Chief of Staff

Position Overview

The Illinois Human Rights Commission (Commission) is looking to hire a new Chief of Staff. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the incumbent will perform advanced analysis, planning, projections and reporting of key performance indicators and metrics. Additionally, the incumbent will participate in outreach and engagement of critical audiences including the general public, the statewide legal community and other units of local, state and federal government both independently, and in support of agency senior staff and Commissioners. The Commission is strongly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from under-represented group members, including, but not limited to, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, veterans, women, and persons with disabilities. Interested applicants with a passion for sound public policy and a commitment to government service should apply today.

Essential Functions

1. Subject to management approval, serves as Chief of Staff and confidential assistant to the Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission. Performs a variety of administrative functions, most of which are highly critical, confidential, and sensitive in nature.

• Performs highly responsible administrative staff functions coordinating and assisting with the programs of the Commission.
• Represents the Executive Director and Commission at meetings and conferences and independently commits the resources of the Commission to specific courses of action.
• Interprets policies, procedures and directives of the Executive Director for staff and general public.
• Provides guidance and recommendations to the Executive Director regarding short-term and long-term planning strategies for the Commission.

2. Serves as a technical expert for agency-specific e-filing and case management systems of record, making policy and technical recommendations for choosing specific products for use, deployment, major modifications, or expansion.

• Meets and consults with Commissioners and managers to determine information technology (IT) requirements to ensure that systems/applications under consideration will meet business and operational needs and are consistent with the strategic initiatives of the Commission.
• Consults with vendors and suppliers to evaluate applications and/or systems under consideration for purchase; analyzes documentation and technical specifications of applications/systems to determine suitability.
• Makes determinations in choosing specific products for use, deployment, major modifications, or expansion.
• Evaluates the feasibility and cost of proposed systems; reviews budget information and data to determine the most cost-effective systems for the Commission.
• Serves as liaison with the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) to coordinate the design and implementation of new systems and/or applications.

Essential Functions Cont.

3. Independently performs complex management operations analysis functions for the Commission for either a major segment of a complex agency-wide management operations study or plan or develops and executes a limited agency-wide study with responsibility for independent analysis of significant agency problems or questions to create effective strategies and to improve overall operational efficiency of the Commission.

• Initiates and designs new or revised data collection techniques and forms; reviews workflows, data and reports and meets and consults with Commissioners and managers to identify operational issues and areas of concern.
• Applies various data analysis techniques and mathematical and statistical modeling strategies to analyze, determine, and develop solutions to complex business problems.
• Develops detailed reports of analyses, findings and recommended solutions to assist Commissioners and management in decision making to improve business processes; develops presentations for management to effectively communicate and explain ideas and solutions.
• Develops key performance indicators, and develops, monitors and executes consistent systems and methods for tracking and reporting on key agency-level metrics.

4. Provides technical assistance and consultation for other bureaus, sections, and units within the agency concerning the determination of appropriate scientific methodologies, evaluative techniques, and project monitoring techniques.

• Represents the agency or accompany top agency officials as a technical resource consultant at meetings and conferences with other local, state and federal agencies, private industry, and other organizations both independently and in support of agency senior management and agency Commissioners.

5. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with coursework in areas such as quantitative and analytical analysis, economic theory, accounting and finance, organizational theory, operations research and program evaluation.

2. Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefers a master’s or doctoral degree in business management/administration, information technology, public policy, or public administration.

2. Prefers working knowledge of research practices and techniques, data analytics technologies and best practices, electronic information technology operations and the way they are utilized in operations analysis.

3. Prefers at least one (1) year experience in presenting complex concepts and ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, with audiences including the public, executive and legislative branch authorities.

4. Prefers at least one (1) year professional experience in a state executive branch, legislative, judicial or quasi-judicial work environment.

5. Prefers working knowledge of administrative and legislative processes in state government.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.

2. This position requires the use of agency supplied material/equipment (i.e., cell phone, laptop, etc.).

3. Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be required/mandated to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime.

About the Agency

The Illinois Human Rights Commission (“Commission”) is an administrative court system with offices in Chicago and Springfield. The Commission has statewide responsibility and acts as an impartial forum for resolving allegations of discrimination that are asserted under the Illinois Human Rights Act (“Act”). The Act prohibits discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals in employment, real estate transactions, access to credit, public accommodations, and education.

We are also responsible for educating and informing the public about the Act and the work of the Illinois Human Rights Commission. In furtherance of our mission, we provide professional, competent, and considerate service to everyone who seeks information from us or who has a case before the Commission.