The Imagine Institute

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Open Positions

The Imagine Institute is currently hiring. Please see available positions below.

If you are interested in a applying for a position, please use the link provided in each job description.

There are no available positions at this time. Please check back soon.

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Controller

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About the role

The Controller is a full-time, salaried position reporting to the Senior Director of People & Organizational Development. The Controller is responsible for all aspects of accounting, from drafting the organization’s annual budget to preparing monthly financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), to preparing yearly compliance filings. The Controller is responsible for maintaining with accuracy and efficiency accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and overall budget management for the organization.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accountant who is excited to share their knowledge and build new processes and procedures. They possess excellent time management skills, organizational abilities, data analysis, and financial forecasting experience, and attention to detail. Those with secondary language fluency in Spanish or Somali are encouraged to apply.

Essential functions

Maintains a documented system of accounting policies and procedures; implements a system of controls over accounting transactions
Ensures the organization’s accounting practices and records comply with generally accepted accounting principles
Produces the annual budget and forecasts, reports budget to actual variances monthly to management
Executes month-close and payroll with support from accounting staff
Prepares all compliance filings such as licensing and B&O returns, including annual filings for 990, 1099s, etc.
Ensures accounting compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements
Evaluates, develops, and recommends fiscal processes and systems to streamline efforts and mitigate risk
Supports internal and external audits in the review of financial and administrative controls. Works with external auditors and provides needed information for annual audit
Completes program financial statements per contract requirements
Oversees the process of vendor payments to ensure supporting documentation is in place and payments occur in a timely manner
Reports on financial variances or other issues found in monthly and annual accounting
Assists and mentors bookkeeper with questions on standard accounting practices
Reviews contract billing to all funders as needed to ensure contract maximums are reached
Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred, or equivalent work experience of 8 years
Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designation preferred
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial data analysis
3+ years of Controller or Assistant Controller experience for medium-sized businesses ($50-100 million annual revenue, 50+ employees preferred)
Experience with compliance requirements for companies with 50+ employees
Particularly good time management skills, with the ability to pivot priorities
Comfort in a small, ambiguous start-up environment
A high degree of organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills
Strong verbal and written communication abilities

Requirements

Proficient in cloud-based accounting, tax preparation, and reporting suites
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
Takes ownership and accountability of your work
Self-identifies areas of need and takes initiative
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Willing to mentor and teach others
Strong analytical mindset
Excellent customer service skills
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including weekends

Human Resources Generalist

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About the role

Reporting to the Senior Director of People and Organizational Development, the Human Resource Generalist is a full-time, salaried position. This role is both inward and outward facing, providing human resources support for both Imagine employees and Imagine program participants. Those with secondary language fluency, especially Spanish, Somali, or Arabic, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Imagine Staff

The Human Resources Generalist will support the Senior Director of People and Organizational Development on a variety of HR responsibilities including policy implementation, employee relations, recruitment and on-boarding, benefits enrollment, new benefit research, and other tasks or projects that promote a thriving workforce culture and honor shared equity goals.

Imagine Program Participants

The Human Resource Generalist also supports Imagine Institute Shared Service Hub Members by providing general HR support to licensed family home childcare providers and independent child care center directors throughout Washington state. This may include facilitating small group trainings on legal requirements and best practices, scheduling one-on-one consultations to answer questions from individual Hub Members, and being available for Q&A sessions regarding a variety of HR topics.

Success in this role requires superior internal and external customer service, a deep knowledge of general HR practices, strong attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

Essential Functions

Support the full recruiting cycle including creating job descriptions, posing job requisitions, screening applicants, coordinating interviews internally and externally, and working with hiring managers to make sure they understand the process and receive regular updates
Onboard new employees, ensuring a smooth process that makes them feel welcome and valued
Support internal staff with guidance and training on organizational policies, programs, and processes
Provide excellent customer service in person, by phone, and virtually to employees, participants, and stakeholders
Support the People Services Team with research, policy development and implementation efforts
Serve as designated project manager for the People Services department, documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and tracking the status of various initiatives to ensure their successful completion
Manage and maintain People Services SharePoint and other databases with accuracy
Perform routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development
Facilitate training in the areas of common HR practices including performance management, compensation, creating policies, and other needs as expressed by Shared Services Hub Members
Provide 1:1 technical assistance to members of Imagine’s Shared Resource Hub
Ensure employee files are accurate and updated

