experience collecting data with early childhood assessment tools and observing in early childhood education settings.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain reliability on at least one assessment tool through recertification.
• Be a member of DEVELOP and a DEVELOP-approved trainer
• Experience developing and disseminating online and in-person coursework and with leading online learning communities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
• Evidence of success in leading a team of people to meet project objectives and deliverables and a strong administrative background.
• Ability to travel across Minnesota frequently and attend conferences across United States of America.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

CEED Overview

The Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) is a center administratively housed within the Institute of Child Development. CEED, which has been serving the early childhood community for over 40 years, follows the vision that all young children deserve the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential in safe and nurturing environments with opportunities for learning. The mission of CEED holds the belief that the science of early development forms a sound basis for improving practice and policy for all young children and families, and for those who experience adversity in the first years of life. Since 1975, CEED has fulfilled this mission in partnership with our constituencies through collaborative research and scholarship; program evaluation and monitoring; professional development education and training; and networking and strategic planning.

Department Overview

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://cehd.umn.edu

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $59,987 - $69,992. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Applicants should attach a cover letter, resume, and contact information for up to 3 references.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).