EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

State of Illinois•Berwyn, IL

10d•$150,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Human Rights Commission is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Executive Director to serve as the Commission’s primary operational leader. The role oversees Commission operations, including administration, staffing, budgeting, and implementation of rules and procedures, and ensures efficient and fair appeals processes for civil rights complainants and respondents. The Executive Director collaborates closely with the Illinois Department of Human Rights to support seamless case transfers, consistent interpretation of decisions, and progress toward a more equitable Illinois. The position maintains regular communication with the Commission Chair regarding policy, legislation, staffing, and budget direction, and represents the Commission publicly in advancing its civil rights mission. The role also leads staff supervision, information systems for tracking decisions and workloads, internal education, legislative consultation, and publication of the Commission’s newsletter. The position is based at the Commission’s headquarters in Chicago and has an anticipated hybrid schedule of one to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. Work hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the schedule mutually agreed upon during onboarding. Overtime may be required, including evenings and weekends, and travel for work may include overnight stays.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and mental development equivalent to four years of college, with coursework in business or public administration.
Six years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or private organization.
Familiarity with the operations and programs of the Human Rights Commission.
Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on topics relevant to the job duties.
An appropriate and valid driver's license and ability to travel in performance of duties, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Ability to work overtime when requested or required, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime, evenings, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Current and valid Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.

Responsibilities

Serves as Executive Director to the full Commission and Commission panels.
Serves as a full-line supervisor.
Develops and maintains an information system for tracking Commission decisions and staff workloads.
Consults on legislation consistent with Commission goals.
Meets and confers with staff of the Director of the Department of Human Rights to facilitate efficient case flow from the Department to the Commission.
Represents the Commission with human rights organizations.
Develops and executes an internal education system for the Commission and professional staff on developments in civil rights laws, rules, legal decisions, administrative rulings, and agency practices.
Publishes and edits the Commission’s bi-monthly newsletter.
Performs other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.
Oversees Commission administration, staffing, budgeting, and implementation of rules and procedures.
Ensures efficient and fair appeals processes for civil rights complainants and respondents.
Collaborates with the Illinois Department of Human Rights on case transfers, consistent interpretation of decisions, and shared progress toward a more equitable Illinois.
Maintains regular communication with the Commission Chair on policy, legislation, staffing, and budget direction.
Represents the Commission publicly to advance its civil rights mission.