Agency: Illinois Power Agency
Closing Date/Time: Open until candidate has been selected
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Job Type: Salaried Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1

****************A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****************

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), Letter of Interest, and three professional references to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You must click the "Upload" button to attach documents.

Note: You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100 or CMS100b or all required documents are not uploaded.

Work Hours: M-F, 9AM to 5PM
Work Location: 105 West Madison Street

Suite 1401

Chicago, IL 60602
Agency Contact: ipa.contactus@illinois.gov

Job Function: Office & Administrative Support; Arts, Design & Cultural; Environmental & Natural Resources; Leadership & Management; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Illinois Power Agency

Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

The Illinois Power Agency is seeking a Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager to help foster the growth of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the expanding clean energy economy of Illinois. Under direction of the Agency Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, the Senior DEI Manager will be responsible for leading the implementation of internal and external equity initiatives.

This position will have a specialized focus on advancing access for communities and individuals who have been excluded from economic opportunities within the clean energy sector. The ideal candidate will combine a passion for project management with a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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 conduct procurement events to ensure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. The Agency also conducts procurements and administers programs that promote the development of renewable energy resources in accordance to the State Renewable Portfolio Standard. For more information about the Illinois Power Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage Project Planning and Execution : Collaborate closely with the Chief DEI Officer to develop, refine, and execute the DEI strategic plan, bureau work plans, and the Agency’s long-term plan; Coordinate with the DEI Partnerships Manager and DEI Data Analytics Manager to monitor progress on DEI projects and initiatives; Recommend and implement changes to DEI strategies based on evolving needs and priorities.
• Lead Internal DEI Initiatives: Support the Chief DEI Officer in the design and execution of internal initiatives to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Agency; Develop and facilitate DEI trainings for current and new Agency staff; Review existing internal policies and practices to identify potential inequities and develop strategies to address them; Establish a feedback loop to regularly seek input from employees about DEI challenges and opportunities, ensuring a continuous improvement approach.
• Expand Stakeholder Communication: Coordinate with Agency communication staff to develop and maintain public information related to DEI outreach initiatives; Design and manage a new stakeholder communication channel (e.g. quarterly newsletter) to disseminate information on DEI efforts; Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders to promote transparency and engagement in DEI initiatives.

• Oversee DEI Advisory Council: Plan and lead the formation of an external DEI Advisory Council; Engage with external stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on DEI matters affecting the Agency and the broader community; Act as a liaison between the DEI Advisory Council and senior management, conveying council perspectives and recommendations.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to integrate equity considerations into Agency programs and initiatives.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Agency’s Director, Chief DEI Officer, and/or other senior management members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, social work, public administration, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Graduate degree preferred.
• Five or more years of experience managing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• Two or more years of experience facilitating trainings and discussions on DEI topics.
• Strong leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and execute a strategy to achieve desired outcomes.
• Highly engaged self-starter with excellent project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to balance multiple projects at once and to creatively address unexpected barriers or setbacks.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Organized and detail‐oriented with the skills to absorb and process information quickly.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an orientation to collaboration and teamwork.
• Commitment to equity and improving economic opportunities for disadvantaged, environmentally burdened, or historically excluded communities.
• Proficiency using MS Office 365 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or public works programs preferred.

The Senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier ; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.

This is a merit compensation position. Position Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To apply, please submit a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, resume, and three professional references along with your online application.

Applications without a cover letter describing the applicant’s relevant experience and why the applicant would be a strong candidate for this position will not be reviewed for consideration.

No phone calls please.

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