1

Permanent Secretary Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

OFFICE ASSOCIATE

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently ... Essential Functions Serves as Secretary to the Director and professional staff. Reviews invoices ...

Permanent Secretary information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$24.3K

$45.5K

$62.4K

How much do permanent secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for permanent secretary in Springfield, IL is $45,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Permanent Secretary?

A Permanent Secretary is the most senior civil servant in a government department or ministry, responsible for overseeing its day-to-day operations and providing non-political, expert advice to government ministers. They play a crucial role in implementing government policies, managing departmental staff, and ensuring the effective use of public resources. Unlike ministers, Permanent Secretaries are career officials, not political appointees, and their primary duty is to maintain continuity and stability within the civil service.

How does a Permanent Secretary typically interact with government ministers and departmental staff?

A Permanent Secretary acts as the most senior civil servant within a government department, serving as the principal adviser to ministers while also overseeing the department's day-to-day operations. This role requires balancing the strategic direction set by elected ministers with the practical implementation managed by departmental staff. Permanent Secretaries frequently facilitate communication between political leaders and civil service teams, ensuring that policy objectives are translated into effective, actionable plans. Collaboration, diplomacy, and clear communication are essential, as the role often involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and navigating sensitive issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Permanent Secretary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Permanent Secretary, you need deep expertise in public administration, policy development, and organizational leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in public policy or a related field. Familiarity with government budgeting systems, performance management frameworks, and digital governance tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, political acumen, and strategic thinking are vital soft skills for influencing stakeholders and leading large teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective policy implementation, transparent governance, and the efficient functioning of public sector organizations.

What is the difference between Permanent Secretary vs Civil Service Officer?

AspectPermanent SecretaryCivil Service Officer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in government or public administrationVaries; often requires a degree in public administration, political science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentHigh-level government offices, policy development, strategic planningVarious government departments, supporting policy implementation and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment ministries, public sector organizationsPublic sector, government agencies, civil service departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior government roles, leadership positionsEntry to mid-level civil service roles, career progression

In summary, a Permanent Secretary is a senior government official responsible for overseeing entire ministries, often requiring extensive experience and advanced credentials. A Civil Service Officer typically holds a supporting role within government departments, with responsibilities varying based on experience and department level. Both roles are integral to public administration but differ significantly in seniority and scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Secretary jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Secretary jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Permanent Secretary jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Permanent Secretary job openings:

Infographic showing various Permanent Secretary job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,536 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Personnel Specialist

Illinois Secretary of State

Springfield, IL • On-site

$4.8K - $8.5K/mo

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
Job Title: Personnel Specialist
Division: LOAWorkers Comp
Union: IFT
Location: 501 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL - Sangamon County
Salary: Range $4,836 to $8,553 monthly - commensurate with experience
Benefits: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
Overview:
Performs professional human resources duties related to the approval and denial of employee leaves of absence, including the administration of the Family Medical Leave Act and ensures compliance with applicable rules, policies, collective bargaining agreements and the Secretary of State Merit Employment Code; serves as backup to Worker's Compensation Coordinator and serves as technical expert for paraprofessional staff.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Receives, reviews, approves and/or denies requests for leaves of absence in accordance with the provisions of the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA); confers with management staff legal counsel, medical facilities, physicians, clinics and other medical professionals to obtain information necessary for proper completion of documents; exercises judgment and discretion in approval or denial of FMLA leave requests.
  • Receives, reviews and processes requests for leaves of absence not covered by the FMLA; determines if submitted documentation is in compliance with applicable policies, rules, labor law and collective bargaining agreements; contacts employees and/or medical practitioners to obtain necessary information for granting of leave requests; composes unique correspondence and modifies form letters necessary for such matters as approval notification, reminders of leave expiration, letters regarding permanent disability and requests for employee action.
  • Responds to inquiries from other department staff, employees, management and personnel liaisons on the application of the Department of Personnel Rules, the Merit Employment Code and Policies and procedures governing the transaction process regarding leaves of absence and the Family Medical Leave Act.
  • Serves as backup to Worker's Compensation Coordinator, handling worker's compensation claims, filing medical and financial documentation and coordinating claims with CMS Risk Management.
  • Serves as backup for receiving and preparing confidential medical files for scanning into database by determining the purpose of the documents and the appropriate category in accordance with established policies and procedures where the application of laws, rules, regulations, policies is established and well defined; scans medical documents into appropriate category and maintains medical file database for section, including sorting and alphabetizing documents; files and retrieves documents as requested; copies and scans records and passes onto requesting personnel as needed; prepares closed files for scanning and storage in compliance with Records Retention Schedules for medical files.
  • Serves as backup for maintaining confidential medical files for section, including sorting and filing leave-related documents; retrieves documents as requested; copies and scans records and passes onto requesting personnel. Prepares closed files for scanning and storage in compliance with Records Retention Schedules for medical files and workers' compensation files. Files and maintains medical related documents; prepares closed files for scanning and storage in compliance with Records Retention Schedules for medical files.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Education and Experience:
Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years college and two years of professional personnel or human resources experience in a public or private organization.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Requires extensive knowledge of office procedures, practices, equipment and personal computers.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of personnel/human resources practices and techniques.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of the principles of organizational administration and structure.
  • Requires working knowledge of arithmetic computations.
  • Requires working knowledge of the Secretary of State merit Employment Code, rules, and regulations or equivalent knowledge gained in other merit or civil service settings.
  • Requires ability to effectively interact with employees, management personnel, the general public, applicants and other personnel professionals.
  • Requires ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions.
  • Requires ability to present technical ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Requires ability to read and comprehend laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Requires ability to analyze facts and information and draw logical conclusions.
  • Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver's license as required by individual positions within the class.
Application Process:
  • Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume or other attachments as needed.
  • Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
  • Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.