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Job Description
Executive Director, Office of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment Closes :
Open Until Filled College of Education Eastern Illinois University is pleased to invite applications for the Executive Director, Office of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment position (internal search). The Executive Director provides institutional leadership for educator preparation, licensure compliance, and clinical partnerships across the university. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, the Executive Director serves as the university's designated authority for recommending candidates for educator licensure to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and ensures institutional compliance with state requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the university's designated official for recommending educator licensure candidates to ISBE. Interpret, monitor, and ensure compliance with ISBE statutes, rules, policies, and reporting requirements. Act as the primary institutional liaison to ISBE for licensure communication, audits, reviews, and corrective actions. Oversee verification of candidate eligibility and completion of licensure requirements across all pathways. Review, certify, and document licensure recommendations, deferrals, and denials. Supervise the Office of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment, including administrative staff. Supervise student teaching faculty and coordinate supervision structures and evaluations. Provide direct oversight of student teaching as the culminating clinical experience. Coordinate and support pre-student teaching field experiences across programs and colleges. Review and approve program changes for licensure compliance prior to implementation. Identify licensure compliance risks and collaborate with programs on corrective actions. Serve as the university's primary contact for PK-12 school partnerships related to licensure and field experiences. Oversee endorsements, add-on licenses, reciprocity, and specialized licensure pathways. Maintain licensure data systems and prepare reports for university leadership. Advise the Dean and university leadership on licensure policy, educator workforce needs, and strategic initiatives. Serve as ex-officio member of the Council on Teacher Education.
Required Qualifications:
Earned doctorate in education or a closely related field. Demonstrated knowledge of educator licensure requirements and regulatory compliance. Experience with educator preparation programs and clinical/field-based experiences. Strong organizational, communication, and cross-unit coordination skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior service as a licensure officer, certification officer, or equivalent role. Experience working directly with state education agencies (e.g., ISBE). Administrative leadership experience supervising faculty and staff. Established record of partnership work with PK-12 school districts.
Starting Date:
July 1, 2026
Salary Range:
$9,628.00 (min.) to $10,128.00 (max.) per month. 12-month faculty salary commensurate with rank and experience, plus monthly administrative stipend aligned with department chair compensation.
Benefits Overview:
Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals. This position is eligible for the following benefits:
Comprehensive Medical Coverage:
Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
Vision Insurance:
Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
Dental Insurance:
Dental plans available to meet your needs.
Retirement Benefits:
Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
Tuition Waivers:
Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
Generous Paid Time Off:
Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time. For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.
Applications:
Please submit curriculum vitae, letter of application, and contact information for three professional references via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/188686 . Inquiries about the position may be directed to Jill R. Rennels-Hutti, Screening Committee Chair, jrrennelshutti@eiu.edu. Review of applications will begin June 30, 2026, and will continue until campus interviews are scheduled.
The University and Community:
Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois-ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented. The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation-alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU's Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University. Eastern Illinois University provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, applicants for employment, and employees. Discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes, is strictly prohibited. The University further commits to a program of affirmative action as prescribed by statute to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with a disability and qualified protected veterans (disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans).
