Director

Afton Partners is an impact-driven consultancy that reimagines and implements systems, policies, and practices that improve lives. We bring technical savvy and a relational approach to partnerships with clients across the early care and education, K-12, higher education, and workforce development sectors. Since 2011, Afton has collaborated on more than 150 initiatives in 40 states, and our clients include state and local government agencies, public school systems, charter schools, and philanthropies. We’re creative, committed, and energized by complexity. Together, we can solve our toughest societal challenges and co-create a future where each person has the opportunity for growth and fulfillment.

Afton Partners seeks a Director in our Early Childhood practice with a specialty in Funding Policy & Cost Analysis to lead and support consulting engagements with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as other impact-focused organizations. In this role, you will help shape how early childhood systems are funded, bring clarity to complex cost structures, advance equitable funding strategies, and enabling leaders to make informed, high-impact decisions. 

You’ll work at the intersection of finance, policy, and strategy—translating complex data into actionable insights, advising senior leaders, and helping design innovative, sustainable policies and approaches to funding early childhood programs. This is an opportunity to influence systems that directly impact young children, families, and the workforce that supports them. 

Check out our Case Studies for examples of the high-impact engagements you would support in this role, including Smart Start Workforce Grants, Early Childhood Block Grants, and Early Intervention Cost Modeling.  

This is a full-time, remote position within the United States, requiring up to 10% travel.

This position requires demonstrated proficiency in early childhood funding policy and cost analysis, a deep understanding of early childhood systems, and a strong interest in advancing innovative, system-wide improvements. 

Our experience suggests that the following types of professional experiences and skills have prepared candidates for this work: 

• →Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in early childhood cost modeling, funding policy research and analysis, financial modeling, or related work in government, consulting, or mission-driven organizations 

• →Deep understanding of early childhood programs (e.g., child care, Head Start/Early Head Start, state pre-K, early intervention, home visiting) and their funding streams, governance structures, and policy context 

• →Strong analytical skills (using Excel, R, etc.) and the ability to synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative data 

• →Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in virtual environments 

• →Strong project management and peer coaching experience 

• →Demonstrated experience identifying potential challenges and taking initiative, creating structures to address ambiguous or complex problems 

• →Demonstrated experience coaching and developing colleagues. 

Preferred experiences include: 

• →Experience working in or with state or local early childhood systems, particularly related to funding 

• →Experience within early childhood government agencies or consulting environments 

• →Academic study or research in early childhood policy, governance, or funding (e.g., Master’s degree or similar)