Qualifications

Two to three years of HR Generalist experience, ideally in a growth-oriented organization
Basic understanding of labor laws and interest in keeping up on trends and updates in the HR field
Experience successfully implementing organizational-wide policies and programs
Experience building and leading HR-focused trainings
Experience in project management
Experience with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and Word
High-level comfort creating and maintaining databases, previous experience with SharePoint and Indeed.com preferred
Strong attention to detail
Experience facilitating training is a plus
Bilingual in Spanish, Somali, or Arabic is preferred

Requirements

Must maintain standards of strict confidentiality with respect to all matters and documents
Must be able to sit, or stand, for long periods of time using office equipment and computer
Collaborative and flexible team player with strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks with conflicting deadlines
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to give and receive feedback in a professional manner
Ability to patiently explain technology and policies to participants, colleagues, and stakeholders
Must be able to occasionally work irregular hours, sometimes including weekends

Senior Director of Operations

VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE

About the role

Imagine Institute has been growing steadily and is now seeking to dramatically accelerate growth. The executive director (ED) is looking for a mission-focused, strategic, and process-minded leader with experience scaling an organization, leading a team of directors, and developing a performance culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals. The Senior Director of Operations must be a leader who is able to help others at Imagine Institute deliver measurable, cost-effective results that make the vision a reality. Importantly, the successful candidate will have the skills, sensitivity, and personal confidence to tap into the power that each member of the team brings to this mission. While it is essential that the Senior Director of Operations brings efficient and effective systems to increase the productivity of the organization, is it also critical that the team retain the creative spark that drives the Imagine Institute concept.

Essential functions

Qualifications

Experience leading a team of leaders
Ability to continuously evaluate program, innovate new methods/practices and brainstorm solutions to improve outcomes
Experience navigate contracts with multiple funding sources
Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in business and finance
Experience managing multiple programs
Strong attention to detail
Ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks with close, overlapping, and/or conflicting deadlines
Ability to receive feedback in a professional manner
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Bilingual speakers of Spanish/Somali preferred
Experience working with governmental agencies a plus
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Requirements

Excellent customer service skills
Ability to patiently explain technology and policies to stakeholders
High-level comfort with online technology to include databases and CFM’s
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including weekends
The working environment is a general office environment with low noise level
Commitment to driving forward efforts towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Must be able to travel to different partner locations as required via various modes of transportation throughout Washington State and may be required to travel out of state on occasion

Executive Assistant

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About the role

The Imagine Institute has been growing steadily and is now seeking to dramatically accelerate growth. The Executive Director is looking for a mission-focused and process-minded Executive Assistant with strong attention to detail and excellent time management skills. The Executive Assistant will provide high-level administrative support to the Executive Director and other senior staff. This role will manage mostly business-related tasks for the team such as creating reports and ensuring the office is running smoothly. To do this role properly you should have a detailed understanding of the full Microsoft Office suite, be fast at solving problems and genuinely enjoy seeking out ways to make the day to day easier. Having experience as an executive or administration assistant in the past is a plus.

Essential functions

Provides high-level administrative support and assistance to the Executive Director and/or other assigned leadership staff
Assists the Executive Director and/or other assigned leadership staff with research and program support for current and upcoming initiatives
Performs administrative tasks including drafting letters, memos, PowerPoints, quarterly board deck, and other documents for senior staff
Prepares financial statements and monthly expense reports by tracking receipts, coding invoices, and processing for payment
Maintains digital filing systems in accordance with digital filing guidelines
Retrieves information as requested from records, email, minutes, and other related documents; prepares written summaries of data when needed
Arranges travel and accommodations for executives
Supports meetings through agenda creation, room set-up, scheduling, taking notes and accurately recording minutes
Uses various software, including Microsoft suite, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software
Maintains office supplies, ensures office contracted services are performing as desired, and coordinates maintenance of office equipment
Performs additional duties as assigned by executives

