Chief Risk & Accountability Officer

We are in the business of children and we are looking for a dynamic leader to join our team!

The Chief Risk & Accountability Officer (CRAO) will play a critical role in safeguarding our mission, resources, and operational integrity. This position leads the efforts to ensure program excellence and accountability across all early learning initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CRAO provides strategic oversight of internal control systems for programs such as School Readiness (SR), Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), and other key initiatives. As a member of the Leadership Team, this role contributes to organizational strategy, document oversight, and continuous improvement efforts that drive high-quality early learning services for children, families, and child care providers.

If you are passionate about early education and have a proven track record in risk management, accountability, and organizational leadership, we invite you to apply and help us make a lasting impact!

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership for assigned teams, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning work, managing performance, administering discipline, and resolving issues to ensure a high-performing workforce
• Serve as an active member of the Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, policy development, and decision-making that safeguards mission-critical resources
• Advise the CEO and/or the Board of Directors on risk-related matters, present reports, analysis, and recommendations for organizational improvement
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement long-term strategies that strengthen the organization and its service delivery model
• Direct and oversee organization reviews to ensure operational resilience and adherence to funders requirements
• Ensure robust internal control systems are in place for fiscal and program operations
• Incorporate fraud detection and prevention strategies; report suspected fraud immediately, following established procedures
• Maintain alignment with federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk framework to identify, assess, and mitigate organizational risks
• Oversee all documentation related to program excellence, fiscal controls, and monitoring
• Direct ELC quality improvement efforts to achieve optimum organizational performance
• Establish benchmarks and performance indicators to measure program success and operational efficiency
• Develop and implement emergency response plans to protect life, property, and continuity of essential early learning provider functions
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes; implement necessary adjustments to organizational documents
• Provide guidance and training to internal teams and external partners on risk mitigation strategies and best practices
• Foster a culture of learning and accountability within the organization
• Represent the organization at local, state, and federal meetings and events as requested by the CEO

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, public administration, risk management, or equivalent education and experience; Master’s degree in business or related field, preferred
• Five (5) years in an executive leadership role with organization-wide authority
• Five (5) years of experience supervising a team of employees, including hiring/termination, discipline, performance management, training, etc.
• Minimum seven (7) years in risk management, audit or program integrity roles, preferably in government-funded programs or nonprofit organizations
• Project management and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism and a positive outlook
• Experience with federal and state grant compliance and internal control frameworks
• An understanding of child care programs, early childhood education, social service issues, community action programs, and serving low-income communities, preferred

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written), including public speaking
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues and others of varying backgrounds and skill levels to achieve program goals
• Excellent computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite products
• Ability to manage multiple projects, follow through and meet deadlines
• Must exhibit a positive attitude and an example to others in the areas of problem-solving, teamwork, interpersonal relationships, support of management decisions, and commitment to ELC’s mission
• Outcome-driven, with the ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities
• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding of regulations and ELC policies and procedures to assist in identifying and presenting facts of a situation to facilitate management decision making
• Analyze and solve problems effectively and efficiently

About Us:

The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Inc. (ELC) is a local non-profit organization with an annual budget of $36 million. Our mission is to provide leadership and advocacy to build a community where all children are prepared for success in school.

We are guided by our core values:

✅ Positive Attitude – We approach challenges with optimism and enthusiasm.
✅ Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and commitments.
✅ Respect – We foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
✅ Teamwork – We collaborate to achieve our shared goals.

Position: Full-time

Salary Range: $85,000 -$90,000

Benefits: This is a full-time position that includes the following benefits: health insurance, dental, vision, flexible paid time off, retirement savings plan and loan forgiveness eligible employer, etc.

Important: Qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to elcemployment@elcbigbend.org.

ELC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or veteran status. ELC is committed to building a diverse team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Applicants may undergo a skills assessment.