Executive Director, Illinois Human Rights Commission

About the role

The Illinois Human Rights Commission (HRC) is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Executive Director. The role oversees the Commission's operations, including administration, staffing, budgeting and the implementation of rules and procedures, and ensures efficient and fair appeals processes for civil rights complainants and respondents. It works closely with the Illinois Department of Human Rights on case transfers and decision interpretation, communicates regularly with the Commission Chair on policy, legislation, staffing and budget, and represents the Commission publicly.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as Executive Director to the full Commission and its panels, and act as full-line supervisor
• Develop and maintain an information system tracking Commission decisions and staff workloads
• Consult on legislation consistent with Commission goals
• Meet with the Department of Human Rights' staff to ensure an efficient flow of cases from the Department to the Commission
• Represent the Commission with human rights organizations
• Develop and run an internal education system for the Commission and its staff on civil rights laws, rules, rulings and agency practices
• Publish and edit the bi-monthly Commission newsletter
• Perform other duties within the scope of the above

Required profile

• Knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to four years of college in business or public administration
• Six years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or private organization
• Familiarity with the operations and programs of the Human Rights Commission
• Preferred: a current and valid Juris Doctorate (JD)
• Background check and self-disclosure of criminal history; valid driver's license and ability to travel, including overnight stays
• Overtime, including evenings and weekends, is a condition of employment

What we offer

• Anticipated starting salary of $150,000 - $170,000 annually
• Health, life, vision and dental insurance, paid parental leave and pension plan
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefit programs
• 12 paid sick days, 10-25 paid vacation days and 3 paid personal days, plus 13-14 state holidays
• Monday to Friday schedule, with 1 to 5 days per week in the office depending on operational needs