Start Early · 10 hours ago
Executive Director, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$278K/yr - $360K/yr
10+ years expStart Early is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all children have access to high-quality early childhood experiences. The Executive Director will lead Start Early Illinois’s program, policy, and research agenda, overseeing operations and serving as the primary external representative in the state.
CharityEducationNon Profit
Responsibilities
Lead Start Early Illinois’s program, policy, and research agenda-setting strategy, overseeing operations, and serving as the organization’s primary external representative in the state
Support community-based agencies delivering high-quality Early/Head Start programs serving 2,000+ children and families
Generate learning that strengthens Start Early’s program design, policy, and systems-building work
Provide direct doula and home visiting services supporting families from pregnancy through age three
Operate a flagship early learning school serving 136 children and families
Expand Start Early’s second directly operated Educare school in Zion, Illinois, serving 174 children
Support 25 community-based agencies delivering home visiting and doula services to more than 1,500 families statewide
Deliver coaching, training, and technical assistance to home visiting and center-based programs across Illinois
Lead systems-building and advocacy efforts across child and family-serving systems
Conduct applied research and evaluation to test and refine innovations
Ensure strong cross-division alignment, advance policy and systems change, steward key external relationships, and drive sustainable growth and impact across the state
Qualification
Required
An advanced degree or equivalent experience in human services fields such as social work, education, public health, family studies, or developmental psychology, with a strong foundation in early childhood development demonstrated through a degree, professional training, or equivalent experience
10+ years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, public sector, or education settings
Proven ability to lead complex organizations, including staff management, budgeting, and board engagement
Strong strategic and operational leadership, with a track record of translating vision into execution
Experience securing and stewarding public and private funding
Demonstrated success in building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams
Ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic, high-stakes environments
Track record of effective cross-functional leadership and collaboration
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain healthy, high-performing organizational cultures grounded in trust, accountability, and continuous learning
Mission-Driven Leadership: Demonstrates deep commitment to Start Early's mission, models organizational values with integrity, and fosters an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued and teams thrive
Program & Systems Expertise: Strong understanding of early childhood systems, policy, and program implementation
Executive Communication: Compelling communicator and active listener with the ability to influence senior decision-makers and represent the organization publicly
Talent & Relationship Development: Skilled at coaching leaders, building trust, and cultivating strong relationships
Strategic & Innovative Thinking: Drives innovation, thought leadership, and organizational learning
Financial Stewardship: Strong funding literacy and responsible resource management
Preferred
Experience with Head Start programs
Benefits
Comprehensive Health Plans
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Holistic Wellness Program
Professional Development Program
401k Contribution
Paid Volunteer Days
6 months paid parental leave
And much more
Company
Start Early
Start Early is a non-profit organization that focuses on early learning through research, professional development, data, and technology.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Diana Rauner
President
Recent News
First Five Years Fund
2025-09-19
Company data provided by crunchbase