CEJA Policy Program Specialist

Independent Contractor Position: CEJA POLICY PROGRAM SPECIALIST (Grant-Funded)

Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is a workforce development intermediary that keeps jobseekers at the center of all we do. CJC advocates for jobseekers by researching current pressing matters for the field, developing recommendations, and sharing them broadly to create systemic change. CJC builds capacity for the workforce development field by developing curricula that are offered through training, cohort learning, and leadership academies based on our research of best practices. CJC influences City, State, and Federal Policies related to increasing funding for our public workforce system, creating equitable pathways, and eliminating barriers to employment. Our Mission: Together with community and institutional leaders, Chicago Jobs Council is re-imagining our workforce system so all people can thrive through employment.  Our Vision is to create an anti-racist workforce development system and employment equity so that everyone can realize their unique pathway out of poverty. 

Position Scope: As a valued member of the Policy Team, the CEJA Policy Program Specialist will play a critical role in monitoring the successful implementation of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce-related programs. This complex legislation encompasses numerous policy initiatives to combat climate change, foster renewable energy, and promote economic justice. The Policy Program Specialist will manage a CJC-led stakeholder table of CEJA grantees and Workforce Development Partners to identify challenges and recommend solutions to the state agencies responsible for implementation and ultimately shaping our state's clean energy workforce development opportunities..

Competitive Compensation: The CEJA Policy Program Specialist is an independent contractor position for 35 hours a week at a rate in the range of $31/hr - $35/hr. Additional hours may be requested, as available.

Location: Hybrid, 29 E Madison, Suite 1700C, Chicago, IL 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate: Manage a stakeholders table of selected CEJA grantees to share information and best practices during the implementation of grants. Lead the expansion of CEJA table coordination to include grantees in Central Illinois, including conducting outreach, convening grantees, and documenting progress, challenges, and needs. 


• Monitor: Track the ongoing implementation of CEJA as DCEO releases notifications and awards. Maintain a current update of all CEJA-related workforce development work.


• Resource and Tool Development: Based on the needs of CEJA grantees in improving interagency coordination, design and develop customized tools and resources such as workflows, guides, or protocols. 


• Research and Analysis: Following an initial implementation report and analysis, conduct rigorous research where needed to evaluate the ongoing implementation of CEJA, benchmark against comparable legislation in other states, and assess
  emerging industry trends. This includes analyzing the effectiveness of various CEJA provisions, identifying potential barriers to implementation, and assessing the impact on workforce development initiatives.


• Policy Recommendations: Develop well-informed policy recommendations based on research findings to address challenges, improve implementation, and maximize CEJA's positive impact. This may involve proposing modifications to existing regulations, advocating for additional funding or resources, or suggesting new policy initiatives. 


• Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement: Lead the preparation of a comprehensive Year 2 CEJA Table report for funders and external stakeholders. Where needed, prepare additional comprehensive briefing reports summarizing findings, including clear and actionable recommendations. Engage and meet regularly with DCEO personnel to share progress and elevate recommendations and requests from grantees. Participate in presentations, workshops, and other stakeholder engagement activities to disseminate information, foster collaboration, and ensure community partners are well-informed.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: A graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, environmental justice, economics) or demonstrated work experience in policy research, analysis, and report writing.


• Research Skills: Strong research skills, including the ability to gather and synthesize information from diverse sources, conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, and evaluate complex policy issues.


• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.


• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to think critically, analyze complex problems, and develop creative solutions.


• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.


• Project Management: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Additional Skills (Preferred):

• Familiarity with energy policy and climate change issues.


• Experience with legislative analysis and policy advocacy.


• Proficiency with data analysis.

Application Information 

To apply for the CEJA Policy Program Specialist independent contractor position, please submit a cover letter, resume at https://cjc.bamboohr.com/careers/70. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. CHICAGO JOBS COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. CJC is committed to building an inclusive staff and strongly encourages applications from individuals of color, people with disabilities, individuals with diverse backgrounds, and those whose life experience is underrepresented in employment programs and policies. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

CJC recognizes that systemic, institutional and individual racism creates disparities in the way people of color fare in the labor market. We are continuously working to review and update our practices, policies, and procedures using a racial equity lens in order to achieve more equitable outcomes for all. 

Illinois is an at-will employment state.