Senior Director for Adult Education and Literacy

Job Requisition ID: 57498
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 07/29/2026
Agency: Illinois Community College Board
Salary: $70,000.00 - $77,000.00
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon or Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1

A resume is required to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.  Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

The Illinois Community College Board

Illinois community colleges serve almost 600,000 residents each year in credit, noncredit, and continuing education courses. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts which provide high quality, accessible, cost-effective educational opportunities to the entire state.

ICCB offers an excellent benefits package, including competitive employee insurance premiums as well as flexible options for medical coverage. Vision insurance is included at no cost and dental insurance is available. Eligible employees participate in the State University Retirement System, which offers medical insurance upon retirement. Tuition waivers are offered for continued educational goals, and a generous paid time off package includes paid holidays, earned vacation, sick, and personal time.

For more information on benefits visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/StateEmployee/Pages/default.aspx.

Senior Director for Adult Education and Literacy

This position provides leadership and overall administration of the Adult Education and Literacy Division. The position is responsible for the management and oversight of state and federal adult education grants; coordination of statewide instructional providers; administration of English language acquisition and adult basic and secondary education programs; and development of transition programs that support students in advancing to postsecondary education, training, and employment. The position also oversees high school equivalency testing, the Early School Leaver Transition Program, strategic planning, data collection and reporting, program monitoring, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and requirements. This position works collaboratively with adult education providers, advisory groups, workforce partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen program quality, improve student outcomes, and advance the statewide Adult Education and Literacy system.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises assigned staff, providing direction and support to ensure high-quality data analysis, reporting, and continuous professional development.

Program Administration and Oversight

• Work with adult education (AE) deans, directors, instructors, students, and area planning councils to provide information on Adult Education and Literacy programs and services including English as a Second Language and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, Bridge Programs, and Integrated Education and Training.
• Administer and maintain standards for state and federal adult education grant programs.
• Oversee the Early School Leaver Transition Program, including the development of funding standards and ensure compliance with state laws.

Strategic Planning and Policy Implementation

• Update and implement the strategic plan for adult education.
• Remain knowledgeable on the Workforce Innovation Opportunities (WIOA) Act legislation and develop strategies for implementation, including development of the unified state plan.

Reporting, Data, and Program Evaluation

• Develop state and federal reports.
• Maintain and update the process for data, reporting, monitoring, program evaluation, and student follow-up within each provider area.
• Prepare informational reports about Adult Education programs and services.
• Provide leadership in the improvement of Adult Education data collection and reporting.

Advisory Groups and Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and oversee Adult Education Advisory Groups including English Language Acquisition (ELA), Adult Basic and Secondary Education, and Professional Development and Training.
• Participate in the Advisory Groups.

Program Development and Special Initiatives

• Research and develop effective programs to smooth transitions to postsecondary education/training and employment.
• Provide leadership on special initiatives and grants.

Grant Planning and Approval Processes

• Develop, distribute, review, and approve annual Adult Education Area Plan and Request for Proposals.
• Oversee the Illinois Community College Board Adult Education course approval process.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between internal departments, state agencies, and external partners to promote effective communication, collaboration, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include travel.

Leadership Responsibilities as Identified Under WIOA Section 223

• Coordinate the statewide instruction of Adult Education and Literacy.
• Monitor programs to ensure compliance with federal and state legislation and regulations.
• Oversee the regional adult education center and other leadership activities.
• Provide training as needed to Adult Education programs relative to instruction, standards, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience English language acquisition, adult basic and secondary education, or related work. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
• Demonstrated oral and written communication, human relations, and analytical skills.
• Established effective working relationships with co-workers, officials, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering presentations, training, or technical information to diverse audiences, including administrators, instructional staff, program providers, or other stakeholders.
• Two years’ supervisory experience.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Seven years' experience in higher education administration, community college academics, English language acquisition and adult education instruction or administration or related experience.
• Experience with, or adequate knowledge of, the Illinois Community College System and Adult Education and Literacy System.

State Universities Civil Service System Title

Program Director - 5003

​Work Hours: Monday - FridayHeadquarter Location: 401 E Capitol Ave, Springfield, Illinois, 62701Work County: Sangamon or CookAgency Contact: Brianna DennisEmail: iccb.careers@illinois.govPhone #: 217-785-0123

Important Information for Applicants:

All ICCB staff are employees of the State of Illinois. Our employment practices are governed by the Statutes and Rules of the State Universities Civil Service System (SUCSS). Within SUCSS, each position is assigned to a civil service job classification or exemption that carries its own specific and distinct set of minimum qualifications. Those job qualifications are used in evaluating each applicants’ educational background and experience in order to determine their eligibility for employment. Employment applications filed with other State agencies or employment systems are not acceptable applications for employment with this office.

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials are required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview. Register will be cleared after position is filled.

This position requires a criminal background investigation and, if applicable, an employment history review. Any offer of employment is contingent upon successfully passing these checks. Employment may not commence until the results of the background investigation have been reviewed and approved by Human Resources.

Please note: ICCB does not participate in E-Verify. 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com