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Public Policy Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Policy Services Director

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Policy Services * Reports to: Associate Executive Director, Policy Services * Office Location ... Public speaking skills * Ability to manage multiple, competing tasks and deadlines * Ability to ...

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Public Policy information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$32.2K

$75.7K

$113.5K

How much do public policy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for public policy in Springfield, IL is $75,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $87,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public policy professional do?

Public policy professionals research, analyze, and develop policies that address societal issues and guide government action. They work in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, and private companies. Their responsibilities often include conducting policy analysis, advising lawmakers, engaging with stakeholders, and advocating for policy changes. The goal is to create effective solutions that promote the public good and respond to community needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public policy professional?

To thrive as a Public Policy professional, you need strong analytical skills, research abilities, and a solid educational background in public administration, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, statistical software (such as STATA or SPSS), and experience with legislative tracking systems are typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are essential for developing effective policies, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring policies address societal needs.

What are some common challenges faced by public policy professionals?

Professionals in public policy often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse stakeholder interests, navigating complex regulatory environments, and responding to rapidly shifting political landscapes. Collaboration across departments and with external organizations is essential, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, public policy professionals must stay current on legislative updates and be adaptable in developing evidence-based recommendations under tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Public Policy vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPublic PolicyPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly in public sector and advocacy groupsCommonly employed in policy research and analysis roles

Public Policy and Policy Analyst roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are found in similar work environments. Public Policy is a broader field focusing on developing and evaluating policies, while Policy Analysts typically conduct research and provide recommendations within that framework. Both roles are essential in shaping and analyzing policies in government and nonprofit sectors.

How to break into public policy?

Breaking into public policy typically involves obtaining a relevant degree such as political science, public administration, or law, and gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions. Building skills in research, analysis, and communication, as well as networking with professionals in the field, can improve job prospects in public policy roles.

Is public policy in high demand?

Public policy professionals are in steady demand due to the need for government agencies, non-profits, and advocacy groups to develop and analyze policies. Employment opportunities often require strong research, communication skills, and knowledge of government processes, with demand influenced by political and economic factors.

What are the careers in public policy?

Careers in public policy include roles such as policy analyst, government affairs specialist, legislative assistant, public affairs manager, and policy advisor. These positions often require strong research, analytical, and communication skills, and may involve working for government agencies, think tanks, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups.

What is a public policy job?

A public policy job involves analyzing, developing, and advocating for policies that address societal issues, often within government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations. These roles typically require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve policy drafting, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Public Policy jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Public Policy jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Policy jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Policy jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Public Policy jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Public Policy job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Policy job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,680 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Policy Services Director

Illinois Association of School Boards

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About Us

Founded in 1913. The Vision of the Illinois Association of School Boards is excellence in local school board governance supporting quality public education.

Job Title and Classification

Director, full-time, E2

Position Information

Department: Policy Services

Reports to: Associate Executive Director, Policy Services

Office Location: Springfield or Lombard

Departmental Mission/Vision/Goals

The Mission of the IASB Policy Services staff is to promote excellence in local school board policy through teamwork, expertise, professionalism, and dedication to service.

Position Summary

Responsible for management of assigned policy and administrative procedures manual customization projects, visiting school districts throughout Illinois to facilitate such projects, as well as accuracy, delivery, development, marketing, and continuous improvement of existing and new policy services and trainings for IASB members.

Functions of the Job
  • 1. Project management for assigned policy and administrative procedures manual customization projects (PMC and AP projects) Visit school districts throughout Illinois to provide expertise to boards in order to customize and update local school board policy manuals. Work with school district administrators to customize, update, and align administrative procedures manuals with locally adopted policy Provide other policy training Review district collective bargaining agreements to determine locally bargained policy topics
  • 2. Proof PRESS Plus Updates and Responses to ensure accurate and timely delivery of services Ongoing proofing of subscriber responses Proofing of periodic customized draft updates Review district collective bargaining agreements to determine updates to locally bargained policy topics
  • 3. Serve on the PRESS Advisory Board to review PRESS Issue updates and provide suggestions and feedback to the PRESS Editors
  • 4. Perform Key Staff Responsibilities for Policy Services subscriptions and projects as assigned
  • 5. Provide efficient and courteous in-person, phone, email, and online assistance, training, and support to members, superintendents, and others, as appropriate
  • 6. Participate in the continuous improvement and marketing of existing and the development of new services, tools, and resources
  • 7. Maintain in the policy services shared files a list of and procedures for current tasks, duties, and areas of responsibility
  • 8. Participate in cross-training with other Policy Services staff members to provide backup as needed
  • 9. Maintain up-to-date Microsoft Office Professional Suite and other software skills as needed
  • 10. Maintain accurate shared calendars in MS Outlook and FlexBooker
  • 11. Attend the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago annually and perform duties as assigned
  • 12. Participate in Association cross-department work teams on a variety of topics, such as school board governance
  • 13. Participate in appropriate professional development offerings
  • 14. Attend periodic meetings both in and out of the office for continuous improvement and alignment of work throughout the department and the Association
  • 15. Attend frequent meetings outside the office that may require overnight travel
  • 16. Develop content, presentations, webinars, trainings, and other materials regarding school board policy and governance
  • 17. Present on school board policy and governance as requested for individual school boards, sister organizations, state agencies, universities, at the Joint Annual Conference, webinars, workshops, and division meetings throughout Illinois and nationally at the COSSBA and AASPS annual conferences and other state school board association conferences and workshops
  • 18. Contribute to team effort and department mission/vision/goals work
  • 19. Practice reliable and consistent attendance and punctuality
  • 20. Perform other duties as assigned
Education and/or Experience Requirements

Bachelorโ€™s degree. School board member, education, and/or legal experience a plus.

Required Competencies
  • 1.Interpersonal skills necessary to work with members and other staff effectively in a team environment
  • 2.Ability to work with diverse groups
  • 3.Ability to self-start, self-direct, be detail-oriented, and work independently
  • 4.Ability to consistently exercise discretion and independent judgement with respect to matters of significance.
  • 5.Excellent verbal and written grammar and communication skills
  • 6.Public speaking skills
  • 7.Ability to manage multiple, competing tasks and deadlines
  • 8.Ability to work days, evenings, and weekends
  • 9.Ability to travel throughout Illinois with a valid driverโ€™s license and provide own transportation
  • 10.Ability to use a computer and current software including Microsoft Office Professional Suite, Microsoft Office 365, NetForum, and other web-based applications
  • 11.Advanced knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • 12.Ability and willingness to learn and use new software and web-based applications quickly and competently
  • 13.Attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, and excellent proofreading skills
  • 14. Excellent organization skills
  • 15.Public relations skills
Special Conditions of Employment

The employee must have a valid Illinois driverโ€™s license. Mileage and reasonable travel reimbursement is provided.

Physical Demands

As necessary to perform the functions of the job, sedentary to light work (this position requires the employee to be able to be able to lift, move and safely handle boxes and materials up to 25 pounds); to see (visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field vision for reviewing hard copy documents, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading, visual inspection involving smalldefects); hearing (perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound); speaking (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, which include conveying detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers and/or members accurately, loudly, or quickly); fingering (picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling); repetitive motion (substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers).

Conduct and Judgement Standards

The highest of moral and ethical standards are demanded in accordance with the IASB Staff Standards and Staff Core Values. Employee conduct standards and other aspects of employment are addressed in the IASB Employment Handbook.

Disclaimer

This job description may be changed at any time and is not a contract with the individual employee(s). IASB retains its right to change this job description and assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and we will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other protected class under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process for qualified applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please notify Human Resources.

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