Child Care Program Administrator (Principal Consultant #734)

Illinois State Board of Education; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield is seeking a Child Care Program Administrator (Principal Consultant #734) to lead the administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and provide technical assistance to local education agencies and sponsors.

The role requires extensive knowledge of program management, federal/state regulations, and fiscal oversight, with responsibilities spanning budgeting, compliance, and data analysis to support program reach and quality in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Master's in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Education, Accounting, Business Admin, Finance or related field; or Bachelor's in these areas with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Two years of experience in nutrition, food service management, wellness program management, or related fields.
• Knowledge of nutrition, program management, budgeting, and data analysis; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the administration and program management for the Child and Adult Care Food Program; act as primary contact for questions.
• Approve sponsoring organizations and sites; conduct on-site/off-site financial reviews and document reviews.
• Monitor budgets vs. actual expenditures for program approvals.
• Provide technical assistance to LEAs, advocates, legislators, and Agency staff; develop and deliver training and materials.
• Interpret federal/state regulations and oversee policy implementation.
• Develop procedures and technology systems for efficient program administration.
• Coordinate schedules and timelines for reporting and activities; ensure compliance.
• Collect and analyze data to assess reach and outreach; respond to sponsor inquiries.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Wellness program management

Project coordination

Information systems

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Master's in Nutrition

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Position: Child Care Program Administrator (Principal Consultant #734)

Location: Springfield

Union: IFSOE

Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $64,322 - $81,284

Full Salary Range: $64,322 - $109,467

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date: September 28, 2026

Reporting to the Director, performs work ranging from moderate to considerable complexity applying practices and technical expertise in the areas of child nutrition program and fiscal management and technical assistance for the administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the administration and program management for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, including serving as a primary contact for program related questions from program participants, legislators, USDA, and program advocates.
• Participates in the approval and administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, including approving sponsoring organizations and their sites for participation in the family day care home and/or center operations of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, conducting on-site and off-site financial review, reviewing participant management plans, and reviewing program participant information and financial documentation to ensure that the sponsoring organization is capable, viable, and able to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Monitor and review program budgets versus actual expenditures for programmatic approvals.
• Provides program technical assistance to local education agencies, program administrators, advocacy groups, legislators, and Agency staff, including serving as a primary contact for programmatic, fiscal, and nutrition related questions; researching, developing, and dissemination training and technical assistance materials; and developing and making presentations in a variety of training venues such as workshops and webinars.
• Interprets federal and state regulations, policy memos, and guidance for program administration and local administrators.
• Oversees the implementation of federal and state regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Develops procedures and technology systems for efficient program administration.
• Coordinates and monitors schedules and timelines related to the completion of federal and state completion of reports and activities.
• Collects and analyzes data to determine program reach and outreach.
• Oversees compliance with federal program requirements.
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures for program administrators and coordinates program policies and procedures with related federal and state programs.
• Develops and disseminates program instructions.
• Responds to sponsor questions and requests for technical assistance.
• Reviews proposed federal regulations and prepares Agency comments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Education, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or Social Services, or, a Bachelor's degree in one of the listed areas plus two years of relevant professional experience. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Two years of experience (in addition to education requirements) in nutrition, food service management, wellness program management, governmental grant programs, business administration, auditing, finance or social services.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and demonstrated ability in nutrition, wellness program management, teaching, business administration, finance or social services.
• Knowledge of resource allocation and project coordination.
• Knowledge of information systems and database applications.
• Demonstrated ability to apply problem solving techniques to complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability in conducting multi-task assignments and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability using a computer.
• Demonstrated ability using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must have a valid Illinois Driver's License and the ability to travel.