State of Illinois

TRANSIT OPERATING PROGRAM MANAGER - NORTHERN (TECHNICAL MANAGER IV)

State of Illinois$65K — $116K *
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in transportation management, business administration, public administration, accounting, or planning plus 2 years of relevant experience
  • 8 years of experience in transportation operations, managing fiscal programs, or a related field as an alternative to a degree
  • Familiarity with state and federal funding programs and grants
  • Understanding of financial management and accounting principles
  • Ability to analyze large datasets and solve complex problems
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Review and manage public transportation operating assistance funding programs
  • Guide funding recipients on compliance with federal and state policies
  • Assist with the development of the Northern Illinois operating assistance program
  • Coordinate with state agencies regarding operating programs in northern Illinois
  • Provide technical support for program participants navigating procurement processes
  • Attend meetings and provide updates for human service transportation planning commissions
  • Conduct presentations on policies to various governmental and civic groups

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with flexible in-office requirements
  • Participation in a union with collective bargaining provisions
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Collaborative work environment with emphasis on teamwork
  • Access to a comprehensive benefits package
Full Job Description
Job Requisition ID: 58773 IPR #26-01795Opening Date: 09/18/2026Closing Date: 10/02/2026Agency: Department of TransportationPosition Title: Technical Manager IVSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,432 Monthly; Full Range: $5,432 - $9,713 MonthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 ProTech Teamsters
Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Work Office: Office of Intermodal Project Implementation / Bureau of Transit Operations
Work Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603Work County: Cook
Agency Contact:
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for the review, analysis, and program management of public transportation operating assistance funding programs, and grants in the northern portion of the state of Illinois. This position assists both urban and rural communities with various populations with funding and grant related issues. Additionally, this position assists with technical issues adhering to federal and state programmatic, compliance requirements for the northern area of Illinois, excluding the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), and the Chicago Metropolitan area.

Essential Functions

  • Remains abreast of federal and state guidelines and requirements to ensure proper administration of programs.
  • Provides guidance to the department funding recipients regarding operating assistance issues and ensures program compliance with federal and state policies and procedures.
  • Assists the Northern Transit Operating Section Chief with the annual development and maintenance of the Northern Illinois operating assistance program to plan for funding and scheduling of projects.
  • Serves as the state's contact for operating programs administered in northern Illinois which includes formulating positions, responding to inquiries, and providing coordination with other state agencies and other states.
  • Provides technical services for program participants and sometimes assists participant efforts in navigating operating procurements within federal and state requirements.
  • Provides oversight and support of the northern Illinois human service transportation program (HSTP) regional planning commissions, their agreements and activities, attends quarterly meetings, provides state transit updates, and reviews the regional HSTP 5-year plans
  • Conducts presentations to county boards, city councils, transit related organizations, and special interest groups regarding policies.
  • Reviews funding applications and payment requisitions for accuracy, program compliance and eligibility.
  • Utilizes a grants management system to help maintain records of all program activity for the northern Illinois operating agreements and reviews required reporting of each program cycle from receipt of the application through completion of the audit.
  • Maintains harmonious relationships with employees, management, and the public.
  • Serves as an informal peer leader and operational resource for staff, providing daily guidance on routine workflows, facilitating annual process training sessions, and acting as a supportive helper to elevate overall team capabilities.
  • Performs special high-priority assignments related to Office of Intermodal Project Implementation (OIPI) activities as directed.
  • Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree majoring in transportation management, business administration, public administration, accounting, or planning PLUS two years of related experience in overseeing transportation operations, managing fiscal programs, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof OR Eight years of related experience in overseeing transportation operations,managing fiscal programs, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience and knowledge working with state and federal funding programs and grants.
  • Knowledge and understanding of financial management and general accounting principles.
  • Ability to manage and analyze large amounts of data and assignments.
  • Ability to visualize, articulate, and solve complex problems.
  • Strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills.


Conditions of Employment

  • Valid driver's license.
  • Frequent statewide travel that may include overnight stays.
  • Successful completion of a background screening.
  • Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non- State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this 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 to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

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

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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