Start Early
Overview
Start Early is a national nonprofit and public-private partnership dedicated to ensuring all children have access to high-quality early childhood experiences from prenatal through age five. We advance this mission through direct services, professional learning, research, and policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. Headquartered in Chicago, Start Early maintains a national presence with state offices in Illinois and Washington, and staff based in Washington, DC and nationwide. Our work strengthens early childhood systems, informs public policy, and supports educators and families across the country. We believe families are central partners in children’s learning and development, and that strong early childhood systems are built in partnership with communities. Our work is grounded in collaboration, respect, and evidence-based practice to ensure children and families have access to high-quality programs and support. Position: Executive Director, Illinois
The Executive Director (ED) sets the program, policy, and research agenda for Start Early Illinois, oversees operations, and serves as the organization’s primary external representative in the state. Start Early Illinois accounts for roughly two-thirds of Start Early’s budget and nearly half of its staff, making this role central to the organization’s impact and national credibility. The ED partners closely with policy, program, communications, and development teams to advance a comprehensive, prenatal-to-5 system of early learning and care and to ensure excellence across direct service, professional development, training, and technical assistance. The role also serves as Start Early’s chief spokesperson in Illinois, building relationships with policymakers, funders, and partners while advancing public awareness and support for early learning. As part of this external leadership, the ED champions the Educare model developed by Start Early and its directly operated Educare schools and programs. Reporting to the President and serving on the Start Early Executive Team, the ED oversees: 1) Vice President, Illinois Policy Team; 2) Vice President, Early Learning Network; 3) Vice President, Research and Evaluation; 4) Managing Director, Home Visiting and Doula Network; 5) Managing Director, Professional Learning Network of Illinois; 6) Managing Director, Strategy and Expansion; 7) Chief of Staff, Illinois. The role has overall responsibility for approximately 180 staff and is central to enterprise strategy, board engagement, fundraising, and representing Illinois initiatives at national tables. The Executive Director, Illinois must reside in Illinois and be available for in-person meetings in the Chicagoland area. Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership: Develop and define Start Early Illinois, strengthen strategy, structure, and long-term direction. Lead and support a senior leadership team to ensure collaboration, accountability, and execution across programs, policy, research, and professional learning. Foster a high-performing culture with growth, feedback, and professional development. Strategic Planning: Set and evolve a multi-year strategy aligned with Start Early’s priorities. Translate goals into operating plans, resource decisions, and performance measures. Identify opportunities for growth and innovation while maintaining focus on core programs. External Leadership, Communications & Visibility: Serve as Start Early’s primary external representative in Illinois. Build relationships with policymakers, funders, and partners. Elevate the organization’s voice through public speaking, media engagement, and thought leadership. Funding & Resource Development: Ensure sustainable funding through diverse public and private sources. Partner with Development to cultivate and steward funders and donors; represent Start Early in fundraising efforts and partnerships. Advocacy, Research, and Policy Development: Advance statewide policy and systems-change efforts; leverage research and evaluation to inform advocacy strategy and policy positions. Program Management: Provide executive oversight across all Illinois programs and initiatives. Ensure performance management, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement; guide expansion and innovation while maintaining quality and operational discipline. Requirements
An advanced degree or equivalent experience in human services fields (e.g., social work, education, public health, family studies, developmental psychology) with a strong foundation in early childhood development demonstrated through a degree, professional training, or equivalent experience. Experience with Head Start is preferred but not required. 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: Deep commitment to Start Early’s mission, reflects organizational values with integrity, and fosters an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued 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 relationships Strategic & Innovative Thinking: Drives innovation, thought leadership, and organizational learning Financial Stewardship: Strong funding literacy and responsible resource management Compensation & Benefits
Base Annual Salary:
$278,000-$360,000 As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations. Our Generous Benefits Plan Includes : 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. Equal Opportunity : Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
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Start Early is a national nonprofit and public-private partnership dedicated to ensuring all children have access to high-quality early childhood experiences from prenatal through age five. We advance this mission through direct services, professional learning, research, and policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. Headquartered in Chicago, Start Early maintains a national presence with state offices in Illinois and Washington, and staff based in Washington, DC and nationwide. Our work strengthens early childhood systems, informs public policy, and supports educators and families across the country. We believe families are central partners in children’s learning and development, and that strong early childhood systems are built in partnership with communities. Our work is grounded in collaboration, respect, and evidence-based practice to ensure children and families have access to high-quality programs and support. Position: Executive Director, Illinois
The Executive Director (ED) sets the program, policy, and research agenda for Start Early Illinois, oversees operations, and serves as the organization’s primary external representative in the state. Start Early Illinois accounts for roughly two-thirds of Start Early’s budget and nearly half of its staff, making this role central to the organization’s impact and national credibility. The ED partners closely with policy, program, communications, and development teams to advance a comprehensive, prenatal-to-5 system of early learning and care and to ensure excellence across direct service, professional development, training, and technical assistance. The role also serves as Start Early’s chief spokesperson in Illinois, building relationships with policymakers, funders, and partners while advancing public awareness and support for early learning. As part of this external leadership, the ED champions the Educare model developed by Start Early and its directly operated Educare schools and programs. Reporting to the President and serving on the Start Early Executive Team, the ED oversees: 1) Vice President, Illinois Policy Team; 2) Vice President, Early Learning Network; 3) Vice President, Research and Evaluation; 4) Managing Director, Home Visiting and Doula Network; 5) Managing Director, Professional Learning Network of Illinois; 6) Managing Director, Strategy and Expansion; 7) Chief of Staff, Illinois. The role has overall responsibility for approximately 180 staff and is central to enterprise strategy, board engagement, fundraising, and representing Illinois initiatives at national tables. The Executive Director, Illinois must reside in Illinois and be available for in-person meetings in the Chicagoland area. Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership: Develop and define Start Early Illinois, strengthen strategy, structure, and long-term direction. Lead and support a senior leadership team to ensure collaboration, accountability, and execution across programs, policy, research, and professional learning. Foster a high-performing culture with growth, feedback, and professional development. Strategic Planning: Set and evolve a multi-year strategy aligned with Start Early’s priorities. Translate goals into operating plans, resource decisions, and performance measures. Identify opportunities for growth and innovation while maintaining focus on core programs. External Leadership, Communications & Visibility: Serve as Start Early’s primary external representative in Illinois. Build relationships with policymakers, funders, and partners. Elevate the organization’s voice through public speaking, media engagement, and thought leadership. Funding & Resource Development: Ensure sustainable funding through diverse public and private sources. Partner with Development to cultivate and steward funders and donors; represent Start Early in fundraising efforts and partnerships. Advocacy, Research, and Policy Development: Advance statewide policy and systems-change efforts; leverage research and evaluation to inform advocacy strategy and policy positions. Program Management: Provide executive oversight across all Illinois programs and initiatives. Ensure performance management, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement; guide expansion and innovation while maintaining quality and operational discipline. Requirements
An advanced degree or equivalent experience in human services fields (e.g., social work, education, public health, family studies, developmental psychology) with a strong foundation in early childhood development demonstrated through a degree, professional training, or equivalent experience. Experience with Head Start is preferred but not required. 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: Deep commitment to Start Early’s mission, reflects organizational values with integrity, and fosters an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued 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 relationships Strategic & Innovative Thinking: Drives innovation, thought leadership, and organizational learning Financial Stewardship: Strong funding literacy and responsible resource management Compensation & Benefits
Base Annual Salary:
$278,000-$360,000 As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations. Our Generous Benefits Plan Includes : 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. Equal Opportunity : Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
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