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Job Title: BACKEND GRANT PROGRAM MANAGER
Job Requisition ID: 54301
Opening Date: 03/18/2026
Closing Date: 04/01/2026
Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,500 - $9,500 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

****A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****

Applicants must attach the following documents to the My Documents section of their application:

A detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A copy of transcripts or diploma(s) for all degrees earned

A copy of any applicable professional licensures

Please note: The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before an offer of employment can be extended.

You will not be considered for this position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b, or any other document in place of a Resume or CV.

***PLEASE UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS FOR VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK ***

Why Work for Illinois?

Working for the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our State. Whether you are improving schools, protecting natural resources, or supporting families in need, your work contributes to something bigger—something that impacts the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter the career path you're seeking, Illinois offers opportunities that fit your life and schedule. Our positions offer flexibility, competitive benefits, and opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

With top-tier benefits, excellent retirement packages, and multiple pathways for advancement, the State of Illinois offers you the opportunity to build not only a rewarding career but also a lasting future.

Position Overview 

The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) seeks a Backend Grant Program Manager (PSA, opt 1) to lead grant management efforts. The Program Manager will direct a team that administers business and workforce development grants, ensures compliance, guides program implementation, and advances departmental economic development goals through coordinated, high‑quality grant management. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply.

Essential Functions

  • Develops administrative guidelines for business development grants.
  • For business development grants, controls operations (obligations and expenditures) and audits of program performance. Directs the review of all reimbursement requests to ensure compliance with the funding agreement.
  • Coordinates efforts with the DCEO Office of Business Development staff in furthering the department's goals and objectives through program utilization. Provides necessary direction in developing grant projects and provides technical assistance to grantees.
  • Serves as full‑line supervisor.
  • Confers with Grant Management Unit Administrator and other agency management staff on program status and grant approvals on a routine basis.
  • Provides in‑service training to DCEO personnel, community colleges, and other education staff, local economic development officials, and community leaders.
  • Directs and establishes program priorities to assist the department in achieving goals and objectives.
  • 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 the completion of four (4) years of college, with courses in business administration or related fields.
  • Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of administrative experience in a public or business organization with program administration responsibility, preferably with business industry–related experience.
  • Requires three (3) years of direct supervisor or lead worker experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prefers three (3) years' experience in grant administration or grant monitoring of federal, state, or local grants.
  • Prefers three (3) years' experience with fiscal and performance/program reporting, including skill in reviewing reports for quality control and compliance with state and/or federal statutes.
  • Prefers at least two (2) years' experience managing or leading economic development programs, tax incentives, or technical assistance (State and Local).
  • Prefers at least two (2) years' experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Prefers at least two (2) years' experience working with business communities to ensure compliance with program requirements.
  • Prefers at least two (2) years' experience working with financial documents, including financial statements related to business operations.
  • Prefers at least two (2) years' experience collecting and analyzing data, developing recommendations, and presenting recommendations to executive staff.
  • Prefers at least two (2) years' experience in a public‑facing role that includes presenting and/or promoting.

Conditions of Employment

  • Requires completion of a background check and self‑disclosure of criminal history.
  • Requires the ability to travel for work, including overnight stays as needed.
  • Requires a valid driver's license.
  • This position meets the requirements of Section 4A‑101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, requiring the employee to file an annual Statement of Economic Interest with the Secretary of State. Employees required to file must also submit a Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest to the Executive Ethics Commission. Fines and penalties apply for late filings.
  • Certain revolving‑door restrictions under 5 ILCS 430/5‑45 apply. If offered non‑State employment during State service or within one year after leaving State employment, the employee must notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General (OEIG) before accepting the offer or may be subject to a fine.

These conditions of employment apply to and support the duties outlined in the job description.

Statement of Economic Interest 

This position has been found to meet the requirements of Section 4A‑101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, which requires 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 Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State, which are made available for public examination and copying. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission (see Executive Order 15‑09). Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

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 advancing the clean energy economy, DCEO works to position Illinois as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring it remains the best State to live, work, and do business.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Headquarters Location: 1 W. Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, IL 62701
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: CEO.HR@illinois.gov (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY-INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE )
Posting Group: Leadership & Management

Communication
The primary channel for application status updates will be email. Applicants are strongly encouraged to regularly check their junk, spam, or other folders to ensure they do not miss critical updates. Communications may be sent from the following email addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com 
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com