JESSICA AFFHOLTER
Allen Park,MI
Summary
Dedicated Business Development Specialist offering more than 27 years of experience in the ECE Field. Notably, 11 years of leadership as a Program Director and Regional Support Manager over multiple large childcare centers. Successful at building and maintaining open communication between team members, clients, and leadership. Well versed in providing strategic direction and ongoing leadership, with an advanced understanding of the ECE sector.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Development Manager
First Children's Finance
Detroit, MI
10.2021 - Current
- Supervise and mentor a team of Business Development Specialists, providing guidance on technical assistance, financial modeling, and program delivery.
- Manage team workflows, project timelines, and deliverables to ensure high-quality support for child care providers across the state of Michigan.
- Foster the professional development of a team of Business Development Specialists through coaching, training, and collaborative problem-solving
- Lead implementation and management of the Regional Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP) through the Caring for MI Future state partnership with the Michigan Department of Education, coordinating regional initiatives to innovate, expand, and sustain the local child care supply in 6 rural Michigan Counties across the state.
- Coordinate cross-sector partnerships to support child care startup, expansion, and sustainability efforts.
- Oversee contracts with the JP Morgan Chase Foundation (JPMC), The New Economy Initiative (NEI), and the Frey Foundation through management of a team delivering statewide trainings, business leadership cohorts, and technical consultations.
Business Development Specialist
First Children's Finance
Detroit, MI
09.2021 - Current
- Expanded customer base by identifying needs, developing solutions, and delivering client-centered products.
- Conducted regular meetings with providers to build positive and productive relationships.
- Networked among local business and community organizations to develop leads and generate business.
- Redeveloped a customized format for the Rural Childcare Innovation Program in the state if Michigan.
- Facilitated and lead the Rural Childcare Innovation Program within 2 rural communities.
- Collaborated with rural communities in Michigan to identify areas in need of improvement and implement solutions.
- Collected data on program effectiveness through surveying, data analysis and other methods and implemented solutions for improvement.
- Recruited and interviewed 8 new members of the Michigan team.
- Worked together with the Michigan team to onboard and train new team members.
- Presented and Facilitated two RCCIP town Hall meetings.
FLOATING DIRECTOR
Rainbow Childcare Center/KinderCare
Troy, MI
08.2018 - 10.2020
- Provided Mentorship and training to new directors within the company.
- Specialized in helping centers restore a regular license after being put on a provisional.
- Specialized in helping programs achieve accreditation through NAEYC and NECPA.
- Traveled to several struggling locations within a region, and provided guidance, leadership and support to promote success within the program.
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity. Responsible for up to 3 locations at one time.
CENTER DIRECTOR
Rainbow Childcare Center/KinderCare Education
Troy, MI
10.2015 - 10.2020
- Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
- Recruited and developed a solid team of professionals to care for up to 160 children each day.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with children and families.
- Developed and implemented emergency response plans for disasters, security issues and injuries.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Demonstrated exceptional knowledge of process optimization in relation to profit and loss.
- Managed, trained and motivated Lead Teachers and support staff to continuously improve knowledge and abilities in the ECE field.
BUSINESS MANAGER
The Learning Experience Troy
Troy, MI
05.2009 - 10.2015
- Responsible for all financial aspects of the center including but not limited to budget, payroll, profit and loss statements.
- Marketing, enrollment and community outreach
- Human resources including but not limited to facilitating hire and termination processes, recruiting, staffing, schedules, and benefit enrollment.
- Maintained accurate, State compliant child files
- Shared responsibilities with the Center Director
- Acting Director in the Center Director’s absence.
- Managed purchasing, sales, and customer account operations efficiently.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Oakland Community College
Bloomfield Hills, MIBachelor of Science - Developmental Psychology
University of Michigan Dearborn
Dearborn, MIEarly Childhood Education
Waldorf College
Forest City, IADevelopmental Psychology M.A. Program
Wayne State University
Detroit, MISkills
- Strategic Program Development
- Business Development Stakeholder Engagement
- Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Child Care Business Consulting
- Startup & Expansion Feasibility
- Licensing & Regulatory Navigation
- Financial Modeling
- Sustainably Planning for Center-Based and Home-Based Programs
Strategy & Business Development
Child Care Industry Expertise
- Cost of Care Analysis
- Quality Staffing Support
- Policies and Procedures Development
- Enrollment Management
- Operational Support
- Project & Program Management
- Cohort & Training Facilitation
- Team Leadership
- Public Speaking
Leadership & Program Management
Certification
Directors Credential/Childcare Administration-CCEI
Timeline
Business Development Manager
First Children's Finance
10.2021 - Current
Business Development Specialist
First Children's Finance
09.2021 - Current
FLOATING DIRECTOR
Rainbow Childcare Center/KinderCare
08.2018 - 10.2020
CENTER DIRECTOR
Rainbow Childcare Center/KinderCare Education
10.2015 - 10.2020
BUSINESS MANAGER
The Learning Experience Troy
05.2009 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Science - Developmental Psychology
University of Michigan Dearborn
Early Childhood Education
Waldorf College
Developmental Psychology M.A. Program
Wayne State University
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Oakland Community College