Senior Career Services Manager Upstate

Job Title: SR. CAREER SERVICES MANAGER - UPSTATE
Job Requisition ID: 52180
Closing Date: 01/20/2026
Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,300 - $8,732 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Supervisory Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

****A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****

Applicants must attach the following documents to the My Documents section of their application:

A detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A copy of transcripts or diploma(s) for all degrees earned

A copy of any applicable professional licensures

Please note: The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before an offer of employment can be extended.

You will not be considered for this position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b, or any other document in place of a Resume or CV.

***PLEASE UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS FOR VERIFICATION OFCOURSEWORK***

Why Work for Illinois?

Working for the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our State. Whether you are improving schools, protecting natural resources, or supporting families in need, your work contributes to something bigger—something that impacts the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter the career path you're seeking, Illinois offers opportunities that fit your life and schedule. Our positions offer flexibility, competitive benefits, and opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

With top-tier benefits, excellent retirement packages, and multiple pathways for advancement, the State of Illinois offers you the opportunity to build not only a rewarding career but also a lasting future.

Position Overview

The Office of Illinois Works is launching an exciting new Career Services team dedicated to engaging Pre‑Apprenticeship Program graduates and supporting their transition into careers in construction and the skilled trades. The Senior Career Services Manager will play a key role in this dynamic, high-impact office at DCEO, ensuring that graduates receive high‑quality, timely career services. This leader will also collaborate closely with contractors and other external partners to secure employment opportunities for program graduates. We encourage driven, entrepreneurial individuals who are eager to create meaningful, long‑term impact for thousands of Illinois residents to apply.

Essential Functions

• Directs the organization, planning, execution, and oversight of the Illinois Works Career Services Program for the Upstate Region, ensuring alignment with regional workforce development strategies and goals.
• Oversees the delivery of comprehensive Career Planning Services to Illinois Works graduates, ensuring services support regional workforce development objectives.
• Serves as a full-line supervisor, providing leadership, guidance, and performance management for assigned staff.
• Manages contractor and graduate relations, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring effective communication and service delivery.
• Prepares, analyzes, and distributes reports to support program monitoring, decision‑making, and continuous improvement.
• Performs additional duties as assigned that fall within the reasonable scope of the responsibilities listed above.

Minimum Qualifications        

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience working with contractors/employers to secure job opportunities for Illinois Works graduates
• Two (2) years of experience providing guidance, counseling, or career counseling
• Three (3) years of experience developing and implementing programmatic policies and procedures
• Three (3) years of experience supervising staff
• One (1) year of experience overseeing program compliance and process improvement
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, and databases, with working knowledge of reporting/tracking systems
• Three (3) years of experience and/or comprehensive working knowledge of state and/or federally funded pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship training programs, preferably construction trades training programs, and Department of Labor apprenticeship program requirements.

Conditions of Employment

• Must complete a background check and provide a self-disclosure of criminal history
• Must possess a valid driver's license
• Must be able to travel as required, including overnight stays
• Subject to revolving door restrictions under 5 ILCS 430/5-45:
• If offered non-State employment during or within one year after State service, the employee must notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General (OEIG) before accepting the offer, or may be subject to a fine
• This position requires compliance with Section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act:
• Must file a Statement of Economic Interest annually with the Office of the Secretary of State
• Must also file a Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission (per Executive Order 15-09)
• Fines and penalties apply for untimely filings
• All conditions listed above are directly related to the duties outlined in the job description

About the Agency
The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois' world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and advancing the clean energy economy, DCEO works to position Illinois as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring it remains the best State to live, work, and do business.

Work Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 
Work Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Agency Contact: CEO.HR@illinois.gov (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY - INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE) 
Posting Group: Leadership & Management 

Communication
The primary channel for application status updates will be email. Applicants are strongly encouraged to regularly check their junk, spam, or other folders to ensure they do not miss critical updates. Communications may be sent from the following email addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com 
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com