Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partnerships Manager

Job Requisition ID: 48757
Closing Date: 08/22/2025
​Agency: Illinois Power Agency
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000
Job Type: Salaried
County: Adams; Alexander; Bond; Boone; Brown; Bureau; Calhoun; Carroll; Cass; Champaign; Christian; Clark; Clay; Clinton; Coles; Crawford; Cumberland; DeKalb; DeWitt; Douglas; DuPage; Edgar; Edwards; Effingham; Fayette; Ford; Franklin; Fulton; Gallatin; Greene; Grundy; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardin; Henderson; Henry; Iroquois; Jackson; Jasper; Jefferson; Jersey; Jo Daviess; Johnson ; Kane; Kankakee; Kendall; Knox; LaSalle; Lake; Lawrence; Lee; Livingston; Logan; Macon; Macoupin; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Mason; Massac; McDonough; McHenry; McLean; Menard; Mercer; Monroe; Montgomery; Morgan; Moultrie; Ogle; Peoria; Perry; Piatt; Pike; Pope; Pulaski; Putnam; Randolph; Richland; Rock Island; Saline; Sangamon; Schuyler; Scott; Shelby; St. Clair; Stark; Stephenson; Tazewell; Union; Vermilion; Wabash; Warren; Washington; Wayne; White; Whiteside; Will; Williamson; Winnebago; Woodford
Number of Vacancies: 1

A COVER LETTER AND RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING

Please attach a Cover Letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), three professional references, a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Illinois Power Agency must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.  

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.

​Work Hours: M-F: 9am - 5PM
Work Location: CHICAGO- 180 N. Wabash Ave
Email: IPA.HR@illinois.gov

Illinois Power Agency

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partnerships Manager

The Illinois Power Agency is seeking a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Partnerships Manager to help foster the growth of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the expanding clean energy economy of Illinois. Under direction of the Agency Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, the DEI Partnerships Manager will be responsible for overseeing outreach efforts, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development. Additionally, the DEI Partnerships Manager will supervise the DEI Outreach Associate efforts, ensuring their work aligns with strategic goals and promoting effective collaboration within the team.

This position will have a specialized focus on executing equity-informed strategies to increase access for communities and individuals who have been excluded from economic opportunities within the clean energy sector. The ideal candidate will combine a passion for relationship-building with a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to conduct procurement events to ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. The Agency also conducts procurements and administers programs that promote the development of renewable energy resources in accordance to the State Renewable Portfolio Standard. For more information about the Illinois Power Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Outreach Strategy: Refine and execute an outreach strategy to advance DEI goals; Oversee the management of the Agency’s DEI outreach activities and collaborate with the existing outreach efforts of the Agency’s Program Administrators; Develop and implement innovative approaches to engage diverse communities and stakeholders in clean energy initiatives; Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance outreach strategies, build team effectiveness, and cultivate meaningful, trust-based relationships.  
• Build Key Partnerships: Develop and nurture partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the Agency’s outreach network; Foster relationships with communities that have been historically excluded from clean energy opportunities; Establish partnerships with state agencies, community-based organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups to enhance the reach and impact of the Agency’s programs and equity initiatives.
• Expand Stakeholder Communication: Coordinate with Agency communication staff to develop and maintain public information related to DEI outreach initiatives; Support the development of a regular stakeholder communication channel (e.g. quarterly newsletter) to raise awareness of DEI efforts; Collaborate with third-party Program Administrators and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to enhance stakeholder engagement.
• Monitor and Analyze KPIs: Track and analyze outreach Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics; Provide regular reports on outreach performance to senior management; Measure the impact of outreach and engagement strategies on community participation in Agency programs and initiatives; Provide data-driven insights to senior management to inform decision-making.
• Coordinate DEI Advisory Council: Manage the day-to-day coordination of the DEI Advisory Council, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with the Agency and council members; Facilitate meetings, prepare meeting agendas, and provide necessary resources to support council activities.
• Supervise DEI Outreach Associate(s) in their responsibilities related to outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to integrate equity considerations into Agency programs and initiatives.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Agency’s Director, Chief DEI Officer, and/or other senior management members.

Minimum Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, social work, public administration, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years of experience building and managing programs designed to serve disadvantaged, environmentally burdened, or historically excluded communities.
• Highly engaged self-starter with strong relationship-building skills, equity-informed practice and an orientation to collaboration and teamwork.
• Strong leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and execute a strategy to achieve desired outcomes. 
• Ability to balance multiple projects at once and to creatively address unexpected barriers or setbacks.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Organized and detail‐oriented with a strong ability to absorb and process information quickly.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to equity and improving economic opportunities for targeted communities.
• Willingness to engage in continued equity-centered learning to develop equity leadership abilities.
• Proficiency using MS Office 365 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or public works programs preferred.

This is a merit compensation position.  Position Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  The position is a hybrid position and will require in-office and field work periodically. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, resume, and three professional references along with your online application.

Applications without a cover letter describing the applicant’s relevant experience and why the applicant would be a strong candidate for this position will not be reviewed for consideration.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partnerships Manager is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.

No phone calls please.

The Illinois Power Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com