DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
State of IllinoisAbout the role
Job Requisition ID: 57828
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 08/24/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary: $140,000 - $160,000 / year
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Statewide Posting - County to be determined after candidate selection
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Excluded - Subject to Paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (6) of Section 4d of the Personnel Code
A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.
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 Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. Subject to management approval, this position will manage and direct the Office of Legislative Affairs and formulate policy affecting all activities within the agency dealing with the legislative process. The position will serve as the Director’s official representative when providing information or making personal contact with members of the General Assembly with regard to agency programs and legislative proposals. The position will supervise subordinate staff and will chair the legislative review committee within the Department to analyze and evaluate legislative proposals presented by the General Assembly. This position provides a great opportunity for someone who is detail oriented and focused on ensuring that proposed legislation is beneficial to the achievement of the Department’s goals, objectives, and mission. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership skills. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.
Essential Functions:
- Serves as Deputy Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs
- Serves as the Director’s official representative when providing information or making personal contact with members of the General Assembly with regard to agency programs and legislative proposals, possessing significant authority to commit the Department to a specific course of action
- Serves as full line supervisor of subordinate staff
- Chairs the legislative review committee within the Department to analyze and evaluate all legislative proposals presented by the General Assembly, agency managers, or advisory councils
- Directs the analysis and evaluation of federal and state legislation affecting child welfare and other agency programs and services to ensure that all legislation is reviewed to determine possible impact on the Department
- Through members of the federal delegation from Illinois, the Illinois Office in Washington, and certain national advisory groups such as the American Public Welfare Association and Child Welfare League of America, monitors federal child welfare legislation
- Manages and directs special initiatives which require substantial reporting to the legislature and/or Governor’s Office
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications:
- Re
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