Assistant Deputy Director for Program Implementation

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Hybrid Schedule

Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Ins.

Pension Plan

Paid Holidays

Job summary

The State of Illinois, Department of Healthcare and Family Services, seeks an Assistant Deputy Director for Program Implementation to drive complex technology and data project delivery, from concept through rollout and continuous improvement. This role requires strong PM leadership, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration.

The incumbent will oversee detailed project planning, stakeholder engagement, and change management across agency initiatives, with a hybrid work schedule and

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of project management best practices.
• Experience with multi-year technology implementations in regulated environments preferred.
• Strong vendor management and contract accountability experience.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and implement complex data and systems projects across the agency.
• Manage external vendors and contracts, coordinating with Procurement Management.
• Act as a liaison to agency staff on ongoing systems and data initiatives.
• Develop and execute detailed project plans with measurable milestones.
• Oversee change management and stakeholder engagement to drive adoption.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the role as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Vendor management

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

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Assistant Deputy Director for Program Implementation

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 [e-mail] or call [phone] 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.

Job Requisition ID: 59746
Opening Date: 10/22/2026
Closing Date: 11/06/2026
Agency: Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Class Title:SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option:General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel
Bilingual Option:
Salary: Anticipated starting salary range $11,000 - $13,000 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:None
Merit Comp Code:Term Appointment/ Agency
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 401 S Clinton St, Chicago, Illinois, 60607
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

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.

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

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services is seeking to hire an Assistant Deputy Director for Program Implementation to ensure the successful implementation of complex technology and data projects that directly impact healthcare delivery for millions of Illinois residents. This role will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of transformative system and data modernization initiatives—from initial concept through implementation to continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will be highly skilled at developing and executing comprehensive project plans that account for the unique complexity of system modernization. The ideal candidate will have the strategic vision and operational discipline to see complex projects through from policy concept to measurable impact. The candidate should possess in-depth understanding of project management best practices.

HFS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.

Essential Functions

• Subject to management approval, serves as the Assistant Deputy Director for Program Implementation in theIllinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), planning, directing, and implementing systems anddata projects for the agency
• Manages external vendors and vendor contracts, working in conjunction with the HFS Office of ProcurementManagement
• Serves as full line supervisor
• Serves as liaison to agency staff on systems and data projects underway
• Directs and evaluates the analyzation of systems and data projects
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumeratedabove

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of project management experience managing complex, multi-year technology implementations, preferablyin government or other highly regulated environment
• Five (5) years of experience developing and executing detailed project plans
• Five (5) years managing complex vendor relationships and contracts and holding vendors accountable to contract terms
• Three (3) years of strong change management and stakeholder engagement experience
• Three (3) years of professional experience managing multiple concurrent large-scale projects
• Three (3) years of professional experience leading cross-functional technical and business teams
• Extensive knowledge of agile or iterative development methodologies
• Demonstrated committed to continuous process improvement, with experience applying methodologies to streamline implementation workflows and increase organizational efficiency

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
• 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
• 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

At the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), we value staff as our greatest asset. We work in a spirit of teamwork to help millions of Illinoisans access high quality healthcare and fulfill child support obligations to advance their physical, mental, and financial well-being. We provide healthcare coverage for children and adults through Medicaid and other medical programs, and we help ensure that children receive financial resources from both their parents through Child Support Services. The HFS Office of the Inspector General investigates, audits and reviews program activity to ensure the integrity of our programs is maintained.

HFS is committed to promoting and preserving a workplace culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and value employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. It is the collective sum of our individual differences that provides a broad perspective, leading to greater innovation and achievement. In recruiting for our team, we recognize the unique contributions of each applicant regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.HFS is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits Statement

Employees receive a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible Hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas.
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)

Statement of Economic Interest

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.

Term Appointment:
Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’s discretion.

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: