Director of Disability and Developmental Services (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN)

Job Requisition ID: 56710Opening Date: 07/06/2026Closing Date: 07/20/2026Agency: Department of Early ChildhoodClass Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,000 - $11,000 per month ($108,000 - $132,000 per year)Job Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: Sangamon; CookNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: NoneMerit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency 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 is seeking an experienced, collaborative leader to serve as Director of Disability and Developmental Services within the Education Division. This role provides strategic leadership and policy direction for statewide programs supporting young children with disabilities and developmental delays, including the Illinois Early Intervention Program and services delivered across school‑based and community early learning settings. The Director oversees section operations and staff, leads major legislative and regulatory initiatives, and serves as the Department’s senior interagency liaison and external representative. This is an opportunity to shape innovative, equitable systems that ensure all children and families receive high‑quality early childhood supports. 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 Director of Disability and Developmental Services in the Education Division of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), providing executive leadership and policy direction for the Disability and Developmental Services Section. Oversees administrative processes and operations for disability and developmental services, including the EI program and services delivered in school- and community-based early learning settings. Serves as full-line supervisor for the Disability and Developmental Services Section. Serves as senior interagency liaison and external representative. Leads legislative, regulatory, and strategic initiatives. 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 the completion of four (4) years of college with significant coursework in education, special education, early childhood, public administration, social work, rehabilitation, or a related field. Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in special education, early childhood systems, or disability services, or a related role. Preferred Qualifications Four (4) years of professional experience in program leadership, policy development, and system administration in large, multi-unit organizations. Four (4) years of professional experience supervising or managing professional staff or mangers. Four (4) years of professional experience working at the state level administering Early Intervention (EI) or Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), or closely related programs. Three (3) years of professional experience coordinating with state education agencies, human services systems, and related organizations serving children with disabilities. Three (3) years of professional experience managing contracts, grants, or large vendor relationships. Master’s degree or higher in special education, educational leadership, public policy, or a closely related field. Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to successfully pass an agency criminal history check through the Illinois State Police. Requires the ability to use agency-supplied equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, etc. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends. Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine. This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.About the Agency: The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) was signed into law in June of 2024 with the focus of making early childhood education and care services simpler, better and fairer for families with young children across the state. During fiscal years FY25 and FY26, IDEC will be working through transitioning data, programs and services from three state agencies – the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), – to IDEC in order to be fully operational by July 2026. Illinois strives to be the best state in the nation to raise a family with young children and IDEC is committed to continue putting children and families center while reducing complexities and finding efficiencies in the system and advancing equity.Work Hours: 8:30a - 5:00pHeadquarter Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603Work County: CookEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io Posting Group: Leadership & Management Revolving Door:Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine. Term Appointment:Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Early Childhood’s discretion.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. Non-State employees should log in using the “View Profile” link at the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account. If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid. Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website. State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: View email address on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io