TRANSIT OPERATING PROGRAM MANAGER - NORTHERN (TECHNICAL MANAGER IV)

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Transportation in Illinois seeks a Technical Manager IV to oversee review, analysis, and program management of public transportation operating assistance funding programs in the northern region. The role covers both urban and rural communities, ensuring effective funding and grant administration.

The position is salaried and hybrid, with a starting salary between $5,432 and $9,713 per month, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation management, business administration, public administration, accounting, or planning with 2 years of related experience.
• Alternatively, 8 years of related experience in overseeing transportation operations, managing grants, or planning.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and manage public transportation operating assistance funding programs.
• Assist urban and rural communities with funding and grant issues.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state program requirements in northern Illinois.
• Coordinate with state agencies and provide guidance to recipients.

Education

Bachelor's degree in transportation management / business administration / public administration / accounting / planning

Job description

Agency: Department of Transportation

Position Title: Technical Manager IV

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,432 Monthly; Full Range: $5,432 - $9,713 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

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

Work Office: Office of Intermodal Project Implementation / Bureau of Transit Operations

Work Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603

Work County: Cook

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Agency Contact: [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.

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 responsible for the review, analysis, and program management of public transportation operating assistance funding programs, and grants in the northern portion of the state of Illinois. This position assists both urban and rural communities with various populations with funding and grant related issues. Additionally, this position assists with technical issues adhering to federal and state programmatic, compliance requirements for the northern area of Illinois, excluding the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), and the Chicago Metropolitan area.

Essential Functions

• Remains abreast of federal and state guidelines and requirements to ensure proper administration of programs.
• Provides guidance to the department funding recipients regarding operating assistance issues and ensures program compliance with federal and state policies and procedures.
• Assists the Northern Transit Operating Section Chief with the annual development and maintenance of the Northern Illinois operating assistance program to plan for funding and scheduling of projects.
• Serves as the state’s contact for operating programs administered in northern Illinois which includes formulating positions, responding to inquiries, and providing coordination with other state agencies and other states.
• Provides technical services for program participants and sometimes assists participant efforts in navigating operating procurements within federal and state requirements.
• Provides oversight and support of the northern Illinois human service transportation program (HSTP) regional planning commissions, their agreements and activities, attends quarterly meetings, provides state transit updates, and reviews the regional HSTP 5-year plans
• Conducts presentations to county boards, city councils, transit related organizations, and special interest groups regarding policies.
• Reviews funding applications and payment requisitions for accuracy, program compliance and eligibility.
• Utilizes a grants management system to help maintain records of all program activity for the northern Illinois operating agreements and reviews required reporting of each program cycle from receipt of the application through completion of the audit.
• Maintains harmonious relationships with employees, management, and the public.
• Serves as an informal peer leader and operational resource for staff, providing daily guidance on routine workflows, facilitating annual process training sessions, and acting as a supportive helper to elevate overall team capabilities.
• Performs special high-priority assignments related to Office of Intermodal Project Implementation (OIPI) activities as directed.
• 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 transportation management, business administration, publicadministration, accounting, or planning PLUS two years of related experience in overseeing transportationoperations, managing fiscal programs, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or acombination thereof OR Eight years of related experience in overseeing transportation operations,managing fiscal programs, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge working with state and federal funding programs and grants.
• Knowledge and understanding of financial management and general accounting principles.
• Ability to manage and analyze large amounts of data and assignments.
• Ability to visualize, articulate, and solve complex problems.
• Strong interpersonal and cross‑functional communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver's license.
• Frequent statewide travel that may include 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 a Transit Operating Program Manager for the Northern Region.

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:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• 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

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 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.