Summary / Purpose
The Capacity Building Coach supports the development and expansion of high-quality child care programs. This position works collaboratively with state, county, and community partners to support new and existing child care providers. The role focuses on promoting business success, licensing compliance, and quality standards that align with Minnesota’s early care and education system.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Provide technical assistance and support to prospective and existing providers to achieve and maintain licensing status.
Identify and recruit prospective providers in underserved communities interested in starting or expanding a licensed childcare business.
Represent Think Small at community events, meetings, and outreach activities.
Partner with agencies such as Child Care Aware of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Licensing, First Children’s Finance to expand child care capacity.
Support the development and implementation of culturally relevant early childhood services.
Collaborate internally, including with Think Small’s Professional Development, Quality Support and Grants programs, to align services and resources.
Develop and maintain positive community partnerships and relationships with external stakeholders.
Document coaching and technical assistance activities accurately in approved databases and reporting systems.
Ensure departmental standards and expectations are met; perform other related duties as assigned.
Maintain regular, reliable attendance and comply with organizational policies and deadlines.

Requirements
Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Skills)
Education:
Minimum: Step 2 on the Minnesota Career Lattice (High School Diploma/GED, 25 hours of Develop approved training hours and 8,320 hours/4 years of early childhood experience) OR Step 5 on the Minnesota Career Lattice (High School Diploma/GED and 120 hours of Develop approved training hours)
Preferred: Step 10A on the Minnesota Career Lattice (Bachelor’s degree with 6–23 approved semester credits).
Experience:
Minimum: 1 year of direct child care experience.
Preferred: 3 years of direct child care experience.Experience in recruitment, business operations, and community partnerships.
Knowledge of Minnesota Rule 2 and Rule 3 child care licensing standards.
Experience with database management and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
Required:
Fluency in Somali and English (speaking, reading, and writing).
Demonstrated cultural competence and experience working with the Somali community.
Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and proof of insurance.
Ability to travel throughout the Twin Cities metro area and work occasionally on evenings and Saturdays.

Skills:
Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across teams.
Demonstrate commitment to equity, inclusion, and quality early learning.
Physical & Work Environment Requirement
Work is performed in a hybrid office/community environment.
Must be able to lift and transport materials weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary
Benefits 

Health & Wellness

Medical Insurance for employees and families, with employer contribution
Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurance,
Optional employee-paid insurance benefits include: Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling, mental health support and life resources.
Retirement

401(k) retirement savings plan with up to a 5% employer match
Paid Time Off & Holidays

Vacation time, Sick Leave, 9 Paid holidays, 4 floating holidays
Leave Benefits

Access to state and federally mandated leave programs, including Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave, other protected leave benefits as applicable.
Financial Support

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) support for eligible employees pursuing federal student loan forgiveness

Think Small® has been a leader in advancing quality care and education for children in their early years since 1971. Founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the organization supports families, early childhood professionals, and communities with professional development, consultation, and parent education services. Think Small’s mission is to ensure children are well-prepared for school and their early educational journey. Its publishing division, Redleaf Press, is recognized globally for delivering valuable resources for early childhood educators. The organization’s innovative initiatives positively impact children, families, and educators locally and beyond.

To Apply:

https://secure5.entertimeonline.com/ta/CBIZ20822.careers?CareersSearch&InFrameset=1&HostedBy=www.thinksmall.org&lang=en-US