SENIOR RECRUITMENT COUNSELOR (HR SPECIALIST)

Illinois LLC; Fairview Heights (IL); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work schedule

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) seeks a seasoned Senior Recruitment Counselor to manage recruitment, career guidance, and related HR processes for executive agencies and customers. Strong presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills are essential for success.

The role requires extensive recruitment experience, proficiency with HR technologies, and the ability to deliver high-quality services in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Requires completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires two (2) years of professional human resources experience.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains professional networks and public relations with organizations, officials, and other state agencies regarding recruitment.
• Provides individual consultation to candidates seeking job opportunities.
• Confers with other agency recruiters regarding possible qualified candidates, providing education and background information.
• Prepares reports and correspondence related to interviewing and recruitment activities.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Skills

Recruitment experience

Public speaking

Relationship management

Data reporting

Training

Education

Four-year college degree

Tools

HR software

ATS

CRM

Microsoft Office

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

The Job Requisition ID: 59562

The Opening Date: 11/05/2026

The Closing Date: 11/20/2026

The Agency: Department of Central Management Services

The Class Title: HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 19693

The Skill Option: None

The Bilingual Option: None

The Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820/monthly; Full Range $6,820 - $9,875/monthly

The Job Type: Salaried

The Category: Full Time

The Number of Vacancies: 1

The Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Merit Comp Code

The Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday- Friday

The Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

The Headquarter Location: 11 Executive Dr, Fairview Heights, Illinois, 62208

The Work County: St. Clair

The Agency Contact: Elizabeth Bolton

The Contact Email: [e-mail]

The Contact Phone: [phone]

The 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 Summary

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), Bureau of Personnel is seeking to hire a seasoned, diverse Senior Recruitment Counselor with experience in all aspects of the hiring process including career counseling, recruitment, process improvement, compliance, relationship management, conducting meetings, and facilitating training. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong recruitment skills, leads strategies in an ever-changing environment, and incorporate modern best practices while delivering top-quality services, guidance, and support to all Illinois executive agencies and customers. This individual will possess strong communication skills, is well versed in various recruitment and human resource technologies, excellent presentation skills, and exhibit outstanding interpersonal skills.This position will interact with external and internal stakeholders regularly in a front facing role including representation at events, one-on-one counseling, public speaking, and will utilize technology and incorporate strategic initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

State of Illinois Benefits

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
• 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
• 3 paid personal business days per year.
• 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Position Essential Functions

• Under general direction of the Central Management Services (CMS) Career Services Manager, receives daily assignments from the lead Recruitment South Program Expert, and serves as a Senior Recruitment Counselor exercising a high level of independence performing recruitment activities.
• Establishes and maintains effective professional networks and public relations with both public and private organizations, officials, and other state agencies regarding recruitment efforts to effectuate the successful recruitment of qualified individuals for vacancies within the State of Illinois.
• Provides individual consultation to candidates seeking job opportunities with the State.
• Confers with other agency recruiters regarding possible qualified candidates, providing education and background information.
• Prepares reports and correspondence related to interviewing and recruitment activities and issues.
• 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 the completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires two (2) years of professional human resources experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) years of professional direct employment recruitment experience for a public or business organization, providing guidance and leadership to lower-level staff.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience creating marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, email campaigns, social media content, infographics, and digital ads.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience using job boards and computer systems designed specifically for Human Resources (HR), Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and internet search methods, Microsoft Office Suites, software, and templates.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience conducting training in a public or business organization.
• Prefers working knowledge of Personnel Code, Rules, Position Classification Plan, Pay Plan, Collective Bargaining Contracts, or other related human resources policies, and procedures.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with colleagues, local officials, job applicants, and the public.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience with public speaking and presenting information to large groups.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience working with a high volume of information to develop measurable data and reports.
• Prefers working knowledge of Illinois State government hiring practices, or other similar hiring practices for a public or business organization

Specialized Skills

• Requires two (2) years of professional direct employment recruitment experience for a public or business organization, providing guidance and leadership to lower-level staff.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience creating marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, email campaigns, social media content, infographics, and digital ads.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience using job boards and computer systems designed specifically for Human Resources (HR), Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and internet search methods, Microsoft Office Suites, software, and templates.

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 ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to use agency technology/equipment (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, etc.) properly in accordance with information security awareness policies and confidentiality guidelines.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Central Management Services (CMS) is the State of Illinois’ central operational support agency, the team that keeps government running smoothly behind the scenes. We provide the essential services that enable more than 80 agencies, boards, and commissions to serve the people of Illinois effectively. As the backbone of state operations, CMS delivers high‑quality, reliable, and forward‑thinking services that help government programs work efficiently and meet the needs of residents statewide.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner dedicated to the success of the State of Illinois through service, optimization, and inclusion. Our mission is to be the accessible agency that delivers essential, effective, and efficient services to State agencies and the people of Illinois. Our core values are: Trusted, Strategic, Effective, Innovative, Responsive, and Inclusive. Through strategic leadership CMS plays a vital role in strengthening the effectiveness of Illinois State government.

CMS provides a broad portfolio of statewide services through specialized bureaus such as:

• Administrative Hearings
• African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission
• Statewide Benefits
• Communication and Information
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Fleet Administration
• Labor Relations
• Operational Excellence
• Statewide Personnel
• Property Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Surplus Equipment Control

CMS also operates internal service bureaus that support our agency’s own effectiveness and efficiency, including:

• Internal Audit
• Finance and Management
• Government Affairs
• Human Resources
• Legal Services
• Strategic Transformation

Professionals who join CMS become part of a mission‑driven organization committed to continuous improvement and public service excellence. CMS offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful statewide initiatives, collaborate with skilled and talented colleagues, shape strategic improvements across Illinois government, and support the operational foundation that allows state agencies to better serve the residents of Illinois. CMS is a place for people who want their work to matter; where innovation, service, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

This position DOES contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).