Sr Assistant Chief Counsel-Lr Personnel (Senior Public Service Administrator)

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hiring a Senior Assistant Chief Counsel – Labor Relations/Personnel/Compliance for its Office of Chief Counsel. Under the general direction of the Deputy Chief Counsel, this position provides technical advice and legal policy determinations on labor relations, personnel, compliance, and employment law matters. When the Deputy Chief Counsel is absent, the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel performs that role’s duties and responsibilities. The position is based at 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield, Illinois. The listed work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with hybrid scheduling available from one to five days per week in the office depending on operational needs. The role is a four-year term appointment, which may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director’s discretion, and is subject to a probationary period. The position requires an accredited law degree, an Illinois law license, and four years of progressively responsible administrative legal experience with knowledge of labor relations and employment law. Employment conditions include a background check and criminal-history self-disclosure, travel as needed (including overnight stays), and a valid driver’s license. The position is subject to specified revolving-door restrictions and requires annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
Four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law, with knowledge of labor relations and employment law.
Complete a background check and self-disclose criminal history.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Comply with applicable revolving-door restrictions and required annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience working with common law and federal and state laws and regulations, including FOIA and OMA.
Two years of experience reviewing labor and employment practices.
Two years of experience exercising judgment and discretion in developing, implementing, and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Strong communication skills.
One year of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as counsel and legal advisor to all department offices on labor relations, personnel, and employment law matters, including the Comprehensive Employment Plan.
Provide legal advice and interpretation regarding the Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, and departmental orders and policies.
In conjunction with the Labor Relations Section and Central Management Services, advise the department in negotiations with labor organizations and in litigation before arbitrators, administrative judges, and the Illinois Labor Relations Board.
Design and coordinate investigations into allegations of employee misconduct.
Negotiate settlements on behalf of the department.
Perform the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Chief Counsel in that person’s absence.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the listed duties.

Benefits

Health insurance
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Pension plan
Twelve weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave
Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs, including medical and daycare
Twelve paid sick days annually
Ten paid vacation days in the first year, with the opportunity to earn up to 25 paid vacation days annually
Three paid personal days annually
Thirteen to fourteen paid holidays annually, depending on start date
Tuition reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
Flexible work schedules in several program areas, including flexible time and hybrid scheduling
Extensive training and career advancement opportunities