EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity seeks an Employee Relations Specialist to handle employee relations, investigations, engagement initiatives, and training programs. You will work with agency leadership to resolve complex issues and support workforce success.

The role requires a four-year college degree with HR-related coursework and two years of HR experience. Overtime and travel may be required; Monday–Friday schedule on-site in Springfield.

Qualifications

• Requires four years of college with courses in public administration, labor relations, or HR.
• Requires two years of professional human resources experience.
• Familiarity with AFSCME contracts and personnel rules is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Employee Relations Specialist for the agency.
• Assist in managing the agency's Labor Relations Function.
• Assist in employee engagement initiatives and training content creation.
• Review internal policies for consistency with contracts and agency policy.
• Perform any additional duties within the scope of the role.

Skills

HR experience

Employee relations

Labor relations

Training development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration/Labor Relations/HR

Job description

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: Aug 8, 2026

Location

Springfield, IL, US, 62704

Job Requisition ID

58009

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

08/21/2026

Agency

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Class Title

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 19693

Skill Option

None

Bilingual Option

None

Salary

Anticipated Starting Salary Range is $7,000 - $8,500 monthly

Job Type

Salaried

Category

Full Time

County

Sangamon

Number of Vacancies

1

Bargaining Unit Code

None

Merit Comp Code

Confidential (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC062 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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

Join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as an Employee Relations Specialist (Human Resources Specialist), where you'll play a key role in fostering a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace. In this dynamic position, you'll partner with agency leadership to resolve complex employee and labor relations matters, conduct workplace investigations, support employee engagement initiatives, and develop impactful training programs that strengthen organizational culture and drive workforce success.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction of the Employee Relations Manager, serves as the Employee Relations Specialist for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), performing complex and specialized duties in human resources functions focused on employee relations and labor relations.
• Assists in the management of the Agency’s Labor Relations Function.
• Assists the Assistant Deputy Director of Human Resources on agency-wide employee engagement initiatives.
• Assists in the creation and delivery of professional development training content to employees.
• Reviews and evaluates internal policies and procedures for consistency with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract, identifies and proposes changes to internal policies and procedures to maintain consistency between contract, personnel rules and Agency policy/procedures.
• 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 (4) years of college with courses in public administration, labor relations, or human resources.
• Requires two (2) years of professional human resources experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience in labor relations or employee relations.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience working with collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, disciplinary processes, and labor relations principles.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience researching, analyzing and interpreting policies, rules, procedures, collective bargaining contracts, and employment related laws or regulations.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience preparing and conducting/coordinating training courses designed to engage adult learners to meet organizational objectives.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience conducting workplace investigations.

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 the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnights stays as appropriate.

About The Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Work Hours

Monday - Friday; 8:30a - 5:00p

Headquarter Location

1011 S 2nd St, Springfield, Illinois, 62704

Work County

Sangamon

Agency Contact

[e-mail] (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY - INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE)

Posting Group

Employee Services

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]

Nearest Major Market

Springfield