OVERVIEW
The Office of the President is seeking a Director of Policy. This role will support the President’s efforts to develop or revise policies in line with the President's Policy Roadmap and other initiatives. The Director will draft strategic initiatives to address public policy challenges, obtain approval, and distribute approved communications to the relevant internal teams.
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.
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a Resume and Cover letter to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov
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 14 vacation 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 StipendHealth/Wellness Perks:
- Flexible Spending Accounts- Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY
- Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
- 2nd largest county in America
- Larger than 27 states
- Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades. Nearly 80% unionized workforce15 unions represented63 separate collective bargaining agreements
- Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
- 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.
- 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 motorist, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclist.
ROLE SUMMARY
Under the direction of the President’s Office, directs the development or amendment of existing policies based on the President’s Policy Roadmap and other policy initiatives. Drafts strategic initiatives that address public policy challenges for approval and distributes approved communications to the appropriate internal sources. Partners with internal or external stakeholders regarding the advancement of policy initiatives of the President’s Office. May manage or liaise with the Policy Roadmap Committee, answering inquiries from internal departments, employees and external agencies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Develops manages and evaluates Cook County Government policy activities and initiatives in relation to the Policy Roadmap.
Analyzes, and summarizes dense and complex information accurately, clearly and within a short time frame.
Leads and manages the research and analysis required to produce public policy memos and key reports on County policies.
Works closely with all the Department Heads and Bureau Chiefs to ensure consistent policy development related to the Policy Roadmap.
Serves as liaison between the President’s Office and the Policy Roadmap Committee and other public policy related Committees advanced by the Offices under the President.
May direct, coordinate and supervise assignments pertaining to the Policy Roadmap.
Answers policy inquiries posed by Department Heads, employees and external agencies.
Handles special projects of specific purposes and confidential nature as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws as it pertains to policies regarding Cook County Government.
Skill in analyzing research for writing policies and organizing subject matter into a concise document based on findings.
Ability to communicate effectively both in written and verbal formats to communicate all current and impending policies.
Ability to plan, organize, direct and evaluate projects, to recommend constructive improvements.
Skilled in utilizing various search-engines and multi-media resources.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding policy matters.
Skill in the use ofMicrosoft Word and Excel.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree PLUS a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the creation, implementation, or oversight of policy matters, OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training and education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters Degree or Juris Doctorate.
Two (2) years of supervisory/operational experience in the public sector.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sedentary Work 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
POST OFFER TESTING: This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.
