TRANSIT OPERATING PROJECT MANAGER-NORTHERN (TECHNICAL MANAGER III)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid scheduling

Health, Life, Vision, and Dental

Pension Plan

Maternity/Paternity Leave (12 weeks)

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Sick Days

Paid Vacation Days

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Illinois Department of Transportation seeks a Transit Operating Project Manager - Northern Region to oversee grants and compliance for operating assistance programs. You will help urban and rural communities with funding, provide technical support, and ensure adherence to federal and state requirements.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) and offers a hybrid schedule with in-office presence 1–5 days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or two years of college plus two years of related experience; or six years of related experience with fiscal activities or high-level transportation system operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and oversee compliance of public transportation operating assistance fiscal documents.
• Assist both urban and rural communities with funding programs, grant issues, technical assistance, and meeting federal/state compliance requirements.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, reporting, analysis, compliance, investigations related to funding programs and grant assistance.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

TEAMS / Zoom / Webex

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration/finance/management

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

TEAMS

Zoom

Webex

Job description

TRANSIT OPERATING PROJECT MANAGER-NORTHERN (TECHNICAL MANAGER III)

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: 58810 IPR #26-01796
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: 1
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
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 responsible for managing projects and overseeing compliance of public transportation operating assistance fiscal documents for the department funding recipients located in the northern portion of the state of Illinois. This position assists both urban and rural communities with various populations with funding programs, grant related issues, technical assistance, and the meeting of federal and state program compliance requirements. In addition, this position is responsible for assisting the Northern Transit Operating Section Chief in managing day-to-day oversight, reporting, analysis, compliance, investigations associated with state, federal operating funding programs, and grant assistance programs.

Essential Functions

• Assists and directs the department funding recipients in the development of applications, contracts, payment requisitions, audit schedules, and data reporting requirements.
• Evaluates operating funding program and grant application documents including budgets to assess merit and identify deficiencies.
• Evaluates completed funding program and grant applications and makes recommendations to the Northern Transit Operating Section Chief for grant approval or other actions.
• Evaluates operational procurement submissions and prepares approval packets.
• Prepares correspondence and documents necessary for the management of applications and funding programs assigned.
• Monitors all project activities and provides guidance on compliance with all funding program and/or grant requirements.
• Performs site reviews and prepares written compliance reports.
• Evaluates requests for payment for accuracy and ensures conformity with the approved funding program requirements.
• Maintains thorough and accurate records, enters data, manages data, and records retention in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates and contributes to the annual review and update of the internal transit procedure manuals.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state program compliance requirements.
• 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

This position requires a completion of a bachelor's degree majoring in business, public administration, accounting, finance, management, planning, project management, applied business and technology solutions, business analytics, communications, OR completion of two years of college PLUS two years of related experience with fiscal activities or high-level operations of a transportation system, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof OR Six years of related experience with fiscal activities or high level operations of a transportation system, administering grants, managing projects, analyzing transit data, or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with financial management and general accounting principles.
• Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant programs.
• Understanding of the United States Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Federal Grant Guidance (2 Code of Federal Regulations 200).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency working with Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, and TEAMS as well as working with Zoom Video Communications and Webex.
• Strong organizational skills.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license.
• Frequent travel throughout northern Illinois with occasional 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 Project Manager - 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:

• 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 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.