Legislative and Communications Manager

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students.  To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Date:  Jul 31, 2025
Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62762

Job Requisition ID:  48411

Job Requisition ID: 48411 

Opening Date: 08/01/2025
Closing Date: 08/14/2025
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 
Bilingual Option: 
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $10,395 - $12,162 per month ($124,740 - $145,944 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Managerial Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

 

****************A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****************

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document that is not a Resume or CV.

 

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. 

 Posting Identification Number  48411

 

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 Legislative and Communications Manager for the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH). Leads OPEH’s relationships with legislators, in partnership with the DHS Legislative Affairs Division. Develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy to raise public awareness and support for homelessness prevention efforts. Serves as full-line supervisor.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as the Legislative and Communications Manager for the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH). 
  • Leads OPEH’s relationships with legislators, in partnership with the DHS Legislative Affairs Division.
  • Develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy to raise public awareness and support for homelessness prevention efforts.
  • Serves as full-line supervisor.
  • 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 three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in legislative affairs, advocacy, communications, or a similar field in a public or non-profit organization.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of professional experience building and maintaining relationships with local, state or federal legislators, legislative staff, state and federal officials, and advocacy groups, including experience presenting to and communicating with these groups.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience serving as a communications liaison with media representatives including responding to media inquiries, leading interview prep, and serving as an organizational spokesperson.
  • One (1) year of professional experience drafting and analyzing legislation or legislative materials.
  • Two (2) years of professional project management experience, which includes the writing of complex public-facing materials, such as informational reports, and the building of relationships with other partner agencies in order to obtain their review and support of the project.
  • One (1) year of professional experience in homeless services, homeless response systems such as Continuums of Care, housing or homelessness advocacy, housing programs, or a similar field.

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

Work Location: 100 South Grand Ave E, Springfield, Illinois, 62762

Secretary's Office

Office to Prevent and End Homelessness

Legislative and Commincations

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Social Services

 

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

 

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://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

                

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:


Nearest Major Market: Springfield