Description

Manage, coordinate, and supervise initiatives and programs designed to promote the Offices under the President’s equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI) practices, programs and services to Bureaus/Department and community stakeholders. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the administration’s engagement programs, events and activities. Develop strategies and coordinate community outreach efforts related to operations, programs, services and the implementation of community engagement projects on behalf of the administration in partnership with senior leadership. Serves as the primary liaison to Offices Under President (OUP) Bureaus/Departments, community members, advocates and organizations, providing guidance on best practices and supervising the Community Engagement and Outreach team in furtherance of the President’s mission. 

This position is in the Office of the Cook County Board President. As such, this position involves policymaking or implementation directly 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. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Work with the Deputy Chief- DEI to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance the administration’s community engagement efforts including but not limited to organizing, coordinating, and convening public forums, discussions, talking circles, and/or town halls; and developing a strategy to generate participation by community members, community groups and organizations at community events and programs.

Develop and implement strategies, policies, and initiatives aligned with organizational goals for community outreach efforts in collaboration with senior leadership, ensuring effective planning and execution.

Research local government policies, procedures, and nationwide programs to aid the administration in the development of future community engagement programs and events.

Assist Communications Teams including the Director of External Affairs by leading the development and coordination of outreach to publicize the County’s role and responsibilities, programs and services, successes and other opportunities at the County.

Serve as the primary liaison between the Bureau/Department and community leaders, stakeholders, and organizations.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration in community engagement efforts.

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of community engagement initiatives and recommend adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes. 

Prepare reports and presentations on community engagement activities, outcomes, and recommendations for senior leadership and relevant parties. 

Represent the administration at high-level meetings and events, as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and department heads to develop and implement the Bureau/Departments organizational goals.

Ability to make sound decisions and lead the execution of programs, considering the dynamic nature of the work environment.

Skilled in researching and contributing to the development of policies.

Skilled in exercising diplomacy, gathering information, and communicating effectively both in person and over various communication channels.

Ability to accurately proofread, verify, and edit complex data, as well as to analyze and utilize data to inform strategies and evaluate program effectiveness.

Thorough knowledge of County practices and procedures, with the ability to apply principles effectively.

Ability to exercise accurate judgment in decision-making, adapt established procedures to meet new challenges, and reorganize priorities.

Ability to work within a highly confidential environment, maintaining discretion in handling sensitive information, client interactions, and public and media inquiries.

Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office with the ability to learn new software applications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of three (3) years year of experience working in or facilitating community outreach, education, or communications OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training, and education.

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. 

Assignments of work include but are not limited to the duties listed above. 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.