STATEWIDE TRAVEL ADVOCATE (PSA, Opt. 1)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to serve as the Statewide Travel Advocate. This role is responsible for promoting and supporting travel throughout the state by increasing awareness of and improving state travel resources, advocating for traveler needs, and engaging with stakeholders to enhance access to safe, efficient, and inclusive travel options. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and outreach skills, a demonstrated understanding of transportation and travel programs, and a commitment to public service. As the Statewide Travel Advocate, you will represent the program across diverse regions and various agencies, assist in identifying barriers to travel, and collaborate with stakeholders to improve the overall travel experience for employees, agencies, and stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully and oversee statewide travel initiatives while helping promote a positive employee experience. All qualified applicants should apply.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under administrative direction of the Statewide Employee Experience Manager, serves as Statewide Travel Advocate for all state agencies.
• Administers the State Travel Policy for all state agencies.
• Serves as lead negotiator with travel vendors to establish discounted rates and services to be used by all state agencies.
• Approves all agency travel arrangement forms.
• Coordinates, schedules, and prepares all materials and documents for quarterly meetings of the Governor's Travel Control Board and annual meetings of the Travel Regulation Council.
• Reviews and comments on legislative proposals related to statewide travel.
• Reviews the Central Management Services website to provide updated and timely content related to travel policies, meeting minutes, Frequently Asked Questions, and other notifications.
• 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 years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefers extensive knowledge of principles and practices of public and business administration as well as agency travel policies and procedures.
• Prefers working knowledge of developing, evaluating, and implementing policies and procedures.
• Prefers working knowledge of maintaining cooperative working relationships with both public and private sector vendors.
• Prefers working knowledge of prioritizing critical tasks.
• Prefers working knowledge of effective communication and customer service.
• Prefers working knowledge of general software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Prefers working knowledge of exhibiting good judgment and maintaining confidentiality.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.

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

Central Management Services (CMS) is the operational engine working behind the scenes to enable the State's more than 60 agencies, universities, boards, and commissions to deliver efficient, reliable services to all Illinois citizens.  The Agency's mission is to support the State by delivering innovative, responsive, and effective services that provide the best value for Illinois State government and the people it serves.  Among the services CMS provides are human resources facilitation; benefits programs for employees, retirees and local governments; property and facilities management; diversity initiatives for public contracting and State employment; joint purchasing support; vehicle fleet oversight and support; surplus property programs; print and electronic communications services; and administrative hearings coordination. 

STATE OF ILLINOIS BENEFITS

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
• 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
• 3 paid personal business days per year.
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!