CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood is seeking to hire a Chief Education Officer. This position serves as a key policy leader, overseeing early childhood programs, ensuring alignment with kindergarten readiness, managing supervisors, and acting as a crucial liaison with major state education bodies to create seamless education pathways from pre-K through higher ed. Apply today to join a team committed to making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family! Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including: Monday-Friday schedule Health, life, vision, and dental insurance Paid Parental leave Pension Plan Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service) Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date) (13-14) paid state holidays annually Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. About the AgencyThe Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) was signed into law in June of 2024 with the focus of making early childhood education and care services simpler, better and fairer for families with young children across the state. During fiscal years FY25 and FY26, IDEC will be working through transitioning data, programs and services from three state agencies – the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), – to IDEC in order to be fully operational by July 2026. Illinois strives to be the best state in the nation to raise a family with young children and IDEC is committed to continue putting children and families center while reducing complexities and finding efficiencies in the system and advancing equity.

Requirements

Master's degree in business administration, early childhood education, early child development, or similar early childhood field, or a bachelor's degree plus two (2) years of relevant professional experience required.
Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.
Requires two (2) years of experience (in addition to education requirements) working in the field of early childhood policy or programs at the state or local level; experience working with a state or federally funded early childhood program at the state level, in a school district or community-based organization.
Requires the ability to pass a background check.
Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of professional experience serving as a section head or equivalent for a government agency, entity providing government oversight or similar organization.
Three (3) years of professional experience developing and implementing policies and procedures.
Three (3) years of professional experience supervising professional staff.
One (1) year of professional experience representing a program area or organization with public establishments, service providers, legislators, regulatory agencies, and the public.
One (1) year of professional experience working with confidential information or sensitive issues.
Ability to clearly communicate ideas, methods, and principles, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to develop, implement and evaluate new and revised methods, procedures and performance standards.
Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in developing, implementing and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Chief Education Officer for the Department
Oversee early childhood programs and ensures alignment toward kindergarten readiness benchmarks.
Serves as a full line supervisor
Liaison with the State Board of Education, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and other lead education agencies to ensure alignment between early childhood through post-secondary.
Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonable within the scope of duties enumerated above.