S Illinois Assistant 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 supports the coordination and implementation of Basics Illinois, a statewide early childhood initiative serving a network of Basics communities across Illinois (). The Assistant Coordinator works under the Basics Illinois Coordinator to support existing communities and assist with expanding licensed communities across the state.

The role supports grant implementation, documentation, and reporting activities to ensure alignment with funding requirements and organizational goals. The Assistant Coordinator collaborates with local leaders, national partners, and stakeholders to support effective implementation and strengthen systems that benefit young children and families. The position emphasizes collaboration, organization, continuous learning, and a strengths-based approach to community engagement, and requires strong communication and project support skills, along with 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.

• Support coordination of the Basics Illinois initiative and assist with expansion of the statewide network of Basics communities
• Provide technical assistance and responsive support to Basics Illinois communities under the direction of the Coordinator
• Assist with grant implementation activities, including tracking progress toward deliverables and performance measures
• Support preparation of grant reports, including compiling narrative updates and data components
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating meetings, trainings, and awareness events with community leaders and stakeholders
• Support communication efforts, including marketing, recruitment, and promotion of The Basics Illinois
• Participate in statewide and national networking opportunities to support shared learning and continuous improvement
• Collect, maintain, and organize data for program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting purposes
• Promote family and community engagement strategies that support early learning and school readiness
• Apply a collaborative, strengths-based approach in working with community partners
• Support administrative tasks, scheduling, and follow-up to ensure smooth initiative operations
• Participate in professional development activities (may include Saturdays)

• Bachelor's Degree in early education, human services, public administration, public relations, or a related field
• 1–3 years of work experience in education, community-based organizations, social service agencies, or public sector environments
• Experience supporting grants, data collection, reporting, or compliance activities preferred
• Foundational understanding of early childhood development
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer skills, including standard office software and data tracking systems

Visit basicsillinois.org for more information on programming. Please call  with any questions.

Reports to:

Basics Illinois Coordinator

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months

Compensation: $52, annual salary with IMRF, Health Insurance supplement, paid limited sick days and holidays.

Postings current as of 2/21/2026 8:06:52 AM CST.