DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL - LEGISLATION & POLICY
Chicago, IL, US, 60603
Job Requisition ID: 48320
Closing Date: 07/18/2025
Agency: Department of Early Childhood
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,000 - $10,833 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook; Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Excluded - Subject to Paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (6) of Section 4d of the Personnel Code
****A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****
Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Department of Early Childhood must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.
***This position is Exempt from Jurisdiction B of the Illinois Personnel Code under provision of paragraph 4d(3)***
Position Overview:
The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking to hire a Deputy General Counsel. This position will provide strategic legal and policy leadership on complex issues affecting early intervention, special education, licensing, and related areas. The role advises senior leadership, manages legislative and regulatory matters, and supports compliance with federal and state laws. Responsibilities include supervising legal staff, coordinating with the General Assembly, and collaborating with state and federal agencies to ensure the legal integrity of departmental operations and initiatives. The ideal candidate will be experienced in analyzing legal issues related to early childhood, special education, and childcare licensing who excels in a highly collaborative and fast paced environment. Apply today to join a team committed to making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family!
Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including:
- Monday-Friday schedule
- Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
- Paid Parental leave
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
- Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
- (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
- Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
- (13-14) paid state holidays annually
Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Essential Functions
- Serves as Deputy General Counsel for Legislation & Policy
- Serves as Department liaison to and interacts with members of the General Assembly and their staffs on issues of interest to the Department, presenting the Department’s interests in contacts regarding legislation and legislative and regulatory agendas.
- Serves as a full line supervisor.
- Acts as spokesperson for General Counsel.
- Supports the Legislative Director and the Policy Director by providing legal feedback on proposed legislation and rules.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited law school.
- Requires Illinois license to practice law.
- Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible legal experience in a public of business organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three (3) years of professional experience in conducting legal research and analyzing administrative problems and adopting an effective course of action.
- Three (3) years of professional experience exercising judgement and discretion in developing, implementing and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
- Three (3) years of professional experience in drafting and reviewing contracts.
- Prefer working knowledge of legal issues related to early childhood special education and childcare licensing.
- Prefer ability to develop and manage a supportive agency program.
- Prefer ability to develop, install and evaluate new and revised methods, procedures and performance standards.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires the ability to pass a background check.
- Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
- Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
- Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.
The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
About the Agency
The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) was signed into law in June of 2025 with the focus of making early childhood education and care services simpler, better and fairer for families with young children across the state. During fiscal years FY25 and FY26, IDEC will be working through transitioning data, programs and services from three state agencies – the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the – to IDEC in order to be fully operational by July 2026.
Illinois strives to be the best state in the nation to raise a family with young children and IDEC is committed to continue putting children and families center while reducing complexities and finding efficiencies in the system and advancing equity.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Work Location: 115 S La Salle St., Chicago, Illinois, 60603
Agency Contact: Sally McDaniel-Smith
Email: sally.mcdanielsmith@illinois.gov
Phone #: 217-900-0865
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance
Revolving Door:
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 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:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Chicago