Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer - Strategy

Please submit a Resume and Cover letter to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov

Overview

The Bureau of Human Resources seeks a Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer to assist the Chief Human Resources Officer with strategic planning and providing effective human resource services for offices under the jurisdiction of the President. The position will also assist the Chief Human Resources Officer in the development and execution of HR strategies that align with Cook County’s overall business goals and other executive functions to ensure adherence to County policies.

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.

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 motorist, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclist.

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 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal 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.

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY:

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
• 2nd largest county in America
• Larger than 27 states

Ø 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

Ø Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.

Ø 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.

Ø Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

ROLE SUMMARY

Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer with the oversight of departments and divisions within the Bureau of Human Resources. Consults regularly and in a confidential manner with the Chief Human Resources Officer to formulate policies, programs, and other executive functions. Primarily responsible for directing the work of departments and divisions within the Bureau across all functional areas including but not limited to operations, strategy, workforce development, and all related Human Resources divisions. Plans, proposes, and develops projects particular to the Bureau of Human Resources. Assumes primary responsibility for special projects and assignments as necessary. Develops recommendations for more effective work methods and adherence to County policy. Represents the Bureau and/or the Chief Human Resources Officer in meetings with elected and administrative officials to discuss policies and procedures relative to Human Resources strategy and operations. Apprises the Chief Human Resources Officer of matters requiring his/her/their attention.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer in the development of policies, programs, and other executive functions to ensure adherence to County policies.
• Reviews the effectiveness of County personnel policies and procedures and recommends innovative changes.
• Troubleshoots a wide variety of high-level issues, problems and concerns which may arise, requiring direct and immediate intervention by the Deputy; this often includes matters requiring the attention of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the President, or the President’s Chief of Staff.
• Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer with confidential/special work projects to fulfill the goals and objectives of the President.
• Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer with reviewing the accuracy and completion of assigned work projects.
• Reviews confidential reports and managerial studies in order to present recommendations to the President and the Commissioners of the Cook County Board.
• Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer with strategic planning and providing effective human resource services for offices under the jurisdiction of the President.
• In collaboration with the Chief Human Resources Officer, explore opportunities to automate or otherwise streamline processes.
• Assists the Chief Human Resources Officer in formulating goals and objectives to be met, developing timetables, and responding to special needs and concerns. Assists in meeting various compliance goals and timetables of the Shakman Relief Order or the County’s Employment Plan.

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 develop, coordinate and implement programmatic changes.
• Ability to plan, organize and administer policy changes, programs and new initiatives relative to the areas of the Human Resources Department; skill in researching new and existing policies and practices in the field and formulating policy recommendations, reports and papers for the Chief Human Resources Officer.
• Skill and judgment of a high order in handling confidential matters requiring executive decision making and the ability to recommend and provide input relative to changes in policy.
• Ability to distinguish errors, irregularities and illegal acts, and take appropriate action.
• Good interpersonal relation skills. Must be able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when resolving employee issues in a wide range of diverse situations.
• Possession of excellent writing skills; ability to develop clear and thoroughly written documents.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate good administrative skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree PLUS a minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience in a managerial or supervisory capacity OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training and education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in human resources, business, public administration, sociology, political science or labor relations OR, Juris Doctor degree.
• Four (4) years professional work experience in public service or human resources in a managerial or supervisory capacity.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sedentary Work

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.