International Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Job Requisition ID: 54001 Opening Date: 09/03/2026Closing Date: 09/18/2026Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic OpportunityClass Title: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II - 00502 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,242 monthly; Full Range $6,242 - $9,021 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: CookNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: RC028 Paraprofessional Human Services Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code:
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
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Trade and Investment, is seeking a highly skilled and trusted professional to serve as its International Office Coordinator (Administrative Assistant II). This position plays a central role in supporting the agency's international mission by providing executive-level coordination, operational support, and strategic assistance to the Deputy Director. The International Office Coordinator serves as a key advisor and operational partner to the Deputy Director, managing sensitive and confidential communications, interpreting and implementing policy, and coordinating complex administrative and programmatic activities. The role supports strategic initiatives, high-level decision-making, and cross-agency collaboration that advance Illinois' global economic priorities. Success in this position requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable outcomes. The Office of Trade and Investment promotes Illinois as a destination for global business expansion, provides export assistance to Illinois companies, and facilitates bilateral engagement with foreign governments. Illinois is a leading exporting state and supports exporters through financial and technical assistance programs, including the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program. The International Office Coordinator helps ensure these efforts are effectively supported through strong internal coordination, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates are proactive problem solvers who thrive in fast-paced environments, demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, and are comfortable working closely with senior leadership, external partners, and international stakeholders. This role blends executive support, program oversight, and strategic coordination, offering meaningful responsibility and exposure to international economic development work within the State of Illinois.
Essential Functions

• Under general direction, serves as confidential assistant to the Deputy Director of the Office of Trade and Investment and performs a variety of administrative functions relating to the operation and activities of the office.
• Directs and coordinates with Office staff in the implementation of programmatic reports and studies regarding international programs and operations.
• Provides strategic oversight and operational support to staff in the execution of their assigned responsibilities.
• Serves as a liaison to the department's human resources office and coordinates office timekeeping and inventory control.
• Acts as a liaison for the Office of Trade and Investment and other agencies and organizations, i.e., state, federal, local and private sector, regarding international programs and policies.
• Attends meetings for the Deputy Director.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in public or business administration.
• Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a public or private organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience providing confidential administrative support to senior or executive leadership in a public or quasi-public organization.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience analyzing complex issues and developing written recommendations or solutions in the field of international business, marketing, economics, or trade or closely related field.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience in organizing and coordinating assignments and projects with senior managers, foreign governments, federal, state, or local agency stakeholders.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience drafting sensitive and confidential correspondence, reports, briefing materials, or policy-related documents.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience managing communication and coordinating meetings across multiple time zones.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience managing calendars, arranging international and domestic travel, and preparing related documentation for management staff.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience managing projects in collaboration with individuals from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds including those for whom English is not their native language.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience supporting office operations including timekeeping, onboarding/offboarding coordination, and inventory and property control.
• Prefers two (2) or more years of experience maintaining administrative records, client files, contracts, or program files in compliance with confidentiality and record-retention requirements.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Overtime may be required from time to time to accommodate international time differences or participate in events outside of normal working hours.

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 mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois' world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois' reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: CEO.HR@illinois.gov (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY - INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE)
Posting Group: Office & Administrative Support
This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).
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.
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