Director WIU Infant and Preschool Center

Director of the WIU Infant and Preschool Center

Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions

Department: School of Education

Location: Macomb, IL

Appointment: August 1, 2026 (10‑month)

• Provide day‑to‑day supervision and instructional coaching for the WIU Infant and Preschool Center.
• Plan and implement all operational aspects of the lab site, including budget management and grant coordination.
• Serve as onsite mentor teacher for ECACE support field hours and as community liaison for the Macomb area early childhood community.
• Partner with the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education and ensure all compliance and instructional tasks are completed.
• Lead fundraising and secure philanthropic support, and implement diverse family engagement initiatives.

$44,000 – $46,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance (HMO, OAP, QCHP, CDHP, AD&D).
• Long‑term disability and flex spending accounts.
• 403(b) supplemental retirement and 457(b) deferred compensation plans.
• Paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, tuition waiver programs, local YMCA discounts.

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Gateways Level 5 or PEL qualified early childhood teacher (Birth‑Grade 2) in a linguistically diverse setting.
• Understanding of Illinois birth‑to‑three and 3‑5 early childhood systems.
• Familiarity with the ECACE scholarship, current legislation, and Early Childhood Workforce Pipeline.
• Basic knowledge of Gateways system and related credentials.
• Experience working with community and family organizations and holding leadership roles (lead teacher or similar).
• Strong organizational, self‑motivation, time‑management, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication skills; trauma‑informed and culturally/linguistically responsive approach.
• Public‑speaking and virtual presentation experience.
• Team‑orientated mindset with listening, acknowledgment, and encouragement of students/families.
• Commitment to respect all individuals regardless of characteristics (culture, language, race, religion, gender, socioeconomic status).
• Ability to use Google Suite tools and technology to support mentoring services.
• Capability to complete documentation and operational duties promptly.
• Degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent). Degree must be conferred at time of appointment.

Employment is at Western Illinois University; additional benefits information available through university policy.