Early Childhood Grant Specialist (EXECUTIVE II)

Job Requisition ID: 55468 Opening Date: 05/12/2026 Closing Date: 05/27/2026 Agency: Department of Early Childhood Class Title: EXECUTIVE II - 13852 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary (Effective 7/1/2026) $6,820 monthly; Full Range $6,820 - $9,875 monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 6 Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: N/A This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered. Position Overview: The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking an Executive II to serve as a Early Childhood Grant Specialist. This position will provide technical assistance to program administrators within the agency to promote the Preschool for All initiative within the state of Illinois. 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 Early Childhood Grant Specialist for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). Reviews, negotiates and recommends disposition of project/grant applications and contractual agreements related to the aforementioned early childhood grant (including early childhood block grants (ECBG)) programs. Assists in the planning and implementation of technical assistance and professional development on early childhood topics and initiatives. Participates in the development/completion of reports and surveys for early childhood grant programs and other initiatives being driven by IDEC. Participates in internal and external committee meetings regarding early childhood care and education initiatives. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. Specialized Skills Requires two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood. Requires two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026). Minimum Qualifications Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business or public administration. Requires two (2) years of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization. Preferred Qualifications Two (2) years of professional experience working in the field of early childhood. Two (2) years of professional experience working with early childhood block grant programs within the past 5 years (2021-2026). Two (2) years of professional experience working with programs related to Preschool for All or a similar initiative. Two (2) years of professional experience providing technical assistance and guidance to program staff regarding the execution and administration of grant programs. Two (2) years of experience reviewing and making recommendations regarding grant applications and amendments. Conditions of Employment Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police. Requires the ability to use state issued equipment, such as a cell phone or laptop. 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. *The conditions of employment listed here 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: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Headquarter Location: 313 S 6th St, Springfield, Illinois, 62701 Work County: Sangamon Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Posting Group: Education; Social Services This position does contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs). 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. 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 on the using the “View Profile” link in 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. 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