Executive Director – Glen Ellyn, IL

Job Description

Position Title: Executive Director
Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Reports To: Illinois State Board of Education and West40 (Fiscal Agent)
Type: Full-Time | 12-Month | On-Site | Leadership 

About Philip J. Rock Center and School
The Philip J. Rock Center and School (PJRCS) is a state-funded, 12-month, 24-hour residential school and center serving students ages 3–21 who are deafblind, blind or visually impaired, or deaf and hard of hearing. We are the only publicly funded program of its kind in Illinois. Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and specialized educational environment that empowers every student to reach their fullest potential. 

Qualifications 

• Required: 
  • Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)  
  • Illinois endorsements in General Administrative and Director of Special Education 
  • Demonstrated successful administrative leadership in a special education setting 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Salary Range: starting at $125,000-$150,000 (based on experience and qualifications) 
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and life insurance 
• Other Benefits: 
  • Phone allowance 
  • 20 vacation days 
  • 15 sick days 
  • 3 personal days 

Position Overview
We are seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as Executive Director. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in educational administration, a deep commitment to special education, and a genuine passion for empowering students who have vision or hearing losses that require a functional academic curriculum. This role requires a dynamic individual who can successfully oversee both educational and residential programs while building strong partnerships with families, staff, school districts, and state and federal agencies. 

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership & Strategic Planning 

• Provide visionary leadership and oversight of all school and residential operations 
• Collaborate with ISBE, West40, school districts, families, and other partners to fulfill the school’s mission 
• Direct continuous improvement planning and implementation 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Communicate regularly with parents, caregivers, and home districts 
• Provide professional development and itinerant services when needed 
• Promote strong collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies 

Human Resources & Personnel Management 

• Serve as the chief human relations officer 
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation of all non-certified and contracted staff 
• Develop and maintain staff policies, handbooks, and job descriptions 

Program Oversight 

• Ensure all IEPs are implemented in compliance with state and federal regulations 
• Support the school principal in conducting certified staff evaluations 
• Maintain student records according to Illinois regulations 
• Support the school principal in developing programs supporting transition skills (vocational, domestic, recreational) 

Finance & Compliance 

• Prepare and manage the Center’s budget in collaboration with West40 and ISBE 
• Serve as lead negotiator in collective bargaining processes 
• Submit required reports to ISBE and other agencies 

Job Requirements 

• Knowledge of Illinois learning standards, special education law, and behavior management 
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills 
• Ability to manage complex compliance and administrative systems 

How to apply for this job?

1. Register for an account on the HYA website. Or, log in to the HYA website if you already have an account created. Click the Login/Register button at the top of the page to get started.
2. After logging in, click the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
3. You will be redirected to the Frontline Education website. This website is where you will submit your application. This website also will require its own unique login and password.