Policy and Program Operations Administrator

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.

Position Overview

The Division of Family & Community Services is seeking a strategic, results‑oriented, and collaborative administrator to oversee Bureau of Employment and Training (E&T) Policy and Program Operations for the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). This leader must excel at communicating effectively across all levels of the organization and possess strong critical‑thinking skills, deep policy and operational insight, and demonstrated success managing complex, multi‑faceted programs. The Administrator will guide statewide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) E&T and related workforce initiatives by overseeing program design, policy development and implementation, grantmaking and contracting, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate brings a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and equitable, customer‑centered service delivery, ensuring high‑quality, compliant, and accessible pathways to training, skills, and employment for Illinois residents. The Division’s mission is to assist Illinois residents by connecting them with public assistance programs and services. Through its programs, services, and prevention efforts, the Division improves the health and well-being of individuals and promotes self-sufficiency and integrity of families of Illinois. 

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Bureau of Employment and Training (E&T) Policy and Program Operations Administrator, providing strategic leadership and oversight to strengthen statewide SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Employment and Training (TANF E&T), and other workforce policy and program operations in alignment with Division of Family & Community Services’ goals.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Leads the design and execution of the Bureau’s policy and programmatic efforts related to E&T program access, effectiveness, quality, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the members and officials of the Illinois General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, the Attorney General, the Bureau of Budget, the Federal Government and other State, Federal and Local agencies interested in interacting in the Office of Workforce Development.
• Defines, directs, and evaluates areas for program research and the development of information and data required to facilitate managerial decision-making processes.
• Works closely with FCS Family and Community Resource Centers to improve employment and training services to customers, identify solutions to issues, coordinate the implementation of contractual agreements, and expansion of service providers based on need.
• 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 of four (4) years college with course work in social or human services field.
• Requires four (4) years progressively responsible administrative employment and training policy and program experience in a human and health services organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional leadership and oversight of a public assistance employment and training program such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Employment and Training (TANF E&T), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), or similar.
• Three (3) years of professional supervisory experience leading a team of professional or managerial staff, including staff onboarding, establishing priorities, assigning work, coaching and training staff, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Three (3) years of professional experience interpreting and applying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) policy and regulations to develop and implement program policy guidance for staff.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in grantmaking or contract management within a public or private organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience working with federal cost principles and/or Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA).
• Three (3) years of professional experience using advanced Microsoft Excel functionalities such as pivot tables, complex formulas, data validation, filters, and slicers and data management systems such as SharePoint to direct complex data analysis, tracking, and monitoring activities.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• 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.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

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

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois.  Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives.  Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois.  Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.