TRANSIT CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGER-NE IL (TECHNICAL MANAGER III)

Illinoiscomptroller; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking a Transit Capital Project Manager in the Chicago area to supervise and guide multimillion-dollar grant programs. The role involves grant oversight, procurement coordination, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

The position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, strong organization and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in transportation project/grant management, document management, or procurement.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects, priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists and directs grant recipients in developing grant applications.
• Evaluates capital and operating grant applications for merit and issues recommendations.
• Prepares correspondence for grant contracts and approvals.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Regulatory knowledge

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, management, statistics, or public administration

Two years of college plus two years related experience

Six years of related experience

Tools

Grant management systems

Project management software

Job description

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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:58766IPR #26-01613
Opening Date: 09/18/2026
Closing Date: 10/02/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Position Title: Technical Manager III
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,055 Monthly; Full Range: $5,055 - $8,800 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 ProTech Teamsters
Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Work Office: Office of Intermodal Project Implementation / Bureau of Transit Capital
Work Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [e-mail]
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

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

This position is accountable for the review, management of state, federally funded public transportation capital improvement, and operating grants in the Chicago Metropolitan area of Northeastern Illinois (NE IL). This position provides assistance with grant‑related issues, procurement oversight, technical assistance, and meeting state program compliance requirements. In addition, this position is responsible for assisting the Section Chief Transit Capital – Northeastern Illinois in managing the day‑to‑day grant activities associated with the state capital improvement program and Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) operating funds.

Essential Functions

• Assists and directs grant recipients in the development of grant applications.
• Evaluates capital and operating grant application documents to assess merit and identify problems, and makes recommendations for grant approval or other action.
• Prepares the correspondence necessary for the management of applications and grant contracts assigned to the incumbent.
• Prepares a variety of grant related procurement activity concurrences based upon department policies.
• Promotes the implementation of capital projects and monitors all project activities. Provides guidance on grant requirement compliance.
• Evaluates requests for payment of grant funds to ensure conformity with the approved project budget and standard accounting principles.
• Participates and contributes to the annual review and update of the internal transit procedure manuals.
• Maintains computer information systems including the transit Grants Management System which is necessary for the management of statewide transit capital projects.
• Maintains harmonious relationships with employees, agency officials, and the public.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor's degree majoring in business administration, accounting, finance, management, statistics, or public administration, OR completion of two years of college PLUS two years of related experience in transportation project/grant management, document management, construction management, bookkeeping, accounting, procurement or a combination thereof, OR Six years of related experience in transportation project/grant management, document management, construction management, bookkeeping, accounting, procurement, or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing transit or transportation capital grant projects funded through federal and/or state programs.
• Experience overseeing contracts, procurement activities, and compliance with federal and state procurement requirements.
• Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and other applicable federal and state regulations related to capital projects and grant administration.
• Completion of FTA training courses, including Procurement I, II, and III.
• Experience with capital project budgeting, cost tracking, reimbursement requests, financial reporting, and fund reconciliation.
• Strong organizational skills and experience maintaining accurate and accessible project records and documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects, priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, present information clearly, and communicate effectively with management and external stakeholders.
• Experience using project management, grant management, financial management, or database systems.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Occasional statewide travel which sometimes includes overnight stays.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• 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.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire Transit Capital Project Managers for Northeastern Illinois.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost‑effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment.We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre‑tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to thisposition. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non‑State employment during Stateemployment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, priorto 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.