WEST CENTRAL SENIOR REGIONAL MANAGER

Job Requisition ID: 54221
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: 04/08/2026
Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) 
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,174 - $9,473 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Knox
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Gubernatorial (Management Bill)

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.

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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 Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is looking to hire a Regional Economic Development Manager SPSA Opt 1 in the West Central Region. This position will join a field team of sixteen managers in the Regional Economic Development (RED) bureau to serve as the face of the DCEO in communities statewide.  Team RED works with businesses, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, consultants, legislators, and other stakeholders to develop and execute strategies for regional economic development, coordinate workforce development efforts, business development/attraction/expansion, local investments, and partnerships.  Most importantly, Team RED represents the State to communities to bring programs, dollars, and new ideas to help their economies grow and attract businesses and jobs with an equity lens.  If you are interested in joining our team of compassionate and community-oriented managers, we invite you to apply for the Regional Economic Development Manager with DCEO.

Essential Functions

• Formulates the Office of Regional Economic Development (Team RED) strategic plan, setting priorities for economic and business development in the Central Region.
• Manages, develops and directs all economic development programs for the West Central Region of the Office of Regional Economic Development.
• Creates Regional Economic Development Plans that coordinate and synchronize regional development, transportation, workforce and other related government entities.
• Directs annual budget development and justification.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Develops regional partnerships with businesses, industries and local governments to develop regional programs that promote economic development. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college in economic development, marketing, business administration, or closely related fields of study.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization with specific experience in business and/or economic development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer four (4) or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in business development, marketing, stakeholder engagement, sales, or economic and workforce development. (I.E Community Relations, Business Attraction, Expansion, Retention, External Affairs, government affairs, project management, strategic planning, small business support).
• Prefer two