The Capacity Building Team Leader supports the development and expansion of high-quality childcare programs throughout Minnesota. This position provides leadership to Capacity Building Coaches and works collaboratively with state, county, and community partners to recruit, train, and assist new and existing childcare 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
- Lead, support, and develop Capacity Building Coaches through regular check-ins, coaching, and performance evaluations.
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Facilitate hiring, training and onboarding for new staff within the department.
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Identify and address needs of Coaches in relation to Child Care Wayfinder.
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Communicate updates to the Capacity Building Program Leader.
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Participate in discipline and termination decisions.
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Partner with agencies such as Child Care Aware of Minnesota, DCYF Licensing, First Children’s Finance, and local licensing authorities to expand child care capacity.
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Identify and recruit potential child care providers in underserved communities.
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Provide technical assistance and support to prospective and existing providers to achieve and maintain licensing status.
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Offer information and guidance on available financial supports, grants, and scholarships.
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Collaborate internally with Think Small’s Professional Development, Quality Support, Grants and Outreach departments to align services and resources.
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Develop and maintain positive community partnerships and relationships with external stakeholders.
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Ensure departmental standards and expectations are met; perform other related duties as assigned.
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Maintain regular, reliable attendance and comply with organizational policies and deadlines.
Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)
- 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)
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Preferred: Step 10A on the Minnesota Career Lattice (Bachelor’s degree with 6–23 approved semester credits).
- Minimum: 1 year of direct childcare experience.
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Preferred: Three years of direct childcare experience and supervisory experience.
- Experience in recruitment, business operations, and community partnerships.
- Knowledge of Minnesota Rule 2 and Rule 3 childcare licensing standards.
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Experience with database management and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
- Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building abilities.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across teams.
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Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and quality early learning.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Regular use of computer, phone, and other office technology.
- Some travel for partner meetings across Minnesota.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance.
- Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
- Some evening or weekend hours are required to meet program needs.
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.
