Special Assistant for Government & Legislative Affairs- District 3

JOB SUMMARY

Serves as the in-house governmental affairs and legislative advisor to the Commissioner regarding federal, state, or local legislative matters and initiatives. Coordinates the Board’s approach and response to various legislative matters and works with the various departments, elected offices, and agencies to coordinate the Board’s position. Performs research and advisory functions related to legislative initiatives. May assist in conducting research regarding available funding for programs that Cook County may be eligible to apply for and advises the First Assistant Commissioner and the Commissioner of potentially innovative programs that may improve the respective Department or County initiative. The Special Assistant for Governmental & Legislative Affairs is privy to information sensitive and confidential in nature, that is necessary to complete assignments for the department.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

•Directs, coordinates, and supervises the legislative efforts of the Department.
•Recommends and provides fiscal analysis with supporting data to the Commissioner, First Assistant Commissioner, and departments to assist in setting policy and making decisions concerning legislative initiatives.
•Develops legislative initiatives and drafts legislative analysis for proposed legislation regarding bills that will have a potential impact on the County and/or the Department.
•Reviews and advises the Commissioner, the First Assistant Commissioner, or his/her designee of constitutional, legal, and budgetary issues by proposed Federal and State legislation.
•Research Federal and State legislation to find opportunities for funding innovative grant programs that align with the goals for improvement of the County.
•Represents the District before legislative tribunals as directed by the Commissioner, the First Commissioner, or his/her designee and Serves as a liaison between lobbyists in Springfield and the Commissioner.
•Participates and assists in the development of highly confidential papers and reports.
•Provides analytical and specialized administrative support to relieve Executive Assistant of and/or assist with complex details and advanced administrative duties.
•Research various legislative initiatives, around Illinois and in other jurisdictions, at the direction of the First Assistant Commissioner and the Commissioner or his/her designee for their review.
•Participate and assist in the development of other confidential papers, policy recommendations, and reports as directed by the First Assistant Commissioner and the Commissioner or his/her designee.
•Advance and uphold policies, procedures, mission, values and standards of ethics and integrity.

The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not constructed 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.

 Attention Applicants\: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the Cook County Board of Review is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

•  Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, law, or related field. Master or 
Juris Doctorate degree preferred.
•  3-5 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative work.
•  Experience analyzing, drafting, or researching legislation or working on behalf of or before a 
governmental agency.
•  Strong understanding of legislative processes and governmental structures.
•  Knowledge of political processes in State and County government including knowledge of the role 
and responsibilities of elected officials, state, local and county government agencies, 
legislators, and lobbyists.
•  Project management skills\: ability to lead and cooperate on team projects.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
•  Skilled in legislative writing and analysis as well as grant research and writing.
•  Ability to analyze complex legislation and case law and accurately assess the potential impact 
of legislation upon the board or county and its fiscal budget.
•  Ability to read and analyze a large volume of bills and resolutions.
•  Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint 
and other advanced office software is required.

Resume and application must clearly indicate the duration and nature of work experience and education for consideration in accordance with all minimum and preferred qualifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•  Visual acuity to review and edit written communications for long periods of time.
•  Walking between offices and buildings may be required.
•  Repetitive use of hands to handle and/or operate standard office equipment.
•  Regular use of a telephone to communicate.
 

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Flexible work schedule

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following
link\: http\://www.cookcountyrisk.com

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

As an employee at the Board of Review, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have 
six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.

The Cook County Board of Review prohibits all unlawful discrimination in its hiring and promotional 
process.

COOK COUNTY BOARD OF REVIEW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER