Legal Counsel/Agency FOIA & Privacy Officer (PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR)

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,500 - $10,000 per month ($102,000 - $120,000 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Sangamon; Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Position Overview: Our agency is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking FOIA and Privacy Legal Counsel to provide expert legal guidance on public records disclosure and the protection of sensitive information. This critical role ensures the agency’s full compliance with federal and state FOIA statutes, privacy regulations, and related legal standards. The Legal Counsel will lead the evaluation of complex records requests, advise leadership and staff on disclosure obligations and exemptions, and implement strategies that balance transparency with rigorous privacy safeguards. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in strengthening the agency’s legal integrity, enhancing public trust, and supporting our mission through sound, reliable, and proactive legal counsel.

Benefits

• 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 & designated FOIA Officer for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC).
• Serves as the agency's Designated Privacy Officer.
• Serves as the Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officer for IDEC.
• Conducts special projects and assists other programmatic staff within IDEC's Legal Division at the direction and discretion of the Deputy General Counsel.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers one (1) year of experience administering and overseeing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and protocols.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience as an attorney drafting and providing legal counsel on data privacy matters.
• Prefers one (1) or more years of experience functioning in an in‑house counsel capacity, including the ability to direct and guide clerical and professional administrative staff on legal workflows, document preparation, and process requirements (without formal supervisory authority).
• Prefers an International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) certification.
• Prefers a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience as an attorney collaborating with internal stakeholders, external partners, and cross‑functional teams to provide legal guidance and support, including conducting training and presentations on subject‑matter responsibilities.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to successfully pass a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
• Requires the ability to successfully pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) background check.
• Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state‑issued equipment, such as a cell phone, laptop, and other necessary equipment as required.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• 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.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is the state’s first standalone agency dedicated exclusively to advancing equitable access to high‑quality early childhood programs and services for young children, their families, and the professionals who support them. Established in 2024 and operational as of July 1, 2026, IDEC brings together early childhood programs and services previously administered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) into one unified agency.

IDEC works to make Illinois’ early childhood system simpler, fairer, and more accessible by improving access to services, strengthening program quality, supporting the early childhood workforce, and streamlining the experience for families, providers, and communities. Through collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence, IDEC is building a stronger early childhood system that helps every child thrive and every family succeed.

Work Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Headquarter Location: 313 S 6th St, Springfield, Illinois, 62701

Work County: Sangamon or Cook

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

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.