WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Job Requisition ID: 55646

Opening Date: 04/28/2026

Closing Date: 05/12/2026

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 $8,695 - $9,080 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Managerial Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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.

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

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 Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3) is committed to providing minority, women, persons with disabilities, and veteran-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state with equitable access to opportunities and resources. Through dynamic partnerships, targeted outreach, and tailored programs and initiatives, OE3 builds an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth. OE3 seeks a passionate and experienced Women Business Development Specialist (PSA Opt 1) to lead and enhance our engagement with women. In this role, you will represent OE3, promote economic development, and support women's businesses. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong background in business development and community engagement, particularly with women. If you want to make an impact and join our team, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Functions

• Develops, recommends, organizes, and implements policies and programs for the Office of Women’s Business Development.
• Acts as a senior field representative, executes critical assignments in providing technical assistance to Women’s businesses, including areas of business and workforce development.
• Creates economic development plans that coordinate and research economic development resources and compiles information to identify economic assets and liabilities.
• As a spokesperson and senior representative, travels to and conducts seminars with business representatives and local government officials.
• Establish and maintains working relationships with business representatives and government officials.
• May support additional target populations for the office with outreach, community engagement, and research.
• 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 in economic development, marketing and business administration.
• Requires three (3) years of professional administrative experience in business and economic development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience working with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce, incubators, universities and/or non-profit specifically who serve Women businesses.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience communicating and conducting presentations for Women businesses.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience providing Women business owners one-on-one business support.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience in proven ability to create and implement economic and strategic plans.
• Prefers one (1) or more years in project management.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring 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 that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. 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.

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 - 5:00pm

Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: [email protected] (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY - INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE)

Posting Group: Leadership & Management

Statement of Economic Interest :

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring 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 that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. 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.

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]