Senior Director For Adult Education And Literacy

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

• Serve as the primary liaison to federal departments overseeing adult education as well as local adult education program personnel including deans, directors, instructors, students, and Area Planning Councils by providing guidance on program requirements, policies, and state and federal initiatives.


• Provide leadership, supervision, and performance oversight for Adult Education staff.


• Administer state and federal Adult Education grant programs and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and program requirements.


• Oversee the statewide Adult Education professional development system, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of training and technical assistance activities.


• Coordinate intergovernmental agreements, grant agreements, and program budget oversight activities in collaboration with the ICCB Division of Grant Management.


• Oversee the State Title II Management Information System and ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state data collection, reporting, and accountability requirements.


• Oversee the Illinois Community College Board Adult Education course approval process.

Strategic Planning and Policy Implementation

• Maintain expertise in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and related legislation; lead implementation efforts and contribute to the development and maintenance of the Unified State Plan.


• Represent Title II Adult Education in coordination with WIOA Core Partners, the WIOA Technical Assistance Team, and statewide workgroups related to professional development, performance accountability, referrals, and other assigned initiatives.

Reporting, Data, and Program Evaluation

• Develop, review, and submit required state and federal reports related to Adult Education programs and outcomes.


• Prepare and disseminate reports, analyses, and informational materials regarding Adult Education programs, services, and outcomes.


• Provide strategic leadership for the continuous improvement of Adult Education data systems, data quality, reporting processes, and performance accountability measures.

Advisory Groups and Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish, convene, and oversee the Adult Education Advisory Council.

Program Development and Special Initiatives

• Research, develop, and promote effective practices and programs that support learner transitions to postsecondary education, workforce training, and employment.

Grant Planning and Approval Processes

• Develop and review annual Adult Education Area Plans and Grant Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

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