Build Up Cook is an innovative program run by the Bureau of Asset Management at Cook County that provides capacity building to under-resourced communities to meet their capital needs. We’re hiring program staff to listen, understand, and work with them to upgrade water mains, improve combined sewers, repair Village halls, and complete a variety of projects to improve resident quality of life. Right now, we’re seeking resumes to fill three Relationship Manager roles, who would each be assigned to work directly with a handful of municipalities in the south or west suburbs. These are Shakman exempt positions funded through ARPA. Do not be concerned with the date on the posting. These are ongoing recruitments. Please email with interest or questions.
POSITION PROFILE:
Position: Relationship Manager
Department: Asset Management
Reports to: Director of Cook County's Municipal Capacity for Capital Improvements (MCCI)
How to Apply: Please submit a Resume and Cover letter to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov
ROLE SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director of Cook County’s Municipal Capacity for Capital Improvements (MCCI) program, builds trust-based relationships with officials in under-resourced suburban municipalities. In partnership with the MCCI Director, develops and revises program policies and advances the goals of the MCCI program. Identifies opportunities for the MCCI program to support municipal capital investments and facilitates the deployment of resources and expertise from County Bureaus and Departments. Assists municipalities in accessing additional state and federal resources and build municipalities’ internal capacity to identify and complete capital projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Responsible for the relationship between County and assigned municipalities as it relates to capital investments; ensures transparency and open lines of communication between County Bureaus/Depts and assigned municipalities as capital projects are identified, prioritized, and implemented.
In partnership with MCCI Director, develops, revises, and implements program policies. Meets regularly with officials in assigned municipalities to identify need for capital investments which may include collaboration with County subject matter experts to perform comprehensive assessments of existing municipal infrastructure.
Works with local officials to understand municipality-specific processes for implementing capital projects; identifies potential barriers to successful project completion (e.g., funding, technical expertise). Works with assigned municipalities, County staff, and grant-writing resources from County consultant teams to identify, pursue, and implement grants to support capital improvements projects, including network building and other capacity-building tasks.
Leverages range of tools (e.g., program database) and County subject matter expertise to develop municipality-specific plans that overcome barriers and support completion of capital projects.
Participates in Interagency Working Group meetings and leads segments of Interagency Working Group meetings related to assigned municipalities; reports out on progress and issues/challenges; drives problem-solving to address challenges.
Works closely with Bureau Liaisons to ensure successful implementation of relevant projects in assigned municipalities.
Collaborates with external stakeholders – e.g., CMAP, SSMMA, West Central Municipal Conference – to ensure that programs supporting capital investments in assigned municipalities are aligned and make most effective use of available resources.
Collaborates with other Relationship Managers and internal and external stakeholders to identify and implement multijurisdictional projects. Serves as advocate for municipalities; ensures that capital projects selected for County support are municipality-centric and incorporate an equity lens.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of all systems and procedures employed in the department.
Knowledge of modern business systems accounting practices as they relate to large scale organizations.
Expertise in infrastructure project development and/or local government administration.
Understanding of the links between transportation, infrastructure, built environment, economic development, and community development.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to build trust-based relationships with diverse constituencies, including elected officials.
Ability to contribute to complex projects and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and across departments.
Strong analytical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI).
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet project deadlines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, PLUS a minimum of three (3) years of management experience in infrastructure project development, planning, or government administration, OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training and education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in Public Administration; Public Policy; Architecture; Engineering; Construction Management; or Urban Planning.
Five (5) years’ work experience in infrastructure project development, planning, and/or government administration.
Prior supervisory or managerial experience.
Prior experience working with intergovernmental relations, outside consultants, and/or public-private partnerships.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sedentary Work
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.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. 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.