Closing Date: 29th May, 2026

Description:

Position Overview:
The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is seeking a Legal Counsel - Contracts and Legal Agreements to serve in the agency's Legal Division. This position will be responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to agency staff to help facilitate the fulfillment of contracts and procurements for IDEC. The employee in this position will work collaboratively with staff in the Legal Division to maintain agency compliance with relevant statutes, guidelines, and mandates. We invite you to apply for the Legal Counsel - Contracts and Legal Agreements position with IDEC!

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 Legal Counsel for Contracts and Legal Agreements for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
Collaborates with the Fiscal Division to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while fulfilling agency procurement orders and contracts.
Provides legal advice and counsel to the agency's administrative and professional staff, particularly regarding matters related to the agency's contracts, procurement, operations, and administration.
Confers and consults with Legal Division staff requesting the utilization of contractual services.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires graduation from an accredited law school.
Requires Illinois license to practice law.
Requires prior experience equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.
Requires one (1) year of professional legal experience drafting contracts as a licensed attorney and providing legal counsel regarding confidentiality and/or HIPAA or FERPA related issues in a government setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

Three (3) years of professional experience reviewing and drafting contracts for a public or business organization.
Three (3) years of professional experience conducting legal analysis related to various contractual agreements for a public or business organization.
One (1) year of professional experience conducting legal research and writing legal opinions.
One (1) year of professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities.
Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois law gained by work as an attorney.

Conditions of Employment:

Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state-issued equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, and other necessary equipment as required.
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.
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.
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.