Executive Director

Executive Director – Evanston, IL

The Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) is seeking an Executive Director to lead a highly respected and mission-driven organization dedicated to ensuring that all young children and their families have access to equitable, high-quality early childhood experiences. Founded in 1970, CNE has spent more than 55 years serving as a critical connector for families seeking childcare resources, early education opportunities, developmental support, and family-centered services throughout Evanston and surrounding communities.

Guided by a commitment to equity, inclusion, belonging, and culturally responsive practice, CNE helps children enter school ready to learn while supporting parents and caregivers as their child's first and most important teachers.

Today, CNE serves hundreds of children and families annually and plays a vital leadership role within the regional early childhood ecosystem. The organization helps bring more than $4 million in funding into the community each year to support early learning, developmental services, family support programs, and educator development. Through programs including Head Start/Early Head Start, Preschool for All, Home Visiting Services, and administration of the Child Care Assistance Program, CNE works closely with families, educators, public agencies, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders to improve outcomes for children from prenatal stages through age five.

The Executive Director serves as CNE's chief executive and strategic leader, responsible for mission execution, organizational leadership, financial stewardship, fundraising, community engagement, board relations, compliance, and operational oversight. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director supervises all federally, state, and locally funded programs while serving as the organization's primary ambassador to families, funders, public agencies, donors, and community partners.

CNE seeks a collaborative, relationship‑oriented leader with senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, educational, public service, philanthropic, or mission‑driven organization. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, fundraising capability, financial acumen, emotional intelligence, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting children, families, and equitable access to opportunity.

The annual salary range for this position is $130,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience. The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plan/403(b); life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; paid time off; and paid holidays. This is a full-time, in‑person position based in Evanston, Illinois.