Associate Director

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 Associate Director for the Office of Benefit Management.   Plans, coordinates, directs, and develops program policy, operations, and benefits for the Statewide Program Initiative and the Bureau of Local Office Transaction and Support Services within Division of Family and Community Services.  Establishes measurable programmatic goals and objectives and evaluates and monitor outcomes.  Serves as full-line supervisor. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives that enhance program effectiveness and service delivery. Directs budget preparation, staff development, staffing plans, and expenditure justifications. Coordinates with federal and state agencies, contractors, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent program operations and compliance with regulations. Oversees data collection, research, and analysis of program operations. 

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Associate Director for the Office of Benefit Management.   
• Establishes measurable programmatic goals and objectives and evaluates and monitor outcomes. 
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives that enhance program effectiveness and service delivery.
• Directs budget preparation, staff development, staffing plans, and expenditure justifications.
• Coordinates with federal and state agencies, contractors, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent program operations and compliance with regulations.
• Oversees data collection, research, and analysis of program operations.
• 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, preferably with courses in business or public administration.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative program experience in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience working with external stakeholders to ensure consistent program operations and compliance with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or other federal partner regulations for programs such as Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and Summer EBT.
• Three (3) years of professional experience developing and implementing policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives that enhance program effectiveness and service delivery for a public or private organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience directing budget preparation, staff development, staffing plans, and expenditure justifications for a public or private organization.
• Three (3) years of professional supervisory experience assigning work, providing guidance to subordinates, recommending counseling and/or discipline following collective bargaining agreements, training staff, approving time off, and preparing and signing performance evaluations.
• Three (3) years of professional experience directing program policy, operations, and benefits for a public or private organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience establishing program goals and objectives for a public or private organization.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.