Early Childhood Grant Manager (PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

Job Requisition ID: 56154
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 06/02/2026
Agency: Department of Early Childhood
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,500 - $10,000 per month ($102,000 - $120,000 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Supervisory Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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.

Position Overview:   

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking a Public Service Administrator to serve as the Early Childhood Grant Manager.The Early Childhood Grant Manager oversees and administers key early childhood grant programs for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). This position provides supervisory leadership, expert guidance, and liaison support for Preschool for All, Preschool for All Expansion, and Prevention Initiative–Center Based programs.

We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

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

• Under administration direction, serves as an Early Childhood Grant Manager for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Acts as agency liaison and expert resource on Preschool For All, Preschool For All Expansion, and Prevention Initiative-Center Based grant programs.
• Identifies and confers with management on the evaluation of program functions within the department to resolve administrative problems and inform program function improvements.
• 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, preferably with coursework in early childhood education, business administration, or public administration.
• Requires three (3) years of responsible administrative experience in an early childhood education or an early childhood care setting for a public or business organization. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience administering early childhood block grant programs for a state or federal agency. 
• Two (2) years of professional experience overseeing and managing the development and implementation of projects and initiatives in an early childhood setting.  
• Two (2) years of profes