Associate Deputy Director, Communications

Job Requisition : 53580
Closing Date: 04/02/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $9,000 - $11,000 / month (Full Range: $7,966 - $14,244)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Statewide posting - County to be determined after candidate selection
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

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.

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.

• Serves as Associate Deputy Director of Communications
• Responds to media and press inquiries in media markets throughout the state, some of which may be of a sensitive, controversial nature, or assigns staff to respond
• Provides input to the Deputy Director in the development and implementation of collaborative communications statewide with the DCFS/Child Welfare Contributing Agency system, DCFS advisory boards, Child Death Review Team, and other public, nonprofit, and private partners
• Serves as full line supervisor
• Through subordinate administrators, oversees the Department’s statewide marketing programs and special events/community relations efforts
• Drives or travels to attend, support, and provide guidance on special events, including but not limited to the Springfield and Du Quoin State Fairs, Scholarship luncheon, Midnight Circus, FIREE Awards, and other events as assigned
• Serves as a representative of the Deputy Director in collaborating with the Governor’s Office and other government agencies regarding highly sensitive, complex responses, reaffirming the Department’s position on sensitive, controversial issues
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, or liberal arts
• Requires three years of related administrative experience in media relations, communications, public affairs, or a comparable area

• 5 years of professional experience in communications or marketing in a public or business organization
• 3 years of professional experience planning, organizing, and conducting special events for a public or business organization
• 3 years of professional experience in the management or implementation of a marketing plan for a public or business organization
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or liberal arts
• 3 years of professional experience coordinating public events with community partners

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license
• Requires ability to work evenings and weekends
• 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.…