Description

OVERVIEW

Cook County Office of the President is seeking an experienced Senior Legislative Coordinator to advise leadership on legislative initiatives, research emerging issues, and provide insights that influence key decisions on policy, grants, and funding opportunities. You'll assess the impact of proposed legislation on budgets and operations, identify innovative programs aligned with County goals, and represent the department in high-level discussions. This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of government, policy, and strategy-requiring discretion, analytical expertise, and a commitment to advancing Cook County's mission.

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.

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: $97,116 - $107,166 / 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

Acts as the government affairs representative and legislative advisor for the assigned department. Performs extensive research and advisory activities to support leadership in responding to legislative initiatives. Provides recommendations and insights to assist in policy setting and decision-making related to legislation, policy, or grant matters. Reviews legislative issues to assess potential budgetary or operational impacts and shares findings with department leadership. May also research State and Federal funding opportunities and suggest innovative programs that align with the County's goals. Is privy to sensitive and confidential information, necessary to complete assignments for the department.

This position is in the Office of the Cook County Board President. As such, this position involves policymaking or implementation related to the administration's political and policy views, and/or requires a high-level of confidentiality such that political affiliation is an appropriate consideration for the effective performance of the job.

Typical Job Duties

• Monitors and tracks legislation affecting the department and collaborates with the legislative team to research and analyze local, State, and Federal proposals.
• Conducts and writes legislative analysis in a timely manner and advises leadership on the potential impact of proposed legislation to determine appropriate positions.
• Works with finance staff to develop fiscal analyses and understand the impact of proposed legislation on budgets, policies, or operations.
• Reviews legislation for grant opportunities and research innovative programs to enhance departmental functions.
• Conducts research on legislative initiatives as directed and prepares confidential reports for leadership.
• Assists in the development, support, and implementation of legislative and policy initiatives.
• Acts as the legislative liaison for the department, coordinating communication with officials and governmental units.
• Assists with the research, writing, and preparation of confidential papers and reports as assigned.
• Represents the department in legislative matters and supports interactions with the Board and other stakeholders.
• Collaborates with legal counsel team to ensure alignment on legislative strategies.
• Supports other departments on legislative matters related to County operations.
• Assists in the coordination of communications and interactions with the senior leadership, other elected officials, and units of local or state government as directed.
• Work in tandem or reports to the President's Governmental and Legislative Affairs team.
• Conducts legislative analysis for proposed bills, providing guidance to leadership on constitutional, legal, and budgetary concerns associated with State and Federal legislation to inform the County's stance.
• Develops fiscal impact analysis, including supporting data, to be submitted to leadership and forwarded to the County's lobbyists.
• Identifies and analyzes potential negative budgetary, operational, or policy impacts that proposed county, state or federal legislation may have upon the county.

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
• Four (4) years of executive administration, legislative analysis, working with governmental authorities or directly related experience or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) years of executive administration, legislative analysis, working with governmental authorities or directly related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to converse knowledgeably and communicate effectively in writing on related matters and address complex legislative questions and issues.
• Ability to work with others; excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with numerous individuals from various agencies as well as co-workers.
• Ability to lead and cooperate on team projects.
• Ability to analyze legislation and case law and accurately assess the potential impact of legislation upon the county and its fiscal budget.
• Ability to read and analyze a large volume of bills and resolutions.
• Skill in legislative writing and analysis as well as ability to engage in grant research and writing.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Knowledge of political processes in State and County government.
• Ability to collaborate with legislators and elected officials.

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.