S Illinois Coordinator

The Basics movement helps every family help every child reach their full potential. Basics Illinois is an affiliate of the national organization, Basics Inc. ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ), which provides evidence-based strategies, research, and practices to promote optimal brain development in children ages 0-5.

This position provides leadership and coordination for Basics Illinois, a statewide early childhood initiative serving a network of Basics communities across Illinois ( ). The Basics Illinois Coordinator supports existing Basics Illinois communities and expands licensed communities across the state with a focus on the City of Chicago. The role also provides leadership and oversight to a small team and holds responsibility for grant management, oversight, and reporting to ensure alignment with funding requirements and organizational goals.

The Basics Illinois Coordinator builds strong partnerships with local leaders, national organizations, and stakeholders to guide implementation, share effective practices, and strengthen systems that support young children and families. The role emphasizes collaboration, systems‑thinking, continuous learning, and a strengths‑based approach to community engagement, and requires strong communication, organizational, and facilitation skills, along with the flexibility to travel and work varied hours as needed.

While Basics Illinois is headquartered in DeKalb, the position offers flexibility through a hybrid remote/in‑person schedule.

• Coordinate the Basics Illinois initiative; lead the expansion of a Statewide network of Basics communities with a focus on Chicago neighborhoods
• Serve as liaison between Basics, Inc. and Basics Illinois and network with other communities across the United States that have adopted the Basics
• Provide technical assistance and support to Basics Illinois communities
• Lead grant implementation activities to ensure alignment with approved work plans, timelines, deliverables, and performance measures
• Prepare, coordinate, and submit required grant reports, including narrative and data components
• Track expenditures in coordination with fiscal staff to ensure grant funds are utilized appropriately and within approved budgets
• Supervise and support a small team of staff and/or consultants; provide clear direction, regular check‑ins, and performance feedback
• Collaborate with consultants on marketing, recruitment, and promotion; work with public relations and media to promote The Basics Illinois
• Knowledgeable of the State early learning systems and programs that serve as context Basics Illinois
• Participate in statewide and national networking opportunities with other communities implementing The Basics to support continuous improvement and shared learning
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, trainings, and awareness events with community leaders and stakeholders
• Collect, maintain, and analyze data for program monitoring, evaluation, grant reporting, and compliance requirements
• Promote family and community engagement strategies that support early learning and school readiness
• Apply a strengths‑based and collaborative approach to support the Basics leadership in Illinois communities
• Develop and manage a work schedule that maximizes stakeholder engagement

Continuously learn and participate in professional development activities (may include Saturdays)

• Bachelor's Degree in early education, human services, public administration, public relations, or a related field
• 3+ years work experience in education, community‑based organizations, social service agencies, or public sector environments
• Demonstrated experience managing grants, including compliance, reporting, and performance monitoring
• Foundational understanding of early childhood development, including infant, toddler, and preschool learning
• Working knowledge of change management, systems-building, or collective impact models
• Familiarity with statewide systems in Illinois
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and facilitation
• High level of attention to detail with experience in data collection, documentation, and reporting
• Proficient computer skills, including standard office software and data tracking systems

Please call Amanda Christensen with any questions

Reports to:
Regional Superintendent

Work Schedule: 35 hours per week; 12 months

Compensation: $57, annual salary with IMRF, Health Insurance supplement, paid limited sick days and holidays.