State of Illinois

SPECIAL PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR

State of Illinois • $129K — $139K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business or public administration.
  • Three years of relevant administrative project management experience.
  • Professional experience managing complex projects in dynamic environments.
  • Experience analyzing and documenting data in organizations.
  • Expertise in developing and implementing policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Executive Management Assistant to the Chief Behavioral Health Officer.
  • Coordinate a variety of sensitive special projects as directed by the CBHO.
  • Act as a representative for the CBHO on department-wide projects and teams.
  • Facilitate communication between the CBHO and public stakeholders.
  • Manage the timekeeping for the CBHO.

Benefits

  • Robust pension program.
  • Comprehensive health insurance including dental and vision.
  • Paid personal business days and vacation time.
  • 12 weeks paid parental leave.
  • Eligibility for federal public service loan forgiveness.
Full Job Description
Job Requisition ID: 58899 Opening Date: 09/30/2026Closing Date: 10/14/2026Agency: Department of Human ServicesClass Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Salary: $10,759 - $11,655 per month ($129,108 - $139,860 per year)Job Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: NoneMerit Comp Code: Managerial Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage
Work Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 401 S Clinton St, Chicago, Illinois, 60607

Secretary's Office

Chief Behavioral Health Office

Administration
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Position Overview

The Department of Human Services is seeking to hire a Special Project Administrator for the Secretary's Office located in Chicago, Illinois. The incumbent will participate in planning, policy and programming activities mandated by legislation, regulations, and the Secretary. Administratively tracks and coordinates information on the integration of the global behavioral health system in Illinois. Coordinates, directs and participates in a variety of special projects, many of which are of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature. Acts as representative of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO) on Department-wide projects and works teams to conceive, develop and implement procedures and practices to promote an improved and integrated network of services to persons served by the Department's programs.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as Executive Management Assistant for the Department of Human Services Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO).
  • Serves as Special Project Administrator for the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO).
  • Coordinates, directs, and participates in a variety of special projects, many of which are of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature, as instructed by the CBHO.
  • Serves as representative of the CBHO on Department-wide projects and work teams to conceive, develop and implement procedures and practices to promote an improved and integrated network of services to persons served by the Department's programs.
  • Serves as liaison between the CBHO and members of the general public, customers, and other state agencies.
  • Serves as the CBHO's timekeeper.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years college with course work in business or public administration.
  • Requires three (3) years progressively responsible administrative project management experience in a public or private organization.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Three (3) years of professional experience managing complex projects in a dynamic environment which require input and/or approval from many partners and in developing and managing project plans including developing and staying on realistic timelines, identifying partners and their roles, planning and facilitating project meetings and effectively leading project communication.
  • Three (3) years of project management experience for a public or private organization, including the development of concepts, strategies and facilitation.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience analyzing and documenting data for a public or private organization.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience recommending and implementing polices and procedures relative to latest trends and standards for public or business organization.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience analyzing administrative problems and adopting an effective course of action.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience preparing administrative documents such as policy and program procedures, operations, personnel, etc.


Conditions of Employment

  • Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
  • A Pension Program
  • Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
  • 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
  • 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
    • Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
  • 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
  • Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
  • 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
  • Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
  • Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
  • GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
  • 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the Current Employee Guide at Application Procedures or by logging in to the career portal for State employees and viewing the instructions on Completing the Electronic Application.

Non-State employees: Detailed application instructions can be found in the External Applicant Guide at Application Procedures or from Illinois.jobs2web.com - click Application Resources in the footer of every page of the website.

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of the posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in via the Employee Login link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to their career portal.

Non-State employees should click the Sign Up link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon to sign in to an existing external account or to create a new external account.

State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

About State of Illinois

The name "Illinois" comes from a Native American word meaning "tribe of superior men." Louis Joliet and Father Marquette were the first Europeans to arrive in Illinois in 1673. Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818 and was the 21st state to enter the Union. The state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union." Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the country with almost 12.9 million people. Abraham Lincoln and three other U.S. Presidents have called Illinois home, including Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. The General Assembly adopted the state slogan, "Land of Lincoln" in 1955. Springfield is the state capital and home to more Abraham Lincoln sites than any other place in the United States, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, and Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

State of Illinois Careers

Join the dedicated team at the State of Illinois and discover a wealth of job opportunities where professional growth and innovation are at the forefront of its mission. The State of Illinois is renowned for its commitment to excellence and diversity, offering careers that cater to a variety of skills and interests.

Work You’ll Do

At the State of Illinois, every position contributes to the betterment of its community and the nation. Whether it's through leadership roles or entry-level positions, the impact of your work will be felt across various sectors. The State provides a platform where skills are honed, and professional aspirations are nurtured.

Explore Diverse Job Opportunities

The State of Illinois offers a range of employment options from administrative roles to environmental conservation, healthcare, and more. Each career path is equipped with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with the State of Illinois through its dynamic internship programs. These opportunities are designed for those who are looking to develop their professional skills in a real-world setting, providing a stepping stone to full-time employment.

Innovative Work Environment

Innovation is key in the operations at the State of Illinois. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving the State towards efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

Professional Growth and Development

The State of Illinois is committed to the professional development of its team. With access to diverse training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, employees are well-equipped to ascend in their careers.

Benefits and Culture

The employment experience at the State of Illinois is enhanced by its inclusive culture and comprehensive benefits package. The State values the well-being and satisfaction of its team, ensuring a supportive and positive work environment.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within the State of Illinois can significantly enhance career trajectories. Employees have numerous opportunities to connect with leaders and peers through various events and professional groups, fostering a community of collaboration and support.

Join the Team

The State of Illinois is continuously hiring new talent. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The hiring process at the State of Illinois is transparent and thorough, ensuring that the best candidates are selected for the right positions. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a team that values hard work and dedication.

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