Public Information Officer (PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

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Job Requisition ID: 53335

Closing Date: 02/17/2026

Agency: Department of Early Childhood

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015

Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8750 - $9333 per month ($105,000 - $112,000 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Cook; Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Excluded - Subject to Paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (6) of Section 4d of the Personnel Code

Position Overview:

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking a Public Information Officer (PIO) / Press Secretary to serve as the primary media liaison and official spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), representing the Director of the Office of Communications. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive external media engagement strategies to promote IDEC’s mission and services, while monitoring and analyzing media coverage and public sentiment to inform communication efforts.

The PIO also leads the development and coordination of internal communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging across the agency. Acting as a full-line supervisor, this position provides leadership and guidance to communications staff, ensuring high-quality, timely, and accurate dissemination of information to stakeholders, media outlets, and the public.

Apply today to join a team committed to making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family!

Illinois Department of Early Childhood offers a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday schedule
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid Parental leave
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Employees earn (12) paid sick days annually
• (10-25) paid vacation days (based on years of service)
• Employees earn (3) paid personal days (pro-rated based on start date)
• (13-14) paid state holidays annually

Work hours and schedule will be mutually agreed upon by supervisor during the onboarding process.

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.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) / Press Secretary functioning as the primary media liaison and as an official agency spokesperson on behalf of the Director of the Office of Communications for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
• Develops and implements external media engagement strategies and analyzes media coverage and public sentiment related to IDEC services.
• Develops and coordinates internal media strategies.
• Serves as a full-line supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the above mentioned duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, economics, public administration, or related field.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, public relations, or communications specifically related to early childhood programs and services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional work experience managing media relations at a public or private organization (e.g., generating press materials, coordinating interviews, and cultivating relationships with reporters/media outlets).
• Three (3) years of professional work experience translating complex data into clear, accessible messaging/branding for diverse audiences in print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Three (3) years of professional work experience with digital communication platforms (e.g., social media management, content development, and analytics tools).
• Two (2) years of professional experience speaking on the record as a spokesperson representing a public official or public agency.
• Two (2) years of work experience building professional relationships with local and statewide media, elected officials, early childhood advocates, and policy makers.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

• 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 Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) was signed into law in June of 2024 with the focus of making early childhood education and care services simpler, better and fairer for families with young children across the state. During fiscal years FY25 and FY26, IDEC will be working through transitioning data, programs and services from three state agencies – the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), – to IDEC in order to be fully operational by July 2026.

Illinois strives to be the best state in the nation to raise a family with young children and IDEC is committed to continue putting children and families center while reducing complexities and finding efficiencies in the system and advancing equity.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Work County: Cook or Sangamon

Agency Contact: Melissa Long

Email : [email protected]

Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Social Services

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]

Nearest Major Market: Springfield