GRANT SPECIALIST

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Illinois invites applications for a Grant Specialist I in ICJIA's Federal and State Grants Unit. The role focuses on monitoring grantee performance, budgets, compliance with grant regulations, and site reviews to strengthen community-based programs.

Candidates should have strong organizational and time-management skills, experience with grant programs or public funds, and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge and education equivalent to a four-year college degree with coursework in law, criminal justice, government, public administration, sociology, accounting or political science or related field.
• Requires completion of an agency-approved training program or one year of professional experience in planning, development, implementation or assessment of programs in criminal justice, government, public administration, sociology, accounting, political science or equivalent advanced academic work.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance in the review, examination, approval, implementation and monitoring of interagency agreements and contracts relating to ICJIA grant programs.
• Travels to conduct on-site reviews or conduct enhanced desk review of grantee records.
• Reviews and analyzes quarterly and close-out program and fiscal reports.
• Reviews allocations requests and works with Grants Team members to determine approvability of requests.
• Conducts random reviews of quarterly subcontract/subrecipient program and fiscal reports submitted by grantees.
• Conducts research and recommends development or revisions to budget or fiscal report format, site visit and compliance review procedures and forms.
• Prepares and distributes written drafts and final reports of site and enhanced desk review findings relative to the progress of agreements.
• Establishes and maintains a system/method to track grantee program performance, expenditures, objectives, and outcomes.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Grant programs experience

Education

Four-year college degree in a related field

Job description

Job Requisition ID:57509
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 09/22/2026
Agency: Criminal Justice Information Authority
Class Title:CRIM JUSTICE SPEC I - 10231
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary $5572 monthly; Full Range $5572 - $7898 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

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

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

We are looking for a Grant Specialist I to work at the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority in the Federal and State Grants Unit (FSGU). FSGU offers a rich environment for a self-driven person desiring to enhance community-based programming and strengthen relationships with partner agencies. Grant Specialist I responsibilities include monitoring grantee performance, budgets, ensuring compliance with grant regulations, and site visits.

The ideal candidate for this role should have superior organizational skills, exceptional time management skills, and experience working in grant programs and/or with public funds. The Grant Specialist I will maintain relationships with grantees and will aid in serving the public by ensuring grantee success in effective and growing programs.

Essential Functions

• Provides technical assistance in the review, examination, approval, implementation and monitoring of interagency agreements and contracts relating to ICJIA grant programs.
• Travels to conduct on-site reviews or conduct enhanced desk review of grantee records.
• Reviews and analyzes quarterly and close-out program and fiscal reports.
• Reviews allocations requests and works with Grants Team members to determine approvability of requests.
• Conducts random reviews of quarterly subcontract/subrecipient program and fiscal reports submitted by grantees.
• Conducts research and recommends development or revisions to budget or fiscal report format, site visit and compliance review procedures and forms.
• Prepares and distributes written drafts and final reports of site and enhanced desk review findings relative to the progress of agreements.
• Establishes and maintains a system/method to track grantee program performance, expenditures, objectives, and outcomes.
• 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 years of college with coursework in law, criminal justice, government, public administration, sociology, accounting or political science or related field.
• Requires completion of an agency approved training program or one year of professional experience in planning, development, implementation or assessment of programs in criminal justice, government, public administration, sociology, accounting, political science or equivalent advanced academic work.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires proper documentation for approved work in the United States.
• Requires ability to travel.
• Requires a valid and current driver’s license.
• Requires ability to pass a background check.
• Requires the ability to work remote and in-person as operational needs require.

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Work County: Cook
Email: [e-mail]
Posting Group: Public Safety

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Agency Statement:ICJIA responds to community needs with research and federal and state grants administration. ICJIA administers over 100 million dollars in grants, including the R3 (restore, reinvest, renew) grants (funded through the tax on legalized cannabis), state violence prevention grants, and federal grants including under the Violence Against Women Act and the Victims of Crime Act. ICJIA convenes groups and collaborates on efforts to reform the criminal justice system. ICJIA leads criminal justice reform efforts by supporting policy makers through research.

Revolving Door:

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.