Description

4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director to lead a respected nonprofit dedicated to improving outcomes for young children by supporting the family caregivers who teach and nurture them. This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide a high-impact organization, strengthen community partnerships, and shape the future of early childhood support services in our region. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and community leadership to advance 4-C’s mission and long-term sustainability, ensuring high-quality program delivery, sound financial stewardship, and meaningful community impact. The Executive Director leads a dedicated staff team, manages and oversees the responsible distribution of federal and state funds granted to 4-C, and serves as the organization’s primary representative within the community.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Nonprofit Administration, or related social services field.
• Experience in Early Care and Education, along with at least eight years of management experience.
• The individual must demonstrate strong skills in strategic planning, written and oral communication, administrative management, organizational development, interpersonal relations, supervision, community engagement, record management, and grant writing.
  Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to interact comfortably with a variety of groups and individuals including politicians, government officials, day care staff and community agencies.
• Availability to attend evening, weekend, and occasional out-of-town meetings as required.
• Experience managing or administering federally funded programs, along with a strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, and compliance is required. 
• Prior administrative experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across all programs and departments ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide executive leadership and oversight of day-to-day nonprofit operations, programs, and staff.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture that supports staff engagement and well-being in a positive work environment.
• Promote initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in operations, staffing, and service delivery.
• Oversee contract management, including state contracts, compliance, and reimbursement accuracy.
• Develop the annual budget, prepare reports for the Board of Directors, funders and stakeholders.
• Attend board meetings and implement board decisions.
• Guide implementation of the agency’s Strategic Plan and organizational priorities.
• Ensure fiscal stability through grant writing, grant management, fundraising, and resource development.
• Design and lead comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure sustainable financial resources.
• Monitor state contracts and reimbursement processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Advocate for children and families at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson, strengthening community partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Serve on committees or boards as necessary and perform other duties as assigned.

Key Skills

• Strong organizational leadership, prioritization, and time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build trust and maintain transparency among Board members, staff, funders, and community partners.
• Demonstrated experience with federal grants, state contracts, fiscal management, and regulatory compliance.
• Commitment to equity, ethics, and community-centered service.
• Experience in grant writing and reporting, particularly for government and foundation funders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills.
• Provides visionary, values-driven leadership that aligns with the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and community needs.
• Makes decisions with clarity, sound judgment and confidence in complex environments. 
   

Position Start Date: July 1, 2026
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

To apply:

Please attach resume and cover letter to your application through NPO

or mail to:

4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care; Attn: J Breiling; 444 E Hillcrest Dr., STE 300; DeKalb, IL  60115

4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.