Chief Labor Relations Officer (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR)

Illinois Comptroller; Springfield, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible work schedule

Pension plan

Paid vacation days

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Illinois Comptroller is seeking a Chief Labor Relations Officer to lead the Labor Relations Office within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. This role demands oversight of labor relations policies, grievance procedures, and arbitration hearings. Ideal candidates should be ethical leaders with proven labor relations experience and strong communication skills.

The position offers a dynamic work environment with the opportunity to impact labor relations management positively.

Qualifications

• Requires understanding of labor relations policies, grievance proceedings, and mediation.
• Exceptional communicator and ethical leader with labor relations experience.
• Must handle high-stress situations while collaborating effectively.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing staff and labor relations policies.
• Developing relationships with agency managers and external partners.
• Providing technical and advisory services to management.

Skills

Labor relations

Communication

Leadership

Conflict navigation

Labor laws knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration

Job description

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Chief Labor Relations Officer (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR)

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: 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) inthe 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 enumeratedabove

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college preferably withcourses 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 orprivate 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:

• 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
• 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.

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: