Executive Director

Job Requisition ID: 60082 
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/17/2026
Agency: Human Rights Commission
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) 
Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $150,000 - $170,000 annually
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
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
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 160 N Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60601
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: [email protected]

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.

Position Overview:

The Illinois Human Rights Commission (HRC) is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Executive Director. In this critical leadership role, the Executive Director oversees the Commission’s operations, including administration, staffing, budgeting, and the implementation of rules and procedures. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring efficient and fair appeals processes for civil rights complainants and respondents. A core component of this role is ongoing, close collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) to ensure seamless transfer of cases, consistent interpretation of decisions, and unified progress toward a more equitable Illinois. This position serves as the primary operational leader of the Commission and is responsible for maintaining regular communication with the Commission Chair on key matters such as policy, legislation, staffing, and budget direction. The Executive Director also represents the Commission publicly to advance the mission of civil rights in Illinois.

Illinois Human Rights Commission (HRC) 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 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.

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]