Qualifications

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Ability to function well in a high-paced and rapidly changing environment
Knowledge of office administration, administration procedures, and recordkeeping systems
Able to type minimum of 50 words per minute
Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software with the ability to learn new or updated software
Experience as a virtual assistant

Requirements

Excellent customer service skills
Ability to patiently explain technology and policies to stakeholders
High-level comfort with online technology to include databases and CRM’s
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including weekends
Eager to improve and discover new ways to assist the executive team
Position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds
The working environment is a general office environment with low noise level
Commitment to driving forward efforts towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Must be able to travel to different partner locations as required via various modes of transportation throughout Washington State and may be required to travel out of state on occasion

Program Assistant

VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE

About the role

The Program Assistant is a full time, hourly, position. This role’s main function is to support the Washington State Early Learning Substitute Pool Program, which is a state-wide substitute pool of early care and education professionals. This program is dedicated to creating much needed release time for child care professionals and providing the opportunity for workforce development opportunities to new and existing early childhood educators. This position provides support to the team and clients by ensuring the substitute pool is run efficiently and effectively.

The ideal candidate is someone who finds reward in helping others to complete a wide range of projects and is comfortable pivoting and prioritizing multiple and changing priorities. Those who are bilingual in Spanish and/or Somali are highly encouraged to apply as are those who are comfortable adapting to new technologies.

If you have an interest in improving outcomes for children through direct contact with early childhood educators, we want to hear from you.

Essential functions

Provide exceptional customer service skills to stakeholders
Commitment to the diversity and drive of our stakeholders and ensure the program is responsive to their diverse needs
Manage, understand, and maintain large data sets in Excel
Maintain a robust schedule of events (booking trainers and locations)
Ensure events are well-attended by coordinating outreach efforts with community members and partner organizations
Provide technical assistance to clients on software, qualifications, and general questions.
Process backend data daily to maintain accurate eligibility and qualifications records
Match clients with qualified substitutes
Prepare and organize materials related to the substitute and facility orientations, training, and informational updates related to the use of the substitute system and Imagine policies
Demonstrate initiative by seeking out additional responsibilities to help the team and the organization achieve goals. Should consistently look for ways to improve processes and contribute to Imagine. Ensure compliance with Imagine policies and funding agency contract requirements
Manage incoming and outbound calls to interested or eligible participants
Assist team with multiple projects in and out of your typical day to day work to help the team and the organization achieve goals.

Qualifications

Experience working in an office environment
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, specifically Excel and Word
High-level comfort with online technology to include databases and CRMs
Strong attention to detail
Ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks with close, overlapping, and/or conflicting deadlines
Must be a collaborative and flexible team player with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Ambitious and motivated to make program succeed
Ability to innovate new methods and brainstorm solutions to improve outcomes
Ability to receive feedback in a professional manner
Ability to patiently explain technology and policies to stakeholders
Experience working with governmental agencies a plus
Bilingual speakers of Spanish and/or Somali preferred
Experience with Salesforce is a plus

Requirements

Employee must be able to sit for long periods of time using office equipment and computer
Position may require moderate lifting of supplies and materials from time to time
Must be able to travel to different partner locations as required via various modes of transportation throughout Washington State and may be required to travel out of state on occasion
Must have high level of comfort with online technology to include databases and CFM’s
Must be a collaborative and flexible team player with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including weekends
The working environment is a general office environment with low noise level

Training Program Assistant

VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE

About the role

The Training Program Assistant’s main function is to support the efforts of the Imagine Institute’s training program and Director of Training. This is done through a wide range of administrative activities from booking hotels to managing large data sets in Excel. The ideal candidate is someone who finds reward in helping others to complete a wide range of projects and is comfortable with quick pivoting and changing priorities.

