Chief Education Officer

Job Requisition  : 52385

Closing Date : 01 / 07 / 2026

Agency : Department of Early Childhood

Class Title : SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070

Skill Option : General Administration / Business Marketing / Labor / Personnel

Bilingual Option : None

Salary : Anticipated Starting Salary $12500 - $13333 monthly

Job Type : Salaried

Category : Full Time

County : Cook

Number of Vacancies : 1

Bargaining Unit Code :
None

Merit Comp Code : Excluded - Subject to Paragraph (1) (2) (3) or (6) of Section 4d of the Personnel Code

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

This position is Exempt from Jurisdiction B of the Illinois Personnel Code under provision of paragraph 4d(3)

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.

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion equity and dedication that define our state. Whether youre helping to improve schools protect our natural resources or support families in need youre part of something bigger something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career youre 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.

• 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.

• Masters degree in business administration early childhood education early child development or similar early childhood field or a bachelors 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.

• 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.

• Requires the ability to pass a background check.
• Requires the ability to travel in the…