OVERVIEW
The Cook County Deputy Bureau Chief - Operations Office is seeking a Director of Real Estate to join our team. This person negotiates acquisition and disposition of properties most beneficial to the County. Inspects properties under consideration for acquisition, and recommends acquisition, lease, disposition or improvement of these properties. Maintains accurate records of Leases, Deeds and Easements of County owned property and approves all warrants for the payment.
Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.
WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?
In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:
- Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
- Flexible Teleworking Options
- Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick leave)
- Pension Plan
- Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts — Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
- Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY:
Ø Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
- 2nd largest county in America
- Larger than 27 states
Ø Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
- Nearly 80% unionized workforce
- 15 unions represented
- 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
Ø Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
Ø Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
Ø Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.
LOCATION:
Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Real Estate Director is a position created by County Ordinance and is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Real Estate Management Division under the direction of the President. Negotiates acquisition and disposition of properties most beneficial to the County. Inspects properties under consideration for acquisition, and recommends acquisition, lease, disposition or improvement of these properties. Maintains accurate records of Leases, Deeds and Easements of County owned property and approves all warrants for the payment. Writes confidential reports of findings and makes recommendation for the sale, lease or purchase of real estate. Prepares deeds, leases and contracts. Supervises and directs personnel involved in executing the directions and orders of the courts which apply to real estate.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Directs the overall administration and management of the Real Estate Management Division’s day to day operations.
Inspects properties under consideration for acquisition, and recommends acquisition, lease, disposition, improvement, or other action consistent with best interest of Cook County. Monitors the appraisal, sale, or auction or real estate parcels as directed by the Court.
Consults with and advises the President, Commissioners, Bureau Chief, Facilities Management, and other appropriate officials as required.
Formulates plans and strategy for acquiring or disposing of property. Negotiates acquisition and disposition properties most beneficial to the County. Enters into agreements for the management of all real estate leased and licensed by the County.
Maintains accurate records of Leases, Deeds, and Easements of County owned property and approves all warrants for the payment of property acquisitions and leases. Ensures that all documentation concerning real estate matters are complete and compliant with applicable regulations.
Writes reports of findings and recommends the sale, lease or purchase of real estate properties. Prepares deeds, leases and contracts on behalf of the County. Monitors the recording of documents pertaining to the purchase and sale of property.
Supervises and directs all personnel involved in executing the directions and orders of the courts which apply to real estate.
Develops policies and procedures to carry out the goals and objectives respective to the Real Estate Management Division.
Manages or enters into agreements for the management of all real estate owned by the County except wherein the management of such real estate is otherwise provided by law.
Negotiates and make recommendations for the sale or lease of all lands and buildings or any interest therein that may be owned or acquired by the County, and which is deemed not essential for County purposes.
Formulates all policies and procedures necessary to carry out the responsibilities as the Real Estate Management Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Extensive knowledge of State, County, Municipal laws and ordinances with ability to ascertain compliance with laws, ordinances, and regulations. Ability to identify between errors, irregularities and illegal acts, and take appropriate action.
Knowledge of the County’s Real Estate Division and Real Estate administration. Ability to make policy recommendations, develop, coordinate and implement programmatic changes.
Good interpersonal relation skills. Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy dealing with employee issues is a wide range of diverse situations.
Possession of excellent writing skills; ability to clearly articulate, through written document. Excellent organizational skills.
Must be able to demonstrate good administrative and supervisory skills. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Possess the ability to institute problem solving techniques in diverse and sometimes emotional situations.
Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and efficiently.
This position requires traveling to work assignments for which the employee must provide his or her own adequate means of transportation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree PLUS a minimum of three (3) years of experience in real estate or corporate transactions or public administration OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training and education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s or Juris Doctorate degree.
Illinois Broker’s or Managing Broker’s License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County's career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.
