RESEARCH PROGRAM UNIT CHIEF - (TECHNICAL MANAGER VI)

Job Requisition ID: 53825 IPR#25-00934
Closing Date: 03/16/2026
​Agency: Department of Transportation
Position Title: Technical Manager VI
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $7,076 Monthly; Full Range: $7,076 - $11,692 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:  NR916 Pro Tech Teamsters

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

 

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

 

This position is accountable for developing, managing, and monitoring the department’s contract and external research program to be consistent with the priorities of the department’s needs and budget constraints. Additionally, this position is accountable for negotiating and overseeing the intergovernmental agreement and coordinating with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), universities, consultants, and other governmental agencies to ensure research activities comply with federal research funding mandates.  This position reports on all aspects of the department’s research program while disseminating and communicating research findings, serves as the department’s voting member on national research committees, and coordinates the department’s participation in national-level research programs. 

Essential Functions

• Develops, manages, and monitors the department’s contract and external research program and reports on all aspects of the program.
• Ensures consistency with departmental priorities for needs and budget constraints and compliance with state and federal funding mandates.
• Assumes responsibility for the annual research work program submittal to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
• Ensures that the department’s operational and policy needs are addressed in an acceptable timeframe.
• Serves as the department’s voting member on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official (AASHTO) Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and as the Transportation Research Board (TRB) state representative.
• Reports on all aspects of the department’s research program while disseminating and communicating research findings.
• Documents the achievements and benefits of the department’s research program and illustrates the value received from research funding.
• Trains, motivates, and evaluates subordinate personnel to ensure their effectiveness.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree majoring in business, public administration, public policy, or project management PLUS four years of experience managing complex projects, managing and implementing policies or procedures, or a combination thereof; OR twelve years of experience in public transportation, public administration, managing complex projects, managing and implementing policies or procedures, or a combination thereof. 
• Two years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead, direct, and manage staff.
• Working knowledge of research methods and data analysis, including benefit-cost analysis.
• Proficiency with the development of policies, procedures, specifications, and standards.
• Working knowledge of agency programs and service objectives, activities, and operational systems.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate effectively at various professional levels in both oral and written formats.
• Good organizational, leadership, and self-motivational skills.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license
• Occasional statewide and out-of-state travel with overnight stays.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• 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 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 Transportation is seeking to hire a Research Program Unit Chief. 

 

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs. 

 

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

 

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Work Location: 126 E Ash St, Springfield, Illinois, 62704

Work Office: Office of Planning and Programming/ Bureau of Research 

Agency Contact: DOT.CONTACTHR@ILLINOIS.GOV

Posting Group: Transportation; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

 

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.

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

 

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

 

Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs.

 

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:

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