Assistant Deputy Director of the Office of Energy & Business Utility

Position Overview

The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity is looking to hire an Assistant Deputy Director of the Office of Energy and Business Utility (OEBU) to plan, develop, implement, and control CEJA and other energy related programs for the OEBU.  The Assistant Deputy Director works with the OEBU management team to formulate, plan and administer the major components of the programs funded by the federal Workforce Climate Equitable Jobs Act and other state and federal clean energy programs.  This position leads a team of OEBU program managers, grant managers, colleagues across several offices responsible for overseeing the implementation of clean energy programs.  The Assistant Deputy Director represents the OEBU Deputy Director and DCEO in the coordination of projects and initiatives. The ideal candidate will also able be able to work with the OEBU management team and DCEO CEJA implementation team to identify and operationalize best practices in serving populations experiencing barriers to employment, contracting opportunities, wealth generation, and the like using public and private funding at the federal, state, and local levels. We welcome interested applicants who can organize and lead a team that strives to create positive environmental, economic, and social impact in Illinois to apply. 

Essential Functions

• Plans, develops, implements and controls strategic long-term planning for the Office of Energy & Business Utility.
• Develops and formulates policy to administer the Workforce Development and Trade Divisions and Case Management, WIOA and Processing and Grant Processing.
• Plans and coordinates new OEBU, CEJA, programs consistent with the Agency’s mission.
• Conducts financial forecasts for impending program allocations to determine feasibility of funding new program development, develops long-term budget proposals of the OEBU.
• Performs special project assignments for the Deputy Director.
• Plans and directs the OEBU’s state and federal programs in accordance with the Climate Equitable Jobs Act, federal department regulations, other legislation related to the clean energy goals and objectives.
• Supervises staff.
• Develops a key presence with federal government entities as it relates to the Climate, Energy Efficiency, Energy Generation, and other Clean Energy Transition program interests and funding.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
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Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in public administration, business or closely related fields of study.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, a Non-profit, Local Workforce Innovation Area (LWIA), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Trade Programs, Contractor Development, CEJA/Energy/Clean Energy program development, or related workforce and contractor training and preparedness programs, including programs authorized under CEJA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer at least two (2) years of experience working in the Clean Energy industry.
• Prefer at least three (3) years of experience developing program policies, procedures, and economic development strategies to support programs related to workforce and contractor services.
• Prefer at least three (3) years of experience in senior leadership of community-based organizations, contractor, and/or labor organizations.
• Prefer at least three (3) years of experience in project management.
• Prefer at least three (3) years of experience developing and delivering public presentations.
• Prefers advanced level experience in the utilization of spreadsheet software, document creation. email and cloud-based platforms.

Condition of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in their performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• 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 Statement of Economic Interest with the Office of 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 mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.