Policy and Program Operations Administrator

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Community Services is seeking a strategic, results-oriented, collaborative administrator to lead the Bureau of Employment and Training Policy and Program Operations. The Administrator provides statewide leadership and oversight for SNAP Employment and Training, TANF Employment and Training, and related workforce initiatives. The role oversees program design, policy development and implementation, grantmaking and contracting, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on continuous improvement, innovation, equitable and customer-centered service delivery, and compliant, accessible pathways to training, skills, and employment. The position supervises staff and leads policy and program efforts to improve access, effectiveness, quality, and compliance with state and federal requirements. It works with Family and Community Resource Centers and a broad range of state, federal, and local partners. The position is based at IDHS headquarters in Chicago, with required in-person reporting as operational needs dictate. The position is a four-year term appointment, which may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Department Director’s discretion, and is subject to a probationary period.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and mental development equivalent to four years of college, with coursework in a social or human services field.
Four years of progressively responsible administrative employment and training policy and program experience in a human and health services organization.
Ability to travel for work, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Ability to use office equipment, including personal computers.

Nice To Haves

Four years of professional leadership and oversight of a public assistance employment and training program such as SNAP E&T, TANF E&T, WIOA, or a similar program.
Three years of professional supervisory experience leading professional or managerial staff, including onboarding, setting priorities, assigning work, coaching and training, and conducting performance evaluations.
Three years of professional experience interpreting and applying SNAP and/or TANF policy and regulations to develop and implement program policy guidance for staff.
Three years of professional experience in grantmaking or contract management in a public or private organization.
Three years of professional experience working with federal cost principles and/or the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA).
Three years of professional experience using advanced Microsoft Excel features and data management systems such as SharePoint for complex data analysis, tracking, and monitoring.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for statewide SNAP E&T, TANF E&T, and other workforce policy and program operations in alignment with Division goals.
Serve as a full-line supervisor.
Lead the design and execution of Bureau policy and program efforts related to E&T access, effectiveness, quality, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Illinois General Assembly, Office of the Governor, Attorney General, Bureau of Budget, federal government, and other state, federal, and local agencies.
Define, direct, and evaluate program research and development of information and data to support managerial decision-making.
Work with FCS Family and Community Resource Centers to improve employment and training services, identify solutions to issues, coordinate implementation of contractual agreements, and expand service providers based on need.
Perform other duties as assigned or required within the scope of the position.