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Director of Innovation, Strategic Alignment and Engagement - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Who: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

What: The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking candidates for Director of Innovation, Strategic Alignment and Engagement to perform complex professional work by coordinating the development and implementation of CMAP’s Annual Work Plan through strategic coordination with all divisions, as well as project-based implementation and executing related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Executive Director of Communications and Engagement.

Qualification requirements

To perform this job successfully, the ideal candidate must perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential functions

Align agency’s values, vision, and work plan

  • Lead the development and implementation of the agency’s Annual Work Plan. Collaborates with the Executive Team to set the strategic direction based on CMAP’s core values, the ON TO 2050 Plan, and the 3- to 5-year goals.   
  • Develop key performance indicators and monitor the progress of the implementation of the Annual Work Plan and report regularly to the Executive Team, committees, the CMAP Board, and staff.
  • Develop and implement short- and long-term plans to engage employees, strategically connect CMAP’s work to committees, working groups, partners, and stakeholder agencies based on Annual Work Plan direction and deliverables.   
  • Collaborate across the agency to strategically develop engagement strategies, distill complex concepts into relevant and understandable findings, recommendations, and presentations for management, staff, committees, working groups, and external agencies.

Champion equity, inclusivity, and empowerment programs

  • Guide agency development of a comprehensive program to support and further inclusion and equity, as well as the external focus on inclusive growth. This includes training programs, policies, practices, and communications to implement the core value of Pursue Equity. 

 Drive innovation

  • Focus on innovation and development of strategies to mine, develop, and further innovation internally and externally by leading diverse working groups to brainstorm complex challenges and develop strategies to innovate, improve processes, and enhance service to the public.
  • Foster connections to new audiences and deepen external partnerships to drive innovation within the agency and more broadly in the industry and region.
  • Leverage change to find opportunities for growth and innovation internally and externally.

Support department

  • Actively manage and coach assigned staff. Recruit and select department personnel. Assign, direct, train, and oversee the work of staff. Reward, discipline, coach, counsel, and evaluate staff performance. Develop staff schedules. Recommend transfers, promotions, suspensions, terminations, and demotions.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, and court decisions affecting public sector entities. Thorough knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment. Skill in tactfully navigating multiple levels of the political landscape. Skill in public and media relations. Ability to present complex ideas effectively in writing and verbally. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, business, and civic leaders, elected, public and private sector officials, legal representatives, and the general public. Ability to prepare and present complex information clearly to lay groups and the public. Ability to develop consensus across a broad range of interests and forums.

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public policy and regional planning. Thorough knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of public policy. Skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment. Skill in positive navigation of areas of conflict. Ability to analyze programs and develop recommendations for improvement.

Education and experience

Bachelor's degree with coursework in political science, public policy, or related field. Considerable experience in working with federal, state, and local legislative processes, public sector governing structures and processes, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply via the link below. The position will remain open until filled. Interested persons are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter by November 17, 2020.

CMAP is a collaborative environment with terrific support from internal and external partners. We are a team of bright and talented professionals who work hard together and maintain a healthy work-life balance. CMAP offers a generous package of salary and benefits, including healthcare insurance, paid-time-off, and more. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

CMAP is our region’s official comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, our newly adopted comprehensive regional plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues.  See www.cmap.illinois.gov for more information. 

CMAP is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application!

CMAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits

  • AFLAC
  • Certifications/Licenses and Association Dues
  • Conferences/Training
  • Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Flextime
  • Health Insurance
  • Holidays
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Parental Leave
  • Personal Days/Floating Holidays
  • Retirement Savings Plan
  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Sick Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Vacation Leave
  • Vision Insurance

https://jobs.keldair.com/CMAP/jobs/10177/director-of-innovation-strategic-alignment-and-engagement