CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER

Job Requisition ID: 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 $12,500 - $13,333 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)***

 

Position Overview:

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.

 

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 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in business administration, early childhood education, early child development, or similar early childhood field, or a bachelor's 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-base