Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Administrator (WMS02) - Olympia

Preschool Development Grant (PDG) Administrator (WMS02) - Olympia

Salary

$95,568.00 - $119,460.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Non-Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-08852

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Early Learning Division

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 DCYFs 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 bachelors 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 DCYFs 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 youre 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 Veterans 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.

DCYF 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

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position? Your response should be reflective of the information in your application.

• I have Seven (7) years of professional and leadership experience with extensive project management and facilitation skills.
• I have a bachelors 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.
• I have none of the above.

02

Please describe your experience in the areas you selected above, including your primary duties, the populations you served, and the number of years you performed this work. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A". Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."

03

This position requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. Please select all areas in which you have experience. (Select all that apply.)

• 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 manage a wide range of contracts.
• Understand and manage federal 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.
• A strong commitment to participating in DCYFs efforts to advance a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in all practices.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• I do not have any of these.

04

Which of the following best describes your experience or transferable skills in implementing large-scale project management approaches designed to meet grant or program requirements within designated timelines?

• No Experience - (I have not implemented large scale project management approaches or worked with grant-related timelines.)
• Limited Experience - (I have assisted with project tasks or supported grant-related work, but not independently.)
• Working Experience - (I have independently completed project tasks and met established timelines for grant or program requirements.)
• Advanced Experience - (I have managed multiple project components, prioritized work, and consistently met grant-related deadlines with minimal supervision.)
• Expert Experience - (I have led large scale project management efforts, coordinated complex grant requirements, and guided others in meeting timelines and deliverables.)

05

Please provide one or two examples that demonstrate how you have implemented large-scale project management approaches designed to meet grant or program requirements within designated timelines. Your response should describe your role, the work performed, and the outcome. Your answer must be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see resume" or similar.

06

Internal Collaboration: Which of the following best describes your experience working collaboratively with individuals, teams and divisions to build an integrated system of services for children and families?

• No Experience - (I have not worked collaboratively with individuals, teams, or divisions in this way.)
• Limited Experience - (I have participated in collaborative efforts but in a limited or supporting role.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly collaborate with individuals and teams to support coordinated services.)
• Advanced Experience - (I have worked collaboratively across multiple teams or divisions to align and integrate services.)
• Expert Experience - (I lead or facilitate collaboration across diverse teams or divisions to build integrated systems of services.)

07

Internal Collaboration Example(s): Please provide one or two examples of how and where you gained the experience you selected in the previous question regarding working collaboratively with individuals, teams, and divisions to build an integrated system of services for children and families. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see resume," "see application," or similar.

08

External Collaboration - Early Learning System Stakeholders: Which of the following best describes your experience coordinating or facilitating work with early learning system stakeholders, such as the families, early learning providers, community partners, state agencies, or local organizations?

• No Experience - (I have not coordinated or facilitated work with early learning system stakeholders.)
• Limited Experience - (I have participated in meetings or activities with early learning partners but in a limited or supporting role.)
• Working Experience - (I have coordinated or supported collaboration with early learning stakeholders as part of my regular duties.)
• Advanced Experience - (I have led or facilitated cross-stakeholder collaboration across multiple early learning partners or organizations.)
• Expert Experience - (I have overseen or driven early learning system coordination efforts at a regional or statewide level.)

09

External Collaboration - Example(s): Please provide one or two examples that demonstrate how you have worked collaboratively in a political environment with stakeholders and partners such as local and state elected officials, other state agencies, tribal communities, families, community-based organizations, or advocacy groups. Your answer must be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see resume" or similar.

10

Which of the following best describes your experience providing strength-based supervision and performance management with employees?

• No Experience - (I have not provided strength-based supervision or performance management.)
• Limited Experience - (I have occasionally provided supervision or feedback, or supported performance management, but not with full responsibility.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly provide strength-based supervision and performance feedback as part of my job duties.)
• Advanced Experience - (I independently provide ongoing supervision and performance management, including coaching and strengths-focused development.)
• Expert Experience - (I lead or guide others in strength-based supervision practices and oversee or design performance management approaches.)

11

If claiming veterans preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or Predischarge Certification validating service type and discharge.

• Yes - DD214/NGB22
• Yes - Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).
• N/A

12

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• ZipRecruiter
• Handshake
• Other

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov