Budget Analyst

The Budget Analyst ensures that contract and sub-contract budgets reflect the actual cost of operations and the fiscal guidelines established by each funder and by Illinois Action for Children; tracks and analyzes expenditures for contracts and sub-contracts in relation to budgets; and oversees fiscal reporting by Action for Children to funders, and by sub-contractors to Action for Children. Duties include: develops and maintains expertise on the fiscal requirements of each outside funding source, including allowable costs, basis for reimbursement, documentation requirements, cash flow plans, and reporting requirements; creates, revises, manages and receives approvals for budgets for each contract and grant in the format required by the funding source, and prepares financial reports as required by each funder; trains Action for Children program staff and sub-contractors on financial reporting and record-keeping requirements and develops manuals, forms and procedures for their use in reporting program expenditures. This position requires Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; three to five years experience with similar responsibilities, excellent communications skills and knowledge of fund accounting and cost allocation required.
Location: 4753 N. Broadway, Chicago

Family Resources Parent Consultant (Bilingual-Spanish)

The Family Resources Parent Consultant provides referral services to parents seeking childcare. Provides education and information on child development issues, quality indicators, licensing rules, IDHS Child Care Assistance Program, Head Start and other subsidized programs. Duties include: Offer information, education and consultation to parents seeking childcare over the phone and/or at the walk-in desk; educate parents on how to select care, developmental needs, child care options, and availability of care; input data and maintain customer database. This position requires a Bachelor`s degree in Social Services, Early Education or related field with at least 18 credit hours of child development (birth-six), psychology, sociology, parent education or social work classes and two years work experience with direct childcare OR Associates degree or two years of college classes with a minimum of 60 credit hours in child development (birth-six), social work, psychology, counseling or parent education with three years work experience with direct childcare. Ability to commuincate fluently in Spanish required. All applicants must meet these specific requirements to be considered for the position.
Location: 1340 S. Damen, Chicago

Family Resources Specialist

The Family Resources Specialist participates in all aspects of the IDHS Child Care Certificate Program as related to parents and providers of child care. Duties include: assessing and determining parent and provider eligibility by reviewing applications and authorizing payments for child care as determined by IDHS policies and procedures; informing parents and providers of program operation, policies and procedures in an appropriate and professional manner over the phone and/or in person; educating parents and providers on the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program and respond to inquiries. This position requires an Associate’s degree or 60 college credit hours and six months related experience and/or training. Excellent data entry skills, exceptional customer service and ability to handle a high volume of phone calls required.
Location: 1340 S. Damen, Chicago

Family Resources Supervisor

The Family Resources Supervisor manages the direct services provided to parents and providers through Illinois Action for Children’s Family Resources programs including but not limited to the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program, parent referral services and the Cook County Child Care Assistance Study. Duties include: supervise assigned team to ensure that high quality and professional services are provided to parents and providers that work with IAFC and ensure confidentiality of parent and provider information received and managed by the agency; implement quality control measurements on assigned staff to ensure effective, efficient and professional services are provided to parents and providers within set timelines and procedures; prepare written reports on assigned groups caseload utilization and assigned teams activities; and knowledgeable of all assigned team members functions to serve as back up to assist team, if needed. This position requires a Bachelor's degree and one to two years related experience and/or training. Supervisory experience is required. Must demonstrate the ability to multi-task, excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent customer service and attention to detail.
Location: 1340 S. Damen, Chicago

Organizing Associate

The Organizing Associate is responsible for recruiting, building and maintaining relationships with Action for Children members; identifying and fostering leadership within the membership; and focusing on intensive community organizing in selected areas of the state. Duties include: Build relationships with local grassroots advocates in order to recruit and develop early childhood care and education leaders in Illinois; assist in coordinating statewide membership events including the Parent Rally Day, Conference and Lobby Day, Statewide Public Policy Caucuses and Community Dialogue series; provide presentations, trainings and workshops at both local and statewide venues upon request. This position requires Bachelor's degree and one to two years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience; background in grassroots organizing; public speaking and presentation skills, writing and editing; car and valid Illinois Driver’s License required; ability to communicate fluently in Spanish preferred.
Location 4753 N. Broadway, Chicago

Planning & Evaluation Program Manager

The Planning & Evaluation Program Manager develops implementation plans and evaluation systems for Action for Children’s early learning programs, helps program staff establish objectives, timelines, and milestones for program implementation, and recommends changes based on program data. Duties include: establishes measurable objectives for each Preschool for All site based on ISBE contract deliverables, Action for Children goals, and site priorities; oversees the program data collection system, including the alignment of data with objectives and improvement plans; recommends database modifications and data collection procedures to capture appropriate data; analyses collected data regularly, and recommend program improvement plans based on data analysis and discussions with program personnel. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in education, planning or related field. Masters degree is preferred. Must possess at least five years of high-level experience in education or planning, such as executive leadership of a school, agency or major department.
Location: 4753 N. Broadway,Chicago

Policy Associate

The Policy Associate monitors federal, state and/or local policies as they affect working families, their children and the early childhood profession. Assists in the development of Action for Children’s policy and legislative proposals. Support legislative advocacy campaigns by: tracking policy proposals/bills that impact early care and education, serve as key contact for legislative staff in Springfield and state agencies, and provide written materials for Action for Children’s membership as well as elected officials on key policy priorities. Duties include: Monitor and analyze local, state, and/or federal policies, programs and budgets. Draft fact sheets, “action alerts,” and other educational or advocacy materials as needed. Write content and update Action for Children’s website with relevant materials as needed. This position requires a Bachelor's degree and one to two years related experience and/or training; working knowledge of the political/legislative process; knowledge of MS Excel, Powerpoint, and analytical/persuasive writing a must; public presentation experience and/or skills required; research skills –online and otherwise- required; excellent writing, editing, and speaking skills; valid Illinois driver’s license car and proof of insurance required.
Location: 4753 N. Broadway, Chicago