Description

OVERVIEW

Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is seeking an experienced HR professional with a strong background in developing policies, programs, and strategic initiatives. This high-level, strategic role will directly support and report to the Chief Human Resources Officer, managing a variety of projects and leading cross-functional project teams. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting senior leadership at the highest levels, advancing the Bureau's strategic initiatives, including communications policy and legislative input, and representing senior leadership in meetings with elected and administrative officials to discuss policies and procedures related to HR strategy and operations.

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.

This position may be eligible for a signing bonus.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

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 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 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 Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

SALARY RANGE: $156,870 - $191,730 / YEARLY

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 workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 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 motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

Job Summary

Supports senior leadership in overseeing human resources (HR) functions and developing policies, programs, and strategic initiatives. Leads projects and special assignments aligned with bureau/department objectives. Develops recommendations for improving work methods and ensuring compliance with policies. Represents senior leadership in meetings with elected and administrative officials to discuss policies and procedures related to HR strategy and operations. Keeps leadership informed of matters requiring their attention.

Typical Job Duties

• Engages in confidential consultations to develop HR policies, programs, and other executive functions to ensure adherence to county policies.
• Reviews the effectiveness of personnel policies and procedures and recommends innovative changes.
• Addresses a wide variety of complex issues, problems, and concerns requiring immediate attention intervention, often involving matters that need executive-level review.
• Assists with confidential and special work projects to fulfill the goals and objectives of the bureau/department.
• Reviews the accuracy and completion of assigned work projects.
• Analyzes confidential reports and managerial studies to present recommendations to senior leadership and the board.
• Contributes to strategic planning and the delivery of effective human resource services across the county.
• Collaborates on opportunities to automate or streamline processes for efficiency.
• Assists in formulating goals and objectives, developing timelines, and responding to special needs and concerns.
• Assists in meeting various compliance goals and timetables of the Shakman Relief Order and the Employment Plan.

Required for all jobs:

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
• Five (5) years of human resources, policy development, organizational strategy or directly related field or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or Labor Relations or Juris Doctor degree.
• Eight (8) years of human resources, policy development, or organizational strategy experience.
• Six (6) years of previous management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of human resources administration and personnel management, particularly within the context of a large municipal governmental setting.
• Knowledge of federal, state and county laws, regulations and ordinances governing employment in the public sector and the relationship between employer and employee.
• Ability to research, develop, and implement policy and programmatic changes including preparing reports and recommendations.
• Skilled in researching industry best practices and streamlining HR processes for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
• Skilled in strategic decision-making, sound judgment, and discretion in handling confidential matters and the ability to recommend and provide input relative to changes in policy.
• Ability to identify errors, irregularities, and compliance risks, taking appropriate action as needed.
• Strong communication skills with ability to write clear documentation and strong interpersonal skills to navigate complex employee issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects efficiently.

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.

Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.