Executive Director

The Alliance for Early Childhood is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has been serving Chicago and the North Shore for 34 years. Dedicated to the healthy growth and development of children from birth to age eight (or third grade), the organization supports parents, caregivers, families, and educators through programs, resources, and advocacy. The Alliance emphasizes the importance of collaboration among families, educators, early childhood professionals, and community partners to nurture children's overall well‑being.

By fostering communication and cooperation among diverse stakeholders, The Alliance strengthens the community and enhances outcomes for children.

We are seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead a beloved, community‑based nonprofit serving families, educators, and parents of young children. The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership, bringing strong interpersonal, networking, and organizational skills, along with a deep commitment to early childhood development.

The Executive Director is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing high‑quality, mission‑aligned programming for parents, families, and educators. They maintain a strong working knowledge of current research and best practices in early childhood education and use data, evaluation, and community feedback to continuously refine and strengthen the organization’s impact.

The Executive Director oversees and contributes to all core functions of the organization, including communications, program design, budget management, fundraising, and event planning. They lead efforts to ensure the organization’s financial sustainability through grant writing, donor cultivation, sponsor ships, and partnerships.

In close partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director supports effective governance, strategic planning, and organizational accountability. They also serve as a key thought partner and consultant to schools and community organizations, fostering strong relationships and collaborative impact across the community.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree in education, child development, nonprofit leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Early Childhood Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education, child development, and family‑centered or play‑based approaches, or closely related experience in education or community‑based work.
• Technology & Digital Tools: Proficiency with Google Workspace and comfort using digital tools for communication, marketing, and event management (e.g., email platforms, social media, registration or CRM systems), or a demonstrated willingness to learn.
• Fundraising
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience with fundraising, grant writing, or donor engagement preferred.
• Flexibility & Availability: Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events, meetings, and community programming.