Associate Director Bilingual Education and Care Services (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

1d•$114,000 - $132,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking an Associate Director to provide leadership in planning, coordinating, and overseeing bilingual education and care services across the agency. The role supports the design and implementation of service delivery models that meet the needs of bilingual children, families, and providers. It leads strategic stakeholder engagement to strengthen alignment across programs and initiatives and conducts research and policy analysis to inform the long-term direction of statewide bilingual education and care services. The position is a full-line supervisor and performs other duties as assigned. The position is based at either the Chicago or Springfield headquarters. The anticipated hybrid schedule is two to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon with the supervisor during onboarding. Overtime may be required, including evenings and weekends, and travel with possible overnight stays is required. This is a four-year term appointment, subject to a probationary period, and may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Human Services’ discretion. The role requires Spanish speaking and writing ability at a colloquial level, a valid driver’s license, and successful criminal history and child-abuse tracking system background checks.

Requirements

Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college; coursework in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field is preferred.
At least four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in bilingual education, bilingual education administration, or bilingual policy development.
Ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial level.
Ability to pass a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
Ability to pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) background check.
Ability to travel for work, including overnight stays as appropriate, and possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Ability to use and maintain state-issued equipment, including a cell phone, laptop, and other necessary equipment.
Ability to work overtime when requested or required, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime; this may include evenings and weekends.
Compliance with applicable revolving-door restrictions and required annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Illinois early childhood education and care programs and services.
Knowledge of Illinois bilingual education law and federal ESEA Title III requirements.
Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, education policy, business administration, public health, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience in culturally responsive practices.
Experience managing large-scale bilingual education programs, professional development, budgets, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Lead planning and coordination for bilingual education and care services and supports for early childhood education across IDEC, subject to management approval of the Deputy Education Officer – Comprehensive Services.
Support the design of service delivery for bilingual children, families, and providers.
Coordinate strategic stakeholder engagement and alignment.
Conduct research and policy analysis to inform the long-term direction of bilingual education and care service delivery.
Serve as a full-line supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned or required within the scope of the role.