CONTRACTUAL WORKER Data Strategy Advisor

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Office of the Director, is seeking a high-energy professional with strong strategic planning experience to serve as a Data Strategy Advisor. The position works collaboratively with internal and external partners to support agency leadership in developing and promoting a forward-looking data strategy that strengthens the agency’s ability to make informed and impactful decisions. It also provides critical support to the HHSi2 project, advancing its transformation and ensuring alignment with agency priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership, independent initiative, and the ability to achieve organizational goals in a dynamic environment. Strong data analysis and communication skills are essential, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights. The role is based at the agency’s Chicago headquarters as needed, with a hybrid schedule available depending on operational needs.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college.
At least six years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.
Ability to utilize and maintain state-issued equipment, such as a laptop.
Ability to work normal working hours.
Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

Nice To Haves

At least four years of experience working with Medicaid programs and/or other social service programs in State Government.
At least four years of extensive experience developing and implementing strategic planning processes.
At least four years of extensive experience with strategic direction of a large organization.
At least four years of extensive knowledge of the steps necessary to achieve Executive Staff cooperation and implementation of major policies to improve service delivery and policy change.
At least four years of experience communicating with high-level personnel, preferably in government and strategic planning contexts.
Strong writing skills and comfort presenting in public.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Develop an agency-wide data strategy plan and roadmap to increase data maturity, working with the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning, agency leadership, and closely aligned agencies.
Collaborate with the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning to provide data-driven insights that guide strategic initiatives and program improvements.
Analyze Medicaid program data, including utilization, costs, outcomes, and population health metrics, to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Help define performance measures and track progress against strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
Support forecasting, modeling, and scenario analysis to evaluate potential impacts of policy changes and resource allocation decisions.
Maintain an understanding of federal and state Medicaid regulations, funding, and reporting requirements to contextualize data findings.
Prepare presentations and briefing materials for internal and external audiences, including government officials, partners, and the public.
Contribute to project work efforts such as data-sharing use cases through technical assistance, counsel, facilitation, documentation, project management, or direction.
Contribute historical perspective and support the operation and strategic management of the HHSi2 project through team meetings, outreach to potential project partners, and initiation or facilitation of internal project communications and operations as needed.

Benefits

Health insurance
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Pension plan
Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs, including medical and daycare
12 paid sick days annually
10 paid vacation days in the first year, with the ability to earn up to 25 annually
3 paid personal days annually
13–14 paid holidays annually, based on start date
Flexible hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas