Interactions Design Strategist

Position Overview

Position: Interactions Design Strategist – Full-Time, with a salary range of $50,000 – $55,000. Based in Pittsburgh, this role supports Trying Together’s mission to ensure high-quality care and education for young children. Trying Together is a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, community resources, and professional growth. The culture values compassion, equity, and inclusion while honoring diverse backgrounds and ideas. As an equal-opportunity employer, Trying Together evaluates all candidates on their merits.

Purpose: Building relationships from a strengths-based approach, this role supports program administrators, educators, and home-based child care providers in developing new skills to improve daily interactions and overall program quality. The Strategist leads project development for innovative technology tools (Message from Me, MindfulNest) and the Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) initiative, emphasizing the developmental bond between children and their caregivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Commit to racial equity and inclusion while engaging in ongoing personal and professional growth.
• Collaborate with peers to foster a culture of belonging at Trying Together.
• Disrupt practices that do not honor the humanity of children, families, educators, and colleagues.
• Utilize knowledge of local, state, and national early care and education systems.
• Engage in honest self-reflection regarding personal progress and contributions.
• Foster capacity building using a strengths-based approach and establish credibility as a trusted resource.
• Facilitate problem-solving processes, manage project timelines, and monitor goal progress.
• Work both independently and collaboratively, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Follow procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
• Participate in cross-departmental collaborations and continuous professional development.
• Consistently utilize the NeonCRM platform to build relationships and track project performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Everyday Interactions Matter (EIM) Responsibilities:
  • Facilitate learning communities for program leaders and educators based on the work of Fred Rogers.
  • Visit early learning programs to capture authentic interactions on video.
  • Lead professional development series and encourage reflective practice among staff.
  • Encourage supportive discussions focused on strengths, connection, and appreciation.
  • Establish feedback loops and individualized plans to boost program quality.
  • Support efforts toward creating equitable and inclusive programming.
  • Model the Everyday Interactions Matter philosophy consistently.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the EIM approach and philosophy.
• Message from Me Responsibilities:
  • Lead the expansion of the Message from Me program into PNC markets nationwide for children birth to age five.
  • Build relationships with early learning programs and demonstrate the value of Message from Me.
  • Design and facilitate innovative professional growth opportunities including face-to-face, hybrid, and online sessions.
  • Oversee the updating of Message from Me resources in both English and Spanish.
  • Utilize digital technologies (e.g., iPad, online LMS, web conferencing) effectively.
  • Submit monthly monitoring reports or coaching logs in a timely manner.
  • Represent the program at national, state, and local events such as presentations and conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Educational & Experience Requirements:
  • Master’s Degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field is preferred.
  • Minimum of two years of early childhood classroom experience and two years at an administrative level in early care and education.
  • Highly self-motivated, initiative-taking, and capable of making informed decisions.
  • Experience working with adult learners and understanding adult learning principles.
  • Experience with video production, editing, sales, and data collection is a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with intermediate to advanced computer skills.
  • Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends and own a reliable vehicle for in-person visits across Allegheny County.
• Required Clearances:
  • Clean Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance
  • Clean Act 34 PA State Police Clearance
  • Clean Act 73 Federal Criminal History Clearance
  • National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification
  • Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Required Training:
  • Mandated Reporter Training (to be completed in the first month of placement)
  • NeonCRM Training (required online courses to be completed within the first three months)
  • PQAS Professional Development Instructor Certification (to be obtained within the first year for staff with a Bachelor’s Degree)

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Appreciative inquiry and strengths-based review process