Essential functions

Manage and maintain large data sets in Excel
Collect and track data for program reports including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
Provide in-person, over-the-phone and email support to training participants
Provide excellent customer service to participants
Coordinate data related to trainer performance, including evaluations, self-assessments and observations
Maintain training schedule in organization’s database
Process training paperwork
Data entry
Book locations and trainers
Prepare and distribute materials to trainers
Send reports to program leads as needed
Act as liaison between organization and trainers

Qualifications

Experience working in an office environment
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, specifically Excel and Word
High-level comfort with online technology to include databases and CRMs
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Strong attention to detail
Ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks with close, overlapping, and/or conflicting deadlines
Ability to innovate new methods and brainstorm solutions to improve outcomes
Ability to assist others with multiple projects in and out of your typical day to day work to help the team and the organization achieve goals.
Ability to receive feedback in a professional manner
Commitment to the diversity and drive of our stakeholders and ensure program is responsive to their diverse needs
Excellent customer service skills
Bilingual speakers of Spanish and/or Somali preferred
Experience with Salesforce is a plus
Experience working with governmental agencies a plus

Requirements

Ability to patiently explain technological tools and policies to stakeholders
Must be a collaborative and flexible team player with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Employee must be able to sit for long periods of time using office equipment and computer
Position may require moderate lifting of supplies and materials from time to time
The working environment is a general office environment with low noise level
Must be able to travel to different partner locations as required via various modes of transportation throughout Washington State and may be required to travel out of state on occasion
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including weekends

Bookkeeper, Accounting, and Audit Clerk

VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE

About the role

The Imagine Institute has been growing steadily and is now seeking to shore up financial systems and protocol it accommodate its dramatically accelerated growth. We are looking for a mission-focused, strategic, and process-minded Bookkeeper with experience developing and implementing financial processes and maintaining accounting records. The Bookkeeper must be able to capture financial figures with complete accuracy. Thus, attention to detail is of the highest importance. The successful candidate will not only be able to improve and launch processes, but also be able to explain financial matters to all levels of staff with ease.

Essential functions

Supports each department with relevant information related to organizational spending and accounting as they prepare their annual departmental budgets
Records numerical and financial data while ensuring data is entered correctly and accurately
Oversees all official accounting records in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles
Evaluates, develops and recommends fiscal processes and systems to streamline efforts
Assists and oversees internal and external audits in review of financial and administrative controls
Prepares monthly Profit and Loss or Budget versus Actuals analysis/statements to senior team
Completes program financial statements per contract requirements
Manages payment of vendors and subcontractors in a timely manner
Reviews supporting documentation and program systems related to payment of subcontractors
Manages payroll
Reconciles and reports differences or issues found in financial records
Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

5+ years working experience in professional accounting, financial management, benefits administration, or equivalent field
A flare for numbers
Particularly good time management skills, with the ability to pivot priorities
Comfort in a small, ambiguous start-up environment
A high degree of organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills
Strong verbal and written communication abilities
Advanced Excel skills, ability to work with lookups and pivot tables with proficiency in the rest of the MS Office Suite
Experience using QuickBooks
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial data analysis
Ability to use accounting software to record, store, and analyze financial data
Ability to efficiently operate a 10-key calculator or equivalent and other related office equipment
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures

Requirements

Excellent customer service skills
Ability to patiently explain technology and policies to stakeholders
High-level comfort with online technology to include databases
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including weekends
The working environment is a general office environment with low noise level
Commitment to driving forward efforts towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Must be able to travel to different partner locations as required via various modes of transportation throughout Washington State and may be required to travel out of state on occasion

Curriculum Specialist

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About the role

Reporting to the Director of Training, the Curriculum Specialist is a full-time, exempt position. The Curriculum Specialist supports The Imagine Institute by developing and implementing new educational content to support adult learners. In addition, this role supports the Trainer Pathways program by evaluating educational content to ensure it is meaningful, accessible, and relevant to our clients. The ideal candidate has a commitment to the diversity and dynamism of the early child care learning field and a passion for creating curriculum.

