ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND POLICY (DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAYS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Transportation Planning and Policy, responsible for supporting the bureau/department in developing and implementing high‑level planning and policy initiatives related to multimodal transportation investments, including freight, transit, and bicycling infrastructure. The role assists in managing special initiatives with external partners, preparing transportation plans, and producing communication materials that align with departmental goals. Additional responsibilities include contributing to policy and procedure development, representing the bureau/department in internal and external agency matters, and supporting transportation and development initiatives at local, state, and federal levels. The position also supervises staff and consultants, monitors work progress, provides guidance, and reviews and approves final project deliverables.
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%25 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.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
• Four (4) years of experience in urban planning, public administration, public policy, law, or civil engineering.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Nice To Haves

• Six (6) years of experience in urban planning, public administration, public policy, law, or civil engineering.
• Four (4) years of previous management or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of the operations and functions of the Strategic Planning and Policy Bureau, as well as principles, practices, policies, programs, and regulations related to transportation engineering and planning.
• Provide strategic leadership, insight, support, and direction to support the unit’s mission and goals.
• Skill in developing scope and negotiating contracts with consultants.
• Skill and expertise in coordinating diverse disciplines, work elements and settings.
• Ability to prepare complex reports, project summaries, correspondence and maintain accurate records, with the ability to implement plans and objectives, and oversee the efficiency and performance of specific processes and operations.
• Ability to solve complex problems that have long-term impact on the unit and organization, as well as the ability to implement the strategic vision of a department or organization-wide function.
• Ability to provide oversight of planning studies and policy analysis and coordinate with other bureaus on project implementation.
• Ability to prepare and/or review annual and multi-year budget requests, assure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time, while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to travel to work assignments throughout Cook County.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the administration, supervision, and coordination of all planning initiatives, as well as other duties carried out by internal staff and consulting firms.
• Draft and coordinate policy communications, legislative materials, and transportation plans that support the bureau/department’s strategic goals.
• May represent the department in intergovernmental and public forums, advocating for the administration’s transportation and development policies.
• Help formulate the County’s positions on transportation and development initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Collaborate with elected officials, Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, and the public regarding planning initiatives.
• Manage compliance with state and federal reporting tied to funding agreements, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Coordinate with the Project Development and the Administration and Fiscal Management teams on capital project finance, project initiation, budgetary analysis, and project management, with a focus on strategic alignment.
• Lead the evaluation, recommendation, selection, and negotiation process for professional services in alignment with qualifications-based selection guidelines, in accordance with policy objectives. Prepare requests for qualifications and contract specifications.
• Oversee and evaluate the work of department staff, while also coordinating and training employees on various planning initiatives for the bureau/department.
• Confer with senior leadership on confidential personnel issues including performance evaluations, recommendations on promotions, and disciplinary actions.
• Act as a liaison by communicating employee disciplinary and termination polices to departmental staff and representing the department in disciplinary hearings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees