Careers

Executive Director Search Announcement, 02/15/24

Executive Director Search Announcement, 02/15/24

The Board of Directors of the Pediatric Development Center (PDC) seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and development upon the retirement of its current Executive Director. Maureen Atwood is one of six women who founded PDC in 1982, and she will be retiring as of June 30, 2024, after over 40 years as a provider and leader of the organization.

The Pediatric Development Center provides Early Intervention (EI) services to Central and Southern Berkshire County. PDC is a not-for-profit organization that is independently incorporated, which is unique as the other 57 early intervention programs in Massachusetts operate under the umbrella and fiduciary of larger organizations.

The mission of PDC is to offer education, therapy, and family support for children birth to age three who have developmental concerns. Children are eligible for PDC services if they have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities, or if their development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances. PDC recognizes the crucial influence that the entire family has on the life of the developing child and works in partnership with families, developing a plan designed to address the desired outcomes of parents for their child. Services are provided in the child’s natural environment, including their home, daycare setting, and other early childhood settings; as well as in the offices of PDC.

The Pediatric Development Center currently owns and operates three buildings in the Berkshires for EI service delivery and administrative offices. All were previously private homes and provide for a comfortable and safe environment; they are located at 388 and 392 Columbus Avenue Extension in Pittsfield and 924 South Main Street in Great Barrington, MA.

PDC has a clinical team that includes developmental specialists, psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers and autism specialists as well as two program directors; the program directors also provide direct services to children and families. This team pursues cutting edge therapies for the children they serve and embraces innovative clinical approaches to help children and families thrive. PDC collaborates very closely with medical, educational and childcare providers and is particularly determined to ensure a warm handoff from their services to those provided to children over three who attend public schools in the Berkshires.

The Executive Director of PDC oversees the fiscal management of the organization to ensure maximum resource utilization, maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position, and ensures business practices are compliant with regulatory and legal requirements. The ED supervises and manages the work of the accountant and leads efforts to plan, implement, and operate within an approved annual budget. The ED is also actively involved in fundraising and seeking grants from foundations and government sources in support of the organization. The ED manages communications and relationships with funding sources, ensures compliance with funding obligations and submits required grant programmatic and fiscal reports.

PDC has an active Board of Directors with ten members who have successfully supported the growth of the agency both fiscally and programmatically. PDC is viewed as an essential resource within the community, as a leader in identifying emerging needs of children and developing creative solutions to improve the lives of young children with special needs.

PDC Culture:
The Executive Director position requires a combination of business savvy and empathetic leadership, a strong commitment to the importance of early intervention and education and the impact it has on families and children, now and into their future. The staff of PDC are talented and loyal, and many have tenures of over 20 years. They describe the culture of PDC as having both structure and an openness to new ideas and creativity; while there are written policies and procedures there is also flexibility. It’s a collaborative environment where all staff are valued and engaged in problem solving together. Continuing education and professional development are encouraged and supported with funding and time. The organization has been on a journey to better understand the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion on their families and services and is making appropriate adaptations to their service delivery.

Challenges:
The FY20 operating budget for PDC was $2.6 million and the organization employed 33 full-time equivalent staff. COVID impacted all families as schools and community providers shut down, and it was particularly challenging for families served by PDC, whose children often have weaker immune systems and were more susceptible to infections and illness; most families were fearful for their children’s health and kept them home, and they were not open to outside providers coming into their homes. Without as many children to serve, income gained from billing for service delivery was impacted, with FY21 income dropping to $1.4 million. The staff and Executive Director have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of families, in a safe and comfortable manner, and are rebounding. The FY23 year-end budget projection included $1.8 million in revenue, with the return of 23 full-time equivalent staff. Active recruitment continues to return to pre-covid levels. Fortunately, with excellent fiscal management, PDC secured several grants for COVID relief, including two rounds of the federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funding and PDC has $1 million in investments for operational reserves. At close of last fiscal year, the largest income sources were service delivery payments (Department of Public Health, private insurance and MA Health, approximately 60% of PDC income); 20% from foundations and grants; and 2% from fundraising.

Opportunities:
Massachusetts has long been a leader in the early intervention field, with innovative clinical interventions addressing at-risk children, and is currently negotiating a potentially significant funding increase. Governor Maura Healy has demonstrated her commitment to early education and is investing accordingly. The Berkshires is a changing community with an increase in its immigrant population, more children diagnosed with autism, and school districts struggling with increased cost and decreasing enrollment. There are many opportunities for PDC to serve as a leader, collaborator and problem solver to ensure children and families get the services they need as soon as possible.

Location:
The Pediatric Development Center is located in the Berkshires, a four-season destination with outdoor fun, a vibrant cultural scene, farm-to-table eateries, and eclectic shopping. The stunning natural beauty of the Berkshires is an enduring year-round draw; there is always something exciting to do. The Berkshires is renowned for its incredible concentration of world-class museums, historic sites, and performing arts venues. There is summer music, dance, theater, and film festivals and a year-round cultural calendar filled with events and exhibitions for all ages. Luxury spas, wellness centers, and all-inclusive resorts in the Berkshires are among the best in the world. The Berkshire’s culinary scene is hailed as a food lover’s dream. From cafés to chef-owned restaurants, the high-quality ingredients available from local farms and food makers lend a distinctly Berkshire flavor to the menu. Beverage connoisseurs will also appreciate the taste of Berkshire-made spirits, wines, and craft brew. From the northern tip to the southern tail, you can drive across Berkshire County, which includes 30 towns and two cities, in about 1.5 hours. From the Berkshires you can get to Bennington, VT (15 miles); Albany, NY (42 miles); Hartford, CT (62 miles), Boston, MA (130 miles) or New York City (150 miles).

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business, education or related field required.
Minimum of five years’ experience in a leadership role, managing people, programs and services, preferably in early intervention and/or in a relevant clinical discipline.
Knowledge of research and best practices in the field of early intervention; commitment to ongoing professional development.
Experience with budget development, management, and reporting.
Strong organizational management experience, including developing and maintaining innovative programs and growing effective teams.
Effective fundraising experience, including obtaining and managing local, state and federal grants; and donor prospecting and stewardship.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people, including volunteers; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion to ensure a sense of belonging and value for all.

Salary Range: $106,00-$135,000. Competitive Benefits package including health, life, disability insurances; IRA with up to 3% employer match; paid vacation, holiday, personal and sick time.

Applications:
The Board of Directors of the Pediatric Development Center has hired Kristine Hazzard, Principal with Katalyst, to conduct the search. Only electronic submissions of materials are permitted and can be sent in through Indeed. Kristine can be contacted at 413.464.6723 or kristinehazzard2020@gmail.com for further information.

Job Description: Executive Director

JOB DESRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Position Overview

The Executive Director of the Pediatric Development Center (PDC) provides leadership,

supervision, guidance, and support to early intervention services and programs for children 0-3 years of age who reside in Central and Southern Berkshire County. In addition to overseeing the management of program services, the Executive Director is responsible for the oversight of the financial sustainability of the organization, serves as organization’s chief spokesperson and is visible and engaged in the community.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Executive Director serves as the liaison to the Board of Directors and leads efforts to develop the organization’s vision, mission and strategic plan, including goals and outcome measures. The ED is responsible for program administration, standards, monitoring, accountability, and reporting as required by the MA Department of Public Health.

The ED ensures a high levels of collaboration amongst and between department programs and service areas, effectively communicates with staff, family, school district stakeholders, and the community to ensure program resources and improvement efforts are aligned to meet the needs of the community. The ED also leads fundraising efforts to ensure the resources needed for a high-quality early intervention service system are available.

General Operations

  • Develops policies and procedures to ensure effective operations.
  • Develops and oversees effective organizational programming.
  • Identifies the need for and manages various IT systems including databases to track client demographics, service delivery and outcomes; fiscal management and donations.

Public Relations

  • Oversees marketing and communications efforts.
  • Is active and visible in the community to promote PDC as an essential service provider and to develop necessary partnerships.
  • Increase public awareness of early intervention services, and support for PDC.
  • Represents PDC in local, regional and statewide initiatives and committees to advance the work of PDC and demonstrate leadership.
  • Advocates for the organization and funding with funders, stakeholders, and various constituent groups.

Financial Management

  • Leads efforts to plan, implement, and operate within an approved annual budget.
  • Oversees the fiscal management of the organization to ensure maximum resource utilization, maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position, and ensures business practices are compliant with regulatory and legal requirements. Specifically supervises and manages the work of the accountant (may be on staff or contractor).
  • Seeks additional revenue from individuals, corporations, foundations, local civic organizations and government sources in support of the organization.
  • Manages communications and relationships with funding sources.
  • Ensures compliance with funding obligations and submits required grant programmatic and fiscal reports.
  • Participates in the annual audit process, including working with the board to choose an auditing firm and that audits are submitted on time.

Human Resources

  • Hires, supervises, evaluates, and retains qualified and competent staff; terminates employment when necessary.

