Special Initiatives Manager
Chicago, IL, US, 60661
Job Requisition ID: 56653
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: 07/06/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option: Health and Human Services
Bilingual Option:
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $9,585 - $11,250 per month ($115,020 - $135,000 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Supervisory Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage
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.
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
Serves as the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness’ Manager of Special Initiatives, providing leadership and oversight of priority projects related to subject areas including but not limited to strengthening homeless response systems, advancing racial equity related to homelessness, implementing and improving homelessness housing, service, and prevention models, and supporting leadership development of people with lived expertise. Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the Office’s special initiatives in support of the Home Illinois’ vision, including directing the work of the Special Initiatives team and managing relationships with partners.
Essential Functions
- Serves as the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness’ (OPEH) Manager of Special Initiatives, providing supervision, leadership and oversight of priority projects related to subject areas including, but not limited to, strengthening homeless response systems, advancing racial equality related to homelessness, implementing and improving homelessness housing, service and prevention models, and supporting leadership development of people with lived expertise.
- Serves as full-line supervisor.
- Develops projects from an identified broad goal (such as improving compliant resolution for clients of grantees) to identifying and exploring a broad range of solutions, securing leadership approval of a recommended solution, and leading implementation.
- Provides content expertise within areas of work.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
- Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience working with homelessness in a health or human services organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three (3) years of professional experience, within a health or human services organization, managing and guiding multiple direct reports to plan for and meet project deliverables.
- Four (4) years of professional experience developing and implementing innovative strategies or projects to prevent and end homelessness.
- Four (4) years of professional experience utilizing best practices in homeless response systems and homeless-dedicated housing models such as harm reduction and housing first philosophies and low-barrier program design.
- Three (3) years of professional experience overseeing the development of pilot programs and special initiatives for a health or human services organization.
- Three (3) years of professional experience gathering input and/or approval from a variety of partners regarding project plans 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.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Work Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Secretary’s Office
Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
Special Initiatives
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Social Services
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
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)
- Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time 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
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.
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:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Chicago