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Director Special Project Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DESCRIPTION The Director of Special Education, Staffing and Operations provides strategic ... projects or initiatives that advance special education programs and departmental priorities.

Director, Special Events Classification: Full-Time/Exempt Summary/Objective: This position will be ... Strong project management skills and sales proposal experience. * Demonstrated ability to generate ...

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Director Special Project information

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$44K

$109.6K

$197.5K

How much do director special project jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director special project in the United States is $109,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $144,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of special project do?

A Director of Special Projects is responsible for leading and managing high-priority initiatives within an organization that fall outside the scope of standard operations. This role often involves coordinating cross-functional teams, developing project plans, and ensuring projects align with the company’s strategic objectives. Directors of Special Projects may be tasked with launching new business ventures, overseeing organizational change, or managing time-sensitive assignments directly from senior leadership. Their work requires excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability, and strong communication to drive successful project outcomes.

How does a director of special project typically collaborate with other departments to ensure project success?

A Director of Special Projects often works cross-functionally, partnering with leaders from departments such as operations, finance, marketing, and IT to align project objectives with overall organizational goals. This role requires excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to coordinate resources, manage timelines, and resolve any interdepartmental challenges that may arise. Regular meetings and progress updates are common, ensuring all parties are informed and engaged. Successful Directors foster a collaborative environment, leveraging the expertise of diverse teams to drive innovative solutions and deliver impactful results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of special project, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Special Projects, you need expertise in project management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with project management tools (like Asana, Trello, or MS Project), data analysis software, and sometimes certifications such as PMP are typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills enable effective coordination across diverse teams and shifting priorities. These competencies ensure successful delivery of complex, high-impact projects aligned with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Special Project vs Project Manager?

AspectDirector Special ProjectProject Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or master's degree, industry-specific certificationsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic oversight, executive-level collaborationDay-to-day project execution, team management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors for high-level projectsCommon across industries for managing specific projects

The main difference is that the Director Special Project focuses on strategic planning and oversight of high-level initiatives, while the Project Manager handles the operational aspects of project execution. The Director typically works at an executive level, guiding project goals, whereas the Project Manager manages teams and timelines to deliver project outcomes.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Special Project jobs?

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Infographic showing various Director Special Project job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,563 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

ASSOCIATE DEPUTY DIRECTOR/SPECIAL PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR, QUALITY ASSURANCE ADMINISTRATION

Hillside, IL • On-site

State of Illinois
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees

$11K - $13K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


State Of Illinois rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58383
Opening Date: 9/3/2026
Closing Date: 09/18/2026
​Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070) 
Skill Option: Health and Human Services 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $11,000 to $13,000 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook; Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Agency

 

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.

Position Overview:

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Associate Deputy Director/Special Projects Administrator, Quality Assurance Administration.  DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program.  The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities.  We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Essential Functions:
  • Serves as Associate Deputy Director/Special Projects Administrator, Quality Assurance Administration
  • Leads special projects as requested, including case reviews through the development of qualitative case review instruments, rating guides, training, reporting, and recommendations for improvement
  • Serves as full line supervisor
  • Provides professional technical assistance and consultation to teams of management staff and/or multidisciplinary teams comprised of Department staff and/or external stakeholders in programmatic and other evaluative reviews of the Department and/or child welfare contributing agencies (CWCA), to include administrative reviews of disputed cases, reviews of high profile cases, or cases involving deaths or serious abuse/neglect, as well as those identified for special reviews
  • Monitors and reviews various project-specific databases to ensure they are fully functional and able to generate visual reports as needed via PowerBI
  • Represents the Deputy Director and/or Director before other state agencies and governmental entities, private and public organizations, and other community and professional groups to explain and interpret Department policies, programs, and objectives
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Requires a master’s degree in social work or a related human services field
  • Requires four years of administrative child welfare experience with an MSW or five years of administrative child welfare experience with a master’s degree in a related human services field.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3 years of professional experience conducting project management in a public or private organization
  • 3 years of professional experience in the application of the child welfare requirements imposed by the Administration of Children and Families-Children’s Bureau
  • 3 years of experience managing CQI programs, activities, and processes for a public or private agency using the Plan/Do/Check/Act cycles of improvement
  • 3 years of professional experience evaluating program performance in a child welfare field in a public or private organization
  • 3 years of experience reading, writing, and communicating data to various groups
  • 3 years of experience managing staff engaged in Continuous Quality Improvement work in a public or private agency
  • 3 years of professional experience serving as a representative of a public or private organization
Conditions of Employment:
  • Requires ability to pass a background check
  • Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
  • 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
About the Agency:

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

  • A Pension Program
  • Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
  • 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
  • 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
    • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
  • 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
  • Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
  • 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
  • Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
  • Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
  • GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
  • 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm  
Work Location: 
4415 Harrison St, Hillside, Illinois, 60162  OR 4500 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62703 (depending upon proximity of chosen candidate)

Work County: Cook OR Sangamon 
Agency Contact:
Michael Bernardy

Michael.Bernardy@illinois.gov (for questions only)

Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Social Services

​ 

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.

Term Appointment:

Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Children and Family Service's discretion.

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

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.


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About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

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