  • Ensures appropriate number of staff in various specialty areas for optimal program performance and to meet the community needs.

  • Establishes and monitors compliance with employment policies and procedures and ensures personnel records comply with policies.

  • Directly supervises two program directors.

  • Oversees an annual performance review system for the organization.

Collaboration with the Board of Directors

  • Communicates effectively with the Board and provides timely and accurate information necessary for the Board to function properly and make key decisions, including regular program and financial performance reporting.
  • Participates in monthly and special board meetings.
  • Actively participates in Board recruitment, training and succession planning.
  • Leads efforts to review and update the organization’s vision, mission and strategic plan.
  • Responsible for other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in early childhood education, special education, nonprofit management, business or related field required.

Minimum of five years’ experience managing people, programs and services, preferably in early intervention and/or in a relevant clinical discipline (developmental specialist, psychologist, speech pathologist, speech therapy, nurse, social worker, autism specialist, behavioral specialist, vision specialist, nutritionist).

Knowledge of research and best practices in the field of early intervention; commitment to ongoing professional development.

Experience with budget development, management, and reporting.

Strong organizational management experience, including maintaining developing innovative programs and growing effective teams.

Effective fundraising experience, including obtaining and managing local, state and federal grants; and donor prospecting and stewardship.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people, including volunteers; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion to ensure a sense of belonging and value for all.

Licensed Social Worker

Do you want to end each day feeling like you made a difference in a young child’s life? Do you want to support new parents at the early stages of their parenthood journey? Working at The Pediatric Development Center in Berkshire County. MA, all of our staff end the day with a feeling of contribution to families of young children in our communities. We work exclusively with children from birth through 3 years old. We support their development in all areas and support their families during this exciting yet challenging time. Does this sound like you? We are currently looking for qualified clinicians to join our team.

Responsibilities include:

  • Conducting standardized evaluations to identify developmental delays and concerns
  • Collaborating with families to develop Individualized Family Service Plans
  • Providing direct service in homes and community settings
  • Monitoring progress and adjusting plan accordingly
  • Collaborating with other professionals on EI team

Requirements:

  • Masters of Social Work, current MA state licensure in good standing
  • Working knowledge of child development from birth through age 5
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary professional team
Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist

Do you have a passion for pediatrics and are wondering about the opportunities as a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist other than in the school system? Early Intervention PTs and OT’s work with children birth – three years old alongside their families. We focus on motor and sensory development through play based therapeutic techniques

Requirements:

  • Current MA State Licensure in good standing
  • Working knowledge of child development from birth through age 5
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary professional team
Speech Language Pathologist/ SLP Assistant

If you have a passion for pediatrics and are wondering about the opportunities as a Speech Language Pathologist or SLP Assistant in Early Intervention? At PDC SLP’s and SLPA’s work with children birth – three years old alongside their families. We focus on communication, language and feeding development through play based therapeutic techniques.

Responsibilities for SLPA’s include:

  • Providing direct service in homes and community settings as developed by SLP
  • Collaborating with other professionals on EI team

Requirements:

  • Current MA State Licensure in good standing
  • Working knowledge of child development from birth through age 5
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary professional team
Early Childhood Educator/Special Educator

As an Early Intervention Clinician, you’ll play a vital role in providing support and guidance to children and their families during critical developmental stages. Working collaboratively with a team of professionals, including PT’s, OT’s, SLP’S and Social Workers you’ll help create personalized therapeutic intervention plans to meet each child’s unique needs. Join us in empowering children to reach their full potential!

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in another field with and 4 college classes with focus on child development and family systems
  • Work experience with ages birth – 5
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Email your cover letter and resume to Melissa Roller, Program Director at melissa.r@pdcberkshire.org to find out more about the fulfilling careers PDC offers.

At PDC we hire Developmental Specialists, Speech Language Pathologists, Speech Language Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assts., Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Nurses.

As a Department of Public Health certified program, we abide by the following requirements for professional staff:

  • RN, OT, PT, SLP (CFY welcome) must have current state licensure
  • Social Workers must have current licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) or as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
  • Psychologists must have a master’s degree in counseling or clinical psychology or LMHC
  • Early Childhood Educators must have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Special Education. (Transcripts must reflect successful completion of at least 4 approved 3-credit courses that focus on infants, toddlers, and families). Also, 300 hours of experience with young children is required.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Respectful of individual family needs and cultures
  • Commitment to working collaboratively with children and families within the context of their home, child care, or other community setting





For more reviews from PDC parents, visit our Testimonials page.

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