CHIEF WORKFORCE OFFICER

Job Requisition ID : 52067

Closing Date : 12 / 22 / 2025

Agency : Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Skill Option : None

Bilingual Option : None

Salary : Anticipated Starting Salary is $15,975 monthly

Job Type : Salaried

Category : Full Time

County : Cook; Sangamon

Number of Vacancies : 1

Bargaining Unit Code : None

Merit Comp Code :

A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING

Please attach a DETAILED Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

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 mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world‑class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

The State of Illinois seeks candidates to serve as a Chief Workforce Officer (CWO). This position will help to oversee, organize and advocate for workforce programming across the state, including those developed and managed by DCEO, that meets the needs of the employer community, serves jobseekers, and creates quality, career pathways for Illinoisans.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the state‑designated Chief Workforce Officer (CWO).
• At the direction of the Governor, establish and monitor strategic objectives and outcomes for all state and federal workforce programs administered by DCEO and partner agencies.
• Develops and maintains ongoing communications with DCEO and partner‑agency workforce‑related programs. Assesses workforce program missions and populations served; strives to align programming with the state’s economic growth plan.
• Works in partnership with state and federal workforce agencies to advocate for all workforce development system users, including jobseekers and employers, and makes recommendations to improve system access to ensure access regardless of race, gender or socio‑economic status. Coordinates cross‑agency workforce programming to promote a unified customer experience for job seekers, employers, and other system users.
• Works closely with local workforce boards and provides leadership to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, including identifying staff resources needed to support the Board and its members, and serving as the Administration’s lead representative on Board priorities.
• Interprets new state and federal legislation and administrative policies and procedures and reviews and recommends to the Governor’s Office and the Director the feasibility and implications of proposed policies and procedures.
• Serves as a member of the DCEO Director’s leadership team and supervises various DCEO bureaus.
• Speaks on behalf of DCEO and the DCEO Director at meetings, conferences, and other settings, including authority to bind DCEO to specific courses of action.
• Serves as representative of DCEO Director’s Office to various levels of government, the non‑profit and for‑profit sectors, and other stakeholders, including the public.
• Serves as an official spokesperson for DCEO, speaking and acting on behalf of the Governor’s Office and DCEO Director on workforce development‑related issues.
• Coordinates with DCEO and other agencies on both drafting and monitoring state and federal legislation affecting workforce programming.
• Partners with state agencies including IDES, IDHS, ICCB, IBHE, ISBE, Aging, IDOL, IDOC, DJJ and others to provide access to and information regarding workforce programming and quality job initiatives; designs new programs in consultation with the same.
• Collaborates with DCEO program offices including Energy and Business Utility, Employment and Training, Business Development, Regional Economic Development, and Local Government.
• Identifies staff training and professional development needs necessary to support the development and maintenance of programs.
• Assists in workforce program budget preparation and controls.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum ten (10) years’ progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization with a focus on workforce development, workforce talent acquisition and talent development, including developing and implementing programs and policies. Experience collaborating with state, federal, and local government workforce partners, community colleges and universities, secondary education career and technical education programs, and the business community is strongly preferred.

Conditions of Employment

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world‑class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following :

Work Hours : Mon - Fri; 8 : 30a - 5 : 00p

Work County : Sangamon or Cook

Agency Contact : CEO.HR@Illinois.gov (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY - INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE)

Posting Group : Leadership & Management

Revolving Door

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 DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Application Instructions

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non‑State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources :

State employees : Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non‑State employees : on Illinois.jobs2web.com– click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses :

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