Gold Star Family Support Specialist / Advisor (Southern Illinois) Personal Service Contract

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

43d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Gold Star Family Support Specialist / Advisor will serve as a trusted, knowledgeable, and compassionate resource supporting Gold Star Families across Southern Illinois. This role requires extensive military knowledge, strong familiarity with Illinois-based veteran and survivor communities and demonstrated experience working directly with Gold Star Families. The ideal candidate brings lived or closely connected experience within the Gold Star Family community, understands its unique needs, and has established relationships within veteran service organizations and regional networks. This individual will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing Gold Star Family-focused events, particularly those associated with the Du Quoin State Fair, while supporting broader outreach and engagement efforts in partnership with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience working with Illinois Gold Star Families, particularly in Southern Illinois.
Extensive knowledge of military culture, structure, and survivor benefits.
Strong familiarity with veteran service organizations and the broader veteran community in Southern Illinois.
Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute events and community initiatives.
High degree of emotional intelligence, empathy, and discretion when working with grieving families.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to pass a background check.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Appropriate, valid drivers license.
Use of an agency supplied cell phone and laptop.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience as a member of a Gold Star Family, with prior participation in community events or support networks.
Prior experience working with or alongside the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs or similar state agencies.
Established relationships with regional veteran service organizations, community leaders, and Gold Star Family networks in Southern Illinois.
Direct experience supporting or coordinating events at the Du Quoin State Fair or similar large-scale public events.
Background in nonprofit, government, or military-affiliated program coordination or outreach.
Experience recruiting, managing, or coordinating volunteers.
Familiarity with planning and facilitating After Action Reviews (AARs) or program evaluations.
Experience developing event materials such as programs, scripts, agendas, and briefing documents.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain trusted relationships with Gold Star Families throughout Southern Illinois.
Assist the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs in planning, organizing, and supporting all Gold Star Family events associated with the Du Quoin State Fair.
Engage and coordinate with past and prospective vendors for the Veterans Vendor Fair at the Du Quoin State Fair.
Participate in veteran outreach events, planning meetings, and community engagements throughout Southern Illinois.
Organize and lead After Action Review (AAR) meetings following major events in the Southern Illinois region.
Maintain accurate and confidential records of outreach, event planning, and engagement activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of Gold Star Families and associated programs.