Deputy Director of Policy (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Policy, the Deputy Director of Policy provides senior-level leadership and oversight of IDEC’s policy development, implementation, and coordination efforts. This position ensures alignment of policy initiatives with the Department’s mission, strategic priorities, and statutory requirements. The Deputy Director of Policy interacts extensively with other state agencies, local governments, community partners, and non-profit organizations to address issues impacting individuals and families receiving IDEC‑funded services. Serves as a full‑line supervisor, providing direction, guidance, and performance management to professional staff. The role is responsible for overseeing the creation and maintenance of internal policy frameworks, guidance documents, and operational standards to promote consistent, high‑quality policy application across IDEC programs and initiatives. The position works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging policy issues, recommend solutions, and support implementation of statewide early childhood programs.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college with coursework in public policy, political science, or a related field.
Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience involving policy making, advocacy, and/or analysis in a public or business organization.
Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.

Nice To Haves

Four (4) years of professional experience interpreting public policy and government administration, principles, and practices for a public or business organization.
Three (3) years of professional experience working with early childhood programs and service objectives, activities, and operational systems.
Three (3) years of professional experience developing, installing and evaluating new and revised methods, procedures, and performance standards for a public or business organization.
Two (2) years of experience interpreting and/or implementing policies and procedures for a state or federal government agency.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Policy, serves as Deputy Director of Policy for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
Interacts with other state agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations to address issues that impact individuals receiving IDEC-funded services.
Serves as a full-line supervisor.
Oversees the development and implementation of various internal policy frameworks, guidance documents, and operational standards to ensure consistent policy application across IDEC programs and initiatives.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.