Chief Workforce Officer

Job Requisition ID: 49963
Closing Date: 10/14/2025
​Agency:  Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title:  CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000 
Skill Option:  None 
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $15,975 a month.
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time 
County: Cook; Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1

* 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 that meets the needs of the employer community, serves jobseekers, and creates quality, career pathways for Illinoisans.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Chief Workforce Officer (CWO)
• Provides input into planning for future initiatives
• Serves as a member of the DCEO executive staff out of the DCEO Director’s Office.
• Represents the Administration across the state and country.
• Manages DCEO bureaus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in business, economic development, and workforce development.
• 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. Preference given to candidates who have administered public sector programs or partnered with the public sector in program administration.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires compliance with all state ethics laws, and all other laws governing state officials.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays as needed.
• 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.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Work Location: Chicago or Springfield.
Agency Contact: [email protected] ( 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.

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:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]