Executive Director, Illinois

START EARLY•Chicago, IL

17d

About The Position

Start Early is a national nonprofit and public-private partnership dedicated to ensuring all Children have access to high-quality early childhood experiences from prenatal through age five. We advance this mission through direct services, professional learning, research, and policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. Headquartered in Chicago, Start Early maintains a national presence with state offices in Illinois and Washington, and staff based in Washington, DC and nationwide. Our work strengthens early childhood systems, informs public policy, and supports educators and families across the country. We believe families are central partners in children’s learning and development, and that strong early childhood systems are built in partnership with communities. Our work is grounded in collaboration, respect, and evidence-based practice to ensure children and families have access to high-quality programs and support. The Executive Director leads Start Early Illinois’s program, policy, and research agenda-setting strategy, overseeing operations, and serving as the organization’s primary external representative in the state. Start Early Illinois represents roughly two-thirds of Start Early’s budget and nearly half of Start Early’s staff, making this role central to the organization’s impact and national credibility. This leader partners closely with policy, program, communications, and development teams to advance a comprehensive, prenatal-to-5 system of early learning and care and to ensure excellence across direct service, professional development, training, and technical assistance. The role also serves as Start Early’s chief spokesperson in Illinois, building relationships with policymakers, funders, and partners while advancing public awareness and support for early learning. As part of this external leadership, the Executive Director champions the Educare model developed by Start Early and its directly operated Educare schools and programs. Reporting to the President and serving on the Start Early Executive Team, the Executive Director oversees 1) Vice President, Illinois Policy Team; 2) Vice President, Early Learning Network 3) Vice President, Research and Evaluation, 4) Managing Director, Home Visiting and Doula Network; 5) Managing Director, Professional Learning Network of Illinois; 6) Managing Director, Strategy and Expansion, and 7) Chief of Staff, Illinois, and has overall responsibility for approximately 180 staff. This role plays a key part in enterprise strategy, board engagement, and fundraising, while representing Illinois initiatives at national tables. The Executive Director, Illinois, must reside in Illinois and must be available for in-person meetings in the Chicagoland area. Specific areas of oversight include: EARLY LEARNING NETWORK: Supports community-based agencies delivering high-quality Early/Head Start programs serving 2,000+ children and families. Generates learning that strengthens Start Early’s program design, policy, and systems-building work. Our network includes (3) programs directly operated by Start Early Illinois: HEALTHY PARENTS AND BABIES: Provides direct doula and home visiting services supporting families from pregnancy through age three. Focuses on perinatal care, parenting education, and child development. EDUCARE CHICAGO: Operates a flagship early learning school serving 136 children and families. Serves as a demonstration site for program innovation and field engagement. EDUCARE LAKE COUNTY: Expands Start Early’s second directly operated Educare school in Zion, Illinois, serving 174 children. Includes interim programming and development of a permanent facility. HOME VISITING AND DOULA PROGRAM NETWORK: Supports 25 community-based agencies delivering home visiting and doula services to more than 1,500 families statewide. Provides technical assistance and quality improvement support. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING NETWORK OF ILLINOIS: Delivers coaching, training, and technical assistance to home visiting and center-based programs across Illinois. Advances continuous quality improvement across the early childhood field. ILLINOIS POLICY TEAM: Leads systems-building and advocacy efforts across child and family-serving systems. Advances state policy priorities through coalition leadership and strategic initiatives. RESEARCH AND EVALUATION TEAM: Conducts applied research and evaluation to test and refine innovations. Translates evidence into policy and practice across Illinois and nationally. The Executive Director, Illinois provides strategic, operational, and external leadership for Start Early’s largest portfolio. This role is responsible for continuing to develop and define Start Early Illinois, strengthening its position as a flagship operation within a national organization. The EDIL ensures strong cross-division alignment, advances policy and systems change, stewards key external relationships, and drives sustainable growth and impact across the state.

Requirements

An advanced degree or equivalent experience in human services fields such as social work, education, public health, family studies, or developmental psychology, with a strong foundation in early childhood development demonstrated through a degree, professional training, or equivalent experience.
10+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, public sector, or education settings
Proven ability to lead complex organizations, including staff management, budgeting, and board engagement
Strong strategic and operational leadership, with a track record of translating vision into execution
Experience securing and stewarding public and private funding
Demonstrated success in building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams
Ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic, high-stakes environments
Track record of effective cross-functional leadership and collaboration
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain healthy, high-performing organizational cultures grounded in trust, accountability, and continuous learning
Mission-Driven Leadership: Demonstrates deep commitment to Start Early's mission, models organizational values with integrity, and fosters an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued and teams thrive
Program & Systems Expertise: Strong understanding of early childhood systems, policy, and program implementation
Executive Communication: Compelling communicator and active listener with the ability to influence senior decision-makers and represent the organization publicly
Talent & Relationship Development: Skilled at coaching leaders, building trust, and cultivating strong relationships
Strategic & Innovative Thinking: Drives innovation, thought leadership, and organizational learning
Financial Stewardship: Strong funding literacy and responsible resource management

Nice To Haves

Experience with Head Start programs is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Continue to develop and define Start Early Illinois, strengthening its strategy, structure, and long-term direction. Lead and support a senior leadership team to ensure strong collaboration, clear accountability, and consistent execution across programs, policy, research, and professional learning. Foster a high-performing culture that supports growth, feedback, and professional development.
STRATEGIC PLANNING: Set and evolve a multi-year strategy aligned with Start Early’s enterprise priorities. Translate strategic goals into clear operating plans, resourcing decisions, and performance measures. Identify opportunities for growth and innovation while maintaining focus on core programs.
EXTERNAL LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATIONS & VISIBILITY: Serve as Start Early’s primary external representative in Illinois. Build and sustain relationships with policymakers, funders, and key partners. Elevate the organization’s voice through public speaking, media engagement, and thought leadership
FUNDING & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: Ensure sustainable funding through a strong mix of public and private sources. Partner closely with the Development team to cultivate and steward funders and donors. Represent Start Early in key fundraising efforts and strategic partnerships.
ADVOCACY, RESEARCH, AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT: Advance statewide policy and systems-change efforts that strengthen early childhood services. Leverage research, evaluation, and field learning to inform advocacy strategy and policy positions. Position Start Early as a trusted, evidence-driven resource for decision-makers and partners.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Provide executive oversight across all Illinois programs and initiatives. Ensure strong performance management, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement. Guide expansion and innovation while maintaining quality and operational discipline.