PROGRAM MANAGER

Position Overview

The Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OEEE) is committed to providing minority-, women-, persons with disabilities and veteran-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state with equitable access to opportunities and resources. Through dynamic partnerships, targeted outreach, and tailored programs and initiatives, OEEE aims to create an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth. OEEE is seeking a dedicated and experienced Program Manager to oversee the management and execution of our loan and grant programs, including the Cannabis Business Development Fund. This role requires a proactive individual with strong organizational and leadership skills to ensure the effective administration and strategic development of our financial programs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Essential Functions

• Organizes, plans, executes, controls and implements policies for managing of OEEE loan and grant programs, including, but not limited to, those offered through the Cannabis Business Development fund, and other loan and grant programs.
• Organizes the goals and objectives of the loan & grant programs, including but not limited to cannabis programs.
• Organizes, prepares, and executes the loans & grants of the division including, but not limited to the Cannabis Business Development Fund loan closing process according to approval of the Deputy Director of the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, and the Director.
• Serves as working supervisor.
• Develops and reviews loan & grant opportunity applications ensuring adherence to the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act.  
• Organizes and coordinates loan & grant requests from office.
• Coordinates with other state, federal, and local agencies for loan & grant programming including but not limited to the Cannabis Business Development Fund programs.
• 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 in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers three (3) or more years of professional experience in grant administration, grant writing and grant monitoring of federal, state, or local grants.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience in project management. 
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience in research and evaluation of programs.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience in Data collection and evaluation of programs.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

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.

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 mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.