CONTRACTUAL WORKER Data Strategy Advisor Job Details | State of Illinois

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services seeks a Data Strategy Advisor to lead strategic data initiatives, collaborating with agency leadership and partners to shape a forward‑looking data strategy that informs decisions and supports the HHSi2 transformation. The role requires strong leadership, initiative, and excellent data analysis.

You will translate complex information into actionable insights for executives and program staff, contributing to program improvements and policy

Qualifications

• Requires four years of college completed.
• Six years of progressively responsible administrative experience.
• Experience with Medicaid programs preferred.
• Strong data analysis and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop an overall data strategy plan and roadmap with agency leadership.
• Collaborate to provide data-driven insights guiding initiatives.
• Analyze Medicaid program data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Define performance measures and track progress against goals.
• Support forecasting, modeling and scenario analysis for policy changes.
• Prepare briefings and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Written communication

Oral communication

Public policy understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

CONTRACTUAL WORKER Data Strategy Advisor

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.

Date: Oct 28, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60607

Job Requisition ID: 59997

Job Requisition ID: 59997
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026
Agency: Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Class Title: CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary range $11,000 monthly; Full salary range $11,000 - $13,000 monthly
Job Type: Hourly
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code:
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]

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, Office of the Director, is seeking a high‑energy professional with strong strategic planning experience to serve as a Data Strategy Advisor. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support agency leadership in developing and promoting a forward‑looking data strategy that strengthens the agency's ability to make informed and impactful decisions. This position will also provide critical support to the HHSi2 project, helping to advance its transformation and ensure alignment with agency priorities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, the ability to operate with independent initiative, and the capacity to achieve organizational goals in a dynamic environment. Exceptional data analysis and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.

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

Essential Functions

• Develop an overall data strategy plan and roadmap for increasing maturity for the Agency working closely with the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning and other Agency leadership along with other critical and closely aligned agencies.
• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning to provide data-driven insights that guide strategic initiatives and program improvements.
• Analyze Medicaid program data, including utilization, costs, outcomes, and population health metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Help define performance measures and track progress against strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
• Support forecasting, modeling, and scenario analysis to evaluate potential impacts of policy changes and resource allocation decisions.
• Maintain an understanding of federal and state Medicaid regulations, funding, and reporting requirements to contextualize data findings.
• Aid in preparing presentations and briefing materials for internal and external audiences, including government officials, partners, and the public.
• To contribute in various capacities and as requested by project leadership to specific work efforts, e.g., data sharing use cases. Contributions could include, but are not limited to, technical assistance, experience-based counsel, facilitation, documentation, project management and/or direction.
• To provide historical perspective and to contribute generally to the operation and strategic management of the HHSi2 project through initiation and/or participation in team meetings, outreach to (potential) project partners, and the initiation and facilitation of internal project team communications and operations, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires the knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college
• Requires a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience working with Medicaid programs and/or other social service programs in State Government
• Minimum of four (4) years of extensive experience developing and implementing strategic planning processes
• Minimum of four (4) years of extensive experience with strategic direction of a large organization
• Minimum of four (4) years of extensive knowledge of the steps necessary to achieve Executive Staff cooperation and implementation of the major policies to improve service delivery and policy change
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience communicating to high level personnel, preferably in the context of government and strategic planning processes. Must be able to write well and present comfortably in public
• Possess a Master's degree

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop
• Ability to work normal working hours
• 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 work in a spirit of teamwork to help millions of people in Illinois lead healthier and more successful lives. 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. HFS is an equal opportunity employer.

HFS is committed to promoting and preserving a workplace culture that embraces diversity 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.

Benefits Statement

Employees receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• 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)

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:

• [e-mail]
• [e-mail]