Chief Labor Relations Officer (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR)

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Pension Plan

Flexible schedules

Paid Parental Leave

Vacation Days

Sick Days

Personal Days

Paid Holidays

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is seeking a Chief Labor Relations Officer to lead the Labor Relations Office, supervise staff, and guide labor policy development. The role involves handling grievances, unfair labor practices, and mediation or arbitration hearings with internal and external partners.

The ideal candidate will have extensive labor relations experience, strong communication skills, and a solid understanding of union contracts and personnel rules.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of college with business/public administration preferred.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative labor relations experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Labor Relations Office as Chief Labor Relations Officer.
• Supervise staff and advise on labor relations policies and procedures.
• Represent the agency in grievance proceedings and arbitration hearings.
• Collaborate with agency managers and external partners to support operations.
• Develop and implement standards for section operations.

Skills

Labor relations knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 59309

BPIS: 09688

Opening Date: 10/01/2026

Closing Date: 10/19/2026

Agency: Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)

Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated starting salary range $10,000 - $12,000 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Excluded - Federally Funded

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: 2946 Old Rochester Rd, Springfield, Illinois, 62703

Work County: Sangamon

Agency Contact: [e-mail]

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 (HFS) is seeking an organized, professional and results-oriented individual to serve as the Chief Labor Relations Officer. This role leads the HFS Labor Relations Office, overseeing staff and representing in all matters related to labor relations policies and procedures, grievance proceedings, unfair labor practice complaints, and in mediation or arbitration hearings. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about labor relations management in fast paced environment.

The ideal candidate for this position will be an exceptional communicator and a strong, ethical leader with a proven track record in labor relations. They will demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, navigate conflict constructively, and maintain composure in high‑stress situations. A solid understanding of labor laws, regulations, and the nuances of unionized environments is essential. This role is well‑suited for a professional who is organized, results‑oriented, and deeply committed to effective labor relations management.

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

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Chief Labor Relations Officer in the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) in the Division of Personnel and Administrative Services
• Serves as full line supervisor
• Serves as the HFS Chief Labor Relations Officer
• Develops working relationships with agency managers, Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) staff, sister agencies and external partners to facilitate the operations of the section
• Establishes and implements standards and procedural guidelines for section operations
• Provides technical and advisory services to administrative and management staff
• 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 the 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 labor relations experience in a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of professional experience formulating and establishing labor relations policies and procedures for a public or private organization
• Five (5) years of professional experience enforcing and adhering to the provisions of Personnel Rules, Personnel Code, and Union Contract provisions for a public or private organization
• Five (5) years of professional experience representing a public or private organization regarding labor relations matters, grievance proceedings, unfair labor practice complaints, and mediation or arbitration hearings
• Five (5) years of professional experience interpreting and explaining provisions of union contracts, employee handbooks, legal documents, policies and procedures
• Four (4) years of professional personnel experience in a private or public organization maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with professionalism
• Four (4) years of professional experience communicating with both internal and external stakeholders regarding labor relations and/or human resource matters
• Four (4) years of supervisory experience including but not limited to quality review of labor documents

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 at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). 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

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules are available in many program areas. (Remote work may be an option for certain positions.)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• 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.