Assistant Deputy Director, Rural and Regional Economic Development

Job Requisition ID: 50624 
Closing Date: 10/21/2025
​Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070 
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,322-$10,597 a month.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Exempt under Section 4d of the Personnel Code, Gernatorial (Management Bill)

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Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is seeking a dynamic Assistant Deputy Director for Rural and Regional Economic Development to help drive growth and opportunity across rural communities in Illinois. This role will lead strategic initiatives to support business attraction, retention and expansion, workforce development, and infrastructure investment in small towns and agricultural regions. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, policy insight, and a passion for advancing equitable economic opportunities. Join us in shaping the future of Illinois’ rural economy!

Essential Functions

• Plans, develops, implements and controls strategic long-term planning for the assigned regions within the Office of Regional Economic Development.
• Develops, implements, administers, and enforces related operating procedures and programs for the rural economic development service and coordination between internal agency programs and multi-state agency programs on both a statewide and regional level.
• Develops liaisons and partnerships between public, private and non-for-profit sectors, at the Federal, State and local levels, providing staff support and assistance to communities and businesses located in rural communities.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Conducts financial forecasting for impending program allocations to determine feasibility of funding new program economic development projects. 
• Performs special project assignments for the Deputy Director. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned whihc are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requres knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with courses in business, marketing and economic development. 
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the management of public administration programs in economic development with a particular focus on economic development in rural Illinois. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. 
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine. 
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Econo