Director of Disability and Developmental Services; Senior PUBLIC Service ADMIN

Director of Disability and Developmental Services (Senior Public Service Admin)

Job Requisition : 56710
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 07/20/2026
Agency: Department of Early Childhood
Class

Title:

Senior Public Service Admin (40070)
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,000 - $11,000 per month ($108,000 - $132,000 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon;
Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1

Illinois Department of Early Childhood seeks a collaborative leader to serve as Director of Disability and Developmental Services within the Education Division. The 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 will oversee section operations and staff, lead major legislative and regulatory initiatives, and serve as the Department’s senior interagency liaison and external representative.

This position offers an opportunity to shape innovative, equitable systems that ensure all children and families receive high‑quality early childhood supports.

• Provide executive leadership and policy direction for the Disability and Developmental Services Section.
• Oversee administrative processes and operations for disability and developmental services, including the Early Intervention program and services delivered in school‑ and community‑based early learning settings.
• Supervise staff as a full‑line manager for the Disability and Developmental Services Section.
• Serve as senior interagency liaison and external representative.
• Lead legislative, regulatory, and strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned, reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

• 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.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in special education, early childhood systems, or disability services, or a related role.

• 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.
• Four (4) years of professional experience administering Early Intervention (EI) or Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) at the state level, 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.

• Pass an agency criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
• Use agency‑supplied equipment, such as a cell phone and laptop.
• Travel in the performance of duties with overnight stays as required.
• Work overtime as needed; may be scheduled, unscheduled, or last‑minute, including evenings and weekends.
• Observe revolving door restrictions under 5 ILCS 430/5‑45; notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for Agencies of the Illinois Governor if offered non‑State employment during or within one year after State employment.
• File annual Statement of Economic Interest and Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest as required by Illinois Governmental Ethics Act.

• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Pension plan
• Deferred compensation and other pre‑tax benefit programs
• 12 paid sick days annually
• 10‑25 paid vacation days based on years of service
• 3 paid personal days prorated based on start date
• 13‑14 paid state holidays annually

The State of Illinois is committed to providing reasonable…