Early Childhood Grant Manager (PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

Early Childhood Grant Manager (PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

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.

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 professional experience working with programs related to Preschool for All or a similar initiative. Two (2) years of professional experience providing supervision and guidance to multiple staff. Two (2) years of professional experience leading project management and project coordination efforts for a public or business organization.

Conditions of Employment Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police. Requires the ability to use agency-supplied equipment, such as a laptop, work cell phone, etc. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.

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.