Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist (SOCIAL SERV PROGRAM PLANNER IV)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist supports the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) in advancing high‑quality early childhood education and care across the state. This role is responsible for reviewing program content, analyzing data, managing grant-related activities, and collaborating with internal and external partners to strengthen IDEC’s Early Childhood Block Grant initiatives.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of a master's degree.
Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in community organization, social service work or in program planning and development.
Requires two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood.
Requires two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026) and implementing early childhood education initiatives for a public entity.
Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
Requires ability to use state issued equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Requires basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood.
Two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026) and implementing early childhood education initiatives for a public entity.
Two (2) years of professional experience in the development and implementation of programs related to Preschool for All or a similar initiative.
Two (2) years of professional experience developing, implementing, and/or evaluating new and revised methods, procedures, and performance standards for early childhood education and care that adhere to state and/or federal mandates.
Two (2) years of professional experience in collecting, analyzing, and/or overseeing multifaceted data to track performance and outcomes for service delivery enhancements at a public or private organization.
Prefers the ability to communicate orally and in writing and the ability to research and critically analyze potential issues.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Early Childhood Grant Program Specialist for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
Conducts content reviews and data analysis to improve IDEC initiatives related to the agency’s Early Childhood Block Grant programs.
Manages grants and contracts, including developing program deliverables, providing guidance on program direction, supporting programs, and managing needed contracting or budgetary functions for federal and/or state grants.
Facilitates and/or represents IDEC at internal and/or external workgroups, advisory councils, meetings, retreats, forums, and conferences relevant to early childhood education and care programs.
Participates in training as necessary to strengthen both staff and the Division.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.