FIRE OFFICER PROGRAM MANAGER

State-of-Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the State Fire Marshal is seeking a structured, compliance-focused leader to manage the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification program and related certifications. The role ensures alignment with NFPA standards and collaborates with colleges and field personnel to support certification paths.

The position requires extensive fire service leadership, program management experience, and the ability to oversee testing, course approvals, and curriculum reviews.

Qualifications

• Requires a 4-year college degree, preferably with business or public administration courses.
• Requires two years of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.
• Six or more years of experience with a fire department as a Chief Fire Officer.
• Experience developing and implementing Task Books referencing NFPA standards.

Responsibilities

• Administers the CFO certification program, ensuring compliance with state and national standards.
• Manages evaluation and verification of professional certifications and prerequisite tasks.
• Coordinates with field personnel to ensure candidate readiness for certification and recertification.
• Oversees multiple NFPA-based certification programs and testing processes.
• Serves as liaison for OSFM certification programs and community college coordination.

Skills

Chief Fire Officer

NFPA standards

Task Books development

Public administration

Fire department leadership

Training program management

OSFM certifications

Instructor experience

Team leadership

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelors degree (4-year)

Public administration courses

Job description

Search by keyword (e.g. County, Job Title etc.)

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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: 58684

Opening Date: 10/05/2026

Closing Date: 10/20/2026

Agency: Office of the State Fire Marshal

Class Title: EXECUTIVE II - 13852

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820 Monthly; Full-Range $6,820 - $9,875 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Work Hours: Monday through Friday / 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM / Hybrid Work Options Available

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 2 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: Kathy Fairfield at [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Position Identification Number

58684

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 Marketing Statement

Looking to elevate your fire service career? The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is seeking an organized, compliance-driven leader to manage all facets of the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Program – our highest-tier certification, ensuring candidates meet rigorous state and national standards. If you possess a deep understanding of fire administration, a meticulous eye for detail, and a commitment to advancing the fire service, this is your opportunity to shape the next generation of industry leaders. As the Fire Officer Program Manager, and employee of the State of Illinois, the selected candidate will have access to state healthcare, benefits, and a pension plan. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join the OSFM team.

Essential Functions

• Under the direction of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Personnel Standards and Education (PS&E) Division Manager, as the statewide program manager, administers all facets of the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification program, the highest certification level offered by PS&E, ensuring compliance with state and national standards.
• Manages the evaluation and verification of Fire Officer and prerequisite certification Task Books to ensure candidate readiness for certification and recertification by coordinating with field personnel and applying requirements outlined in the administrative rules.
• Ensures the integrity, compliance, and administration of specific state and national fire service certification levels which include Instructor certification levels, Training Program Manager, Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, Fire Department Health and Safety Officer, and Fire Service Executive Support, managing course approvals, curriculum reviews, and testing processes in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
• Serves as primary coordinator for OSFM Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Specialist (YFPISS) and Community Risk Reduction Practitioner (CRRP) certification programs.
• Serves as dedicated point-of-contact to assist participating community colleges regarding non-affiliated individuals seeking certification paths.
• As the primary division coordinator and liaison, orchestrates division-wide activities and meetings by facilitating communication and logistics between internal and external committees and related events.
• Acts as a subject matter expert to provide multi-faceted support and consultation to PS&E staff when requested.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration.
• Requires two (2) years of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Specialized Skills

• Requires six (6) or more years of experience with a fire department as a Chief Fire Officer.
• Requires prior experience developing and implementing Task Books referencing NFPA standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers six (6) or more years of experience with a fire department as a Chief Fire Officer.
• Prefers prior experience developing and implementing Task Books referencing NFPA standards.
• Prefers prior experience as an OSFM Fire Certification Specialist.
• Prefers OSFM certification as a Training Program Manager.
• Prefers OSFM certification as a Youth Firesetting Prevention and Intervention Specialist or OSFM equivalent certification.
• Prefers OSFM certification as a Fire Department Incident Safety Officer.
• Prefers OSFM certification as a Fire Department Health and Safety Officer.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of experience as a Fire Service Instructor.
• Prefers six (6) or more years of experience in a training environment instructing and developing training programs.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a current and valid driver’s license and the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to pass drug screening and background check with self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires OSFM certification as Chief Fire Officer.
• Requires OSFM certification as a Fire Service Instructor III.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires ability to satisfy all continuing education or recertification requirements mandated by statute, rule, or the OSFM.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.
• 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

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is dedicated to working with our partners and providing assistance to the fire service in the protection of life, property, and the environment through communication, inspection, investigation, certification, and licensing. The OSFM is committed to fostering a work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

This positionDOES contain “Specialized Skills”