SPECIAL PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 11,000 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Program

Health insurance

Personal days

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Department of Human Services, State of Illinois, seeks a Special Project Administrator in Chicago to plan, coordinate, and manage high‑level projects for the Chief Behavioral Health Officer. The role involves interfacing with multiple partners and ensuring alignment with legislative and regulatory requirements.

This position requires a four-year degree in business or public administration and at least three years of progressive project management experience.

Qualifications

• Requires four years college with coursework in business or public administration.
• Requires three years progressively responsible administrative project management experience.
• Willingness to travel as part of the job duties.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple partners preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Executive Management Assistant for the Department of Human Services Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO).
• Serves as Special Project Administrator for the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO).
• Coordinates, directs, and participates in a variety of special projects, including handling sensitive information as instructed by the CBHO.
• Represents the CBHO on department-wide projects and work teams to improve an integrated network of services.
• Acts as liaison between the CBHO and the public, customers, and other state agencies.

Skills

Public administration

Project management

Administrative support

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58899 Opening Date: 09/30/2026 Closing Date: 10/14/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Salary: $10,759 - $11,655 per month ($129,108 - $139,860 per year) Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: None Merit Comp Code: Managerial Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage Work Hours : Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch 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 Secretary's Office Chief Behavioral Health Office Administration Work County : Cook Agency Contact : [e-mail]

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

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 Human Services is seeking to hire a Special Project Administrator for the Secretary’s Office located in Chicago, Illinois. The incumbent will participate in planning, policy and programming activities mandated by legislation, regulations, and the Secretary. Administratively tracks and coordinates information on the integration of the global behavioral health system in Illinois. Coordinates, directs and participates in a variety of special projects, many of which are of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature. Acts as representative of the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO) on Department-wide projects and works teams to conceive, develop and implement procedures and practices to promote an improved and integrated network of services to persons served by the Department’s programs.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Executive Management Assistant for the Department of Human Services Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO).
• Serves as Special Project Administrator for the Chief Behavioral Health Officer (CBHO).
• Coordinates, directs, and participates in a variety of special projects, many of which are of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature, as instructed by the CBHO.
• Serves as representative of the CBHO on Department-wide projects and work teams to conceive, develop and implement procedures and practices to promote an improved and integrated network of services to persons served by the Department's programs.
• Serves as liaison between the CBHO and members of the general public, customers, and other state agencies.
• Serves as the CBHO’s timekeeper.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years college with course work in business or public administration.
• Requires three (3) years progressively responsible administrative project management experience in a public or private organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience managing complex projects in a dynamic environment which require input and/or approval from many partners and in developing and managing project plans including developing and staying on realistic timelines, identifying partners and their roles, planning and facilitating project meetings and effectively leading project communication.
• Three (3) years of project management experience for a public or private organization, including the development of concepts, strategies and facilitation.
• Three (3) years of professional experience analyzing and documenting data for a public or private organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience recommending and implementing polices and procedures relative to latest trends and standards for public or business organization.
• Three (3) years of professional experience analyzing administrative problems and adopting an effective course of action.
• Three (3) years of professional experience preparing administrative documents such as policy and program procedures, operations, personnel, etc.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About The Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

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

• A Pension Program
• 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)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard 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 Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)