Essential functions

Create engaging, interactive, and responsive learning modules to include curriculum, presentation materials, and other educational supports for training across departments
In cooperation with the Director of Equity and Evaluation, evaluate curricula, approach, and materials on an annual basis and as needed
Lead “Train the Trainer” seminars for Imagine trainers
Source and manage knowledgeable contracted curriculum developers when necessary
Lead the Curriculum Committee on content development
Create regular reports on the progress toward curriculum goals
Schedule and attend in-person meetings to provide support to stakeholders when necessary
In collaboration with the Relationship-Based Professional Development Specialist, bolster participation in, and offer feedback on, Imagine Institute programs based on conversations with trainers in the field and program participants
Serve as a subject matter expert for Imagine content, including social media, press releases, community presentations, and other content needs
Other duties may be assigned depending upon the Imagine Institute’s needs and the skills or passions of the successful candidate

Qualifications

Masters degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
5 years experience working with early childhood educators preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Secondary fluency in Spanish or Somali preferred
Proven track record of supporting the professional development of others, ideally within the field of early childhood education
High level of comfort with MS Excel and Word, Google Docs and Google Sheets, and presentation applications including PowerPoint and/or Visme
Experience providing training and educational materials to adults
High-level comfort maintaining databases required. Previous experience with Salesforce preferred
Experience working with governmental agencies a plus

Requirements

Must be able to sit, or stand, for long periods of time using office equipment and computer
May require moderate lifting of supplies and materials from time to time
Ability to organize information clearly and succinctly
Highly motivated, resourceful, and open-minded
Collaborative and flexible team player with strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks with conflicting deadlines
Commitment to the diversity and dynamism of participants, colleagues, and stakeholders
Ability to give and receive feedback in a professional manner
Ability to patiently explain concepts to participants, colleagues, and stakeholders
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, sometimes including weekends
Must be able to travel to different partner locations as required via various modes of transportation throughout Washington State and may be required to travel out of state on the occasion

Substitute Pool Director

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About the role

Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Substitute Pool Director is responsible for leading and managing a comprehensive substitute pool program. These duties include program planning, organizing, operating, staffing, continuous quality assurance, and improvement as well as developing, implementing, and managing the annual budget. The Substitute Pool Director reviews all services on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with federal, state, funding, city regulations, certifications, and licensing requirements. The Substitute Pool Director is a strategic thinker who drives the growth of the program and seeks additional partnerships with other organizations.

Essential functions

Provide effective and inspiring leadership, as well as stewardship, of the Imagine Institute by being actively involved in all aspects of the Substitute Pool department
Oversee implementation of a continuous quality improvement process throughout the program and service areas, focusing on systems/process improvement
Promote regular and ongoing opportunities for staff to give feedback on program operations
Lead a high performing team of program staff to the next level by further developing and implementing effective strategies
Partner with the leadership to represent the Imagine Institute with external constituency groups, including community, governmental, and private organizations
Ensure that all program activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of The Imagine Institute
Prepare and present an annual operational budget to the Senior Director of Operations for review and approval. Effectively manage this budget throughout the fiscal year, propose and predict challenges for the budget to leadership, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered
Ensure the continued financial viability of the Imagine Institute’s program/service units through sound fiscal management
Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic planning processes with leadership and staff
Evaluate feedback and participation experience data, trends, and suggestions for program improvement
Work with Director of Career Pathways to promote and attract new talent and locations for Substitute Pool program
Manage all contracts and subcontracts to meet delivery goals relationships with subcontractors and funders to ensure the needs of the department are met
Manage and promote the program to expand growth
Act as the liaison between Imagine and sponsoring agencies to resolve problems and answer inquiries regarding the Substitute Pool
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

3-5 years experience supervising staff, motivating team members by setting clear expectations and enforcing accountability
Proven ability to project manage, innovate new methods/practices, and brainstorm solutions to improve outcomes
Experience navigating contracts with multiple funding sources preferred
Thorough understanding of business and finance practices and policies
Strong attention to detail
Ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple tasks with close, overlapping, and/or conflicting deadlines
Ability to receive feedback in a professional manner
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Bilingual speakers of Spanish/Somali preferred
Experience working with governmental agencies a plus
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Experience in early childhood education preferred

Requirements

Excellent customer service skills
Ability to patiently explain technology and policies to stakeholders
High-level comfort with online technology to include databases and CFM’s
Must be able to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including weekends
Must be able to sit for long periods of time using general office equipment and computer
Commitment to driving forward efforts towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Must be able to travel to different partner locations as required via various modes of transportation throughout Washington State and may be required to travel out of state on the occasion

The Imagine Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The Imagine Institute believes in grassroots professional development that works for those working in early learning.