Illinois Power Agency – Chief Operations Officer - Environmental Law & Policy Center Of The Midwest Inc

The Illinois Power Agency is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO will report to the IPA Deputy Director but will work closely with other members of the leadership team. The COO will serve as a principal Agency-wide policy advisor and provide oversight for the operation and integration of activities of the Agency. Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the COO will serve as the Agency’s change management leader and develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure the efficient operation of the Agency. The COO will ensure Agency compliance with all applicable laws, rules and statutes by monitoring and identifying potential compliance issues and developing internal controls to address issues. The COO will oversee and manage day-to-day administrative and operational functions at the IPA, including Human Resources, IT, Project Management, and Office Management.

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to procure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. As a leading innovator in state clean energy policy, the Illinois Power Agency is on the forefront of designing policies that not only increase the deployment of renewable energy, but do so in a way that protects consumers, prioritizes access for low- and moderate-income households, and ensures equitable distribution of the economic benefits of the clean energy transition.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Senior Management:

• Serve as a member of the executive staff, participating in policy and strategy development issues for the Agency, and serving as the Bureau Chief of a multi-functional Agency bureau.
• Gather, review, and summarize information for the Director and Deputy Director; work in collaboration with the Deputy Director to research and resolve highly sensitive and confidential issues.
• Perform a variety of special and sensitive functions relating to the overall coordination of Agency activities and programs, policies, procedures, and daily operations.
• Represent the Agency in meetings, conferences, and various committees. Speak authoritatively on behalf of the Director and Deputy Director to internal and external stakeholders including all Agency staff, senior management, public and private entities.
• Oversee and manage day-to-day administrative and operational functions at the IPA, including Human Resources, Labor Relations, IT, Project Management, and Office Management, while developing and implementing a vision for that bureau’s staffing, function, and needs.
• Manage and develop talent within the bureau, creating opportunities for growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Perform supervisory functions including assigning work, approving time off, and completing performance evaluations. Establish annual goals and objectives while providing guidance and training to staff. Recommend and impose discipline.

Policy Advisement:

• Provide oversight and administrative and operational support for all Agency bureaus.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines for the Agency assuring compatibility of each bureau’s individual operational and organizational requirements with the overall mission of the Agency.
• Draft, revise and maintain policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide oversight and input on the best practices for Human Resources-related functions, including HR policies and procedures, on-boarding employee experience, work culture, professional development, and performance measures.
• Implement workplace and governance trainings utilizing existing communication platforms to ensure employees are knowledgeable about Agency policies and procedures.
• Direct staff in review and analysis of Agency programs to assure policy objectives are met.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop an operational plan, incorporating short-term and long-term goals and key deliverables for internal processes, human capital, operations, and performance.
• Facilitate inter-departmental alignment to ensure the Agency is working effectively within its various bureaus. Provide internal coordination and resolution of issues throughout the Agency.
• Provide administrative input into planning for future Agency initiatives and direction for operations. Confer with Agency senior management to determine and recommend Agency administrative and operational needs, and integrate data analytics into Agency planning and decision-making.

Efficiency:

• Oversee Agency operations, key project timelines, and employee productivity while building an inclusive culture that ensures team members can collaborate effectively and thrive in their respective roles.
• Analyze internal programs and processes, develop and implement plans for continuous process improvement and efficiency across the Agency.
• Work collaboratively and responsively to identify bottlenecks, develop and/or improve inefficiencies, processes, controls and procedures that improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the Agency.

Compliance:

• Work closely with the IPA Director and Deputy Director in identifying and assessing operational risks.
• Develop and implement short and long-term risk management strategies and internal controls for the Agency.
• Work collaboratively to monitor Agency compliance with all relevant statutes and rules.
• Ensure that Agency reporting obligations are fulfilled in a timely manner.
• Oversee the administration of the Agency’s Human Resource programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal acts and rules.

The Chief Operating Officer will also perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, risk management, or related field.
• Five years or more in a leadership role with supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated strategic management and planning experience.
• Ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial office environment.
• Ability to be proactive, foresee challenges and operational risks, and take initiative to recommend solutions.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, including the ability to convene, manage, and lead a multi-functional bureau within an organization.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) preferred.
• Supervisory experience in a government entity, preferably within the State of Illinois.
• Experience managing HR, IT, and Operations functions.

This is a merit compensation position. Position Salary Range: $140,000- 145,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is a hybrid position and may require in-office work on a periodic basis.

To apply, please submit:

• a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position;
• a resume;
• three professional references along with your online application. Applications submitted without each of these elements will not be reviewed for consideration.

The Illinois Power Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.