Executive Director of Improvement & Innovation; Executive Director

Executive Director of Improvement & Innovation (Executive Director #1700)

Location:

Springfield or Chicago

Union | Exempt

Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $128,119 - $160,149

Full Salary Range: $128,119 - $192,179

Office

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date:
July 7, 2026

Reports to the Chief Education Officer – Operations; provides leadership and advocates for equity for all students; integrates and executes the policies and expectations of the State Board of Education as directed; oversees staff and operations and administers programming across multiple ISBE departments (School/District Improvement, ROE/ISC, Charter Schools); partners with outside educational and professional institutions to share information and collaborate on efforts for the benefit of students, schools, and districts and the Illinois State Board of Education;

provides leadership in cross‑functional department work; monitors and develops center budget.

• Directs the overall functions and programs of the center, including developing, recommending, and implementing policies, programs, procedures, and plans to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and rules, and to improve outcomes for students; monitors, evaluates, and supports the activities of directors, project administrators, and staff; provides leadership, support, and resources in response to school and district needs.
• Represents and speaks accurately on behalf of the State Board of Education to Illinois school districts, Regional Offices of Education, Intermediate Service Centers, educational organizations, other state/federal agencies, committees, and the public concerning the interpretation of Agency policies, procedures or actions.
• Initiates and models active and collaborative leadership in cross‑functional department work to innovate and evolve systems and processes.
• Supervises directors in the Improvement and Innovation center, including supporting and creating work plans; hiring, mentoring and training new employees; approving or denying use of benefit time; establishing annual goals and objectives; completing and signing performance evaluations; providing technical guidance and direction; counseling staff; and presenting documentation of just cause for disciplinary action to the Director of Human Resources.
• Analyzes proposed legislation that impacts ROEs/ISCs, rural schools and districts, charter schools, district/school leaders, and school/district improvement initiatives to provide input to ISBE leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree or higher. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Three to five years of educational experience either in a district or state agency.
• Three to five years of supervisory/leadership experience.
• Experience with managing district or state educational initiatives.
• Strategic thinker.
• Ability to make tough decisions.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Ability to keep others accountable.
• Systems thinker.
• Ability to communicate and articulate clearly.