Jobs and Careers

DIRECTOR OF DEIA (Senior Public Service Administrator)

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 3 Aug 2026

About the role

Opening Date: 8/3/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026
Agency: Department of Early Childhood
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,500 - $11,000 per month ($114,000 - $132,000 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook; Sangamon

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)***

Position Overview: The Illinois Department of Early Childhood is seeking a Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). This position will be responsible for shaping DEIA policies that establish objectives and principles to guide actions toward achieving programmatic, operational, and equity goals for the agency and its partners throughout the state of Illinois. If you are interested in this unique opportunity to join a dedicated team of Early Childhood professionals, we invite you to apply for the Director of DEIA position with IDEC!

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.

Essential Functions

Serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
Serves as the Senior Advisor for DEIA to programs and services teams.
Serves as a full line supervisor.
Provides leadership and strategic direction on the equity priorities for DEIA, including equity and inclusion efforts, both internal and external.
Reviews and remains attentive to scientific literature and developments in other states regarding the measurement and application of performance and equity indicators.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with courses in business, public administration or a related field.
Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in strategic planning and/or diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in a public or private organization.

Preferred Qualifications

Prefers four (4) years of professional work experience developing and implementing programming for internal stakeholders focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programming, initiatives, and training.
Prefers four (4) years of experience leveraging the knowledge of Title VII (