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Job Title: CEJA PRIMES PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Job Requisition ID: 54618
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
Closing Date: 05/05/2026
Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title: EXECUTIVE II - 13852
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,589 monthly; Full Range $6,589- $9,541 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

A collective bargaining agreement covers this position; therefore, all relevant contract provisions apply to the hiring process.

All applicants must apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. Current State of Illinois employees should use the SuccessFactors employee career portal via the link in the top-left corner of the page.

Applications submitted by email, mail, fax, or hand delivery will not be considered.

Please upload a copy of your unofficial college transcript when applying.

Why Work for Illinois? 
Working for the State of Illinois reflects a commitment to the core values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're working to strengthen education, protect natural resources, or support families in need, you are contributing to something greater—making a meaningful impact on the lives of every Illinois resident.

No matter what type of state career you're seeking, we offer flexible opportunities designed to fit your life and schedule, along with the gold standard of benefits. State employees have access to numerous pathways for professional growth and career advancement.

Our comprehensive benefits and exceptional retirement packages make it possible to build not just a career, but a future, with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview 

Under the administrative direction of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Primes Program Administrator leads the statewide implementation of the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program. This role oversees program delivery across three regional service areas—Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois—while supervising staff, managing partner organizations, and coordinating mentorship and funding opportunities for participating contractors.

The Administrator ensures program equity, compliance, and long‑term growth outcomes, working closely with regional partners to deliver high‑impact services that support contractor development and expand participation in Illinois' clean energy economy.

Essential Functions 

  • Directs all statewide activities of the Clean Energy Primes Program in alignment with CEJA legislative mandates.
  • Manages and supports Regional Primes Program Leads to ensure consistent, high‑quality program delivery across all regions.
  • Develops cohort selection criteria and oversees contractor selection and onboarding every 18 months.
  • Designs and administers a two‑year mentorship program, including the selection and oversight of mentor companies and the determination of stipend levels.
  • Develops and manages an 18‑month operating budget and prepares a six‑year financial forecast to support long‑term program planning.
  • Coordinates grant disbursements and collaborates with the Illinois Finance Authority and Climate Bank to facilitate contractor access to loan programs.
  • Collects, analyzes, and reports quarterly performance metrics; oversees tracking of long‑term participant outcomes for up to 10 years.
  • Implements equity‑related remedies recommended by the Illinois Power Agency's disparity study to ensure fair and inclusive program outcomes.
  • Performs other duties as assigned that are reasonably related to the responsibilities outlined above.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business or public administration.
  • Requires two (2) years of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.
  • Requires five (5) years of experience leading a contractor‑based business or a major clean energy or public‑sector program.
  • Requires two (2) years of experience working with equity investment‑eligible communities.

Specialized Skills

  • Requires two (2) years of executive‑level program leadership experience, including strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of statewide initiatives within the clean energy sector.
  • Requires two (2) years of experience translating complex policies or regulatory mandates into operational strategies and ensuring compliance across multi‑regional, state‑level programs.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prefers two (2) years of executive‑level program leadership experience, including strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of statewide initiatives in the clean energy sector.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience implementing complex policies or regulatory mandates into operational strategies and ensuring compliance across multi‑regional, state‑level programs.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience overseeing multimillion‑dollar grant programs or managing complex budgets involving public or grant funding.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience with certification or compliance processes such as supplier diversity programs (e.g., MBE/WBE), or experience managing vendor qualification or approval systems, or similar regulatory or programmatic compliance frameworks.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience translating disparity study recommendations into actionable policies or implementing equity‑focused procurement practices.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience developing and maintaining long‑term financial forecasts and program budgets.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting program performance metrics, including longitudinal tracking.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience building partnerships with financial institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to advance program goals.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires successful completion of a background check and self‑disclosure of criminal history.
  • Requires the ability to travel for work duties, including overnight travel when necessary.
  • Requires possession of a valid driver's license.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated into and 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 ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois' reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work, and do business. 

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Headquarters Location: 1020 S. Spring St., Springfield, IL 62704
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: CEO.HR@illinois.gov (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY - INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE)
Posting Group: Leadership & Management
This position DOES contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 
Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process. 
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 
Non-state employees should log in using the "View Profile" link in the top-right corner of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage, accessible via the blue ribbon. If you have never signed in before, you will be prompted to create an account. 
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: 
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website. 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your junk mail, spam, or other folders for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: 

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