Chief Operating Officer

Overview

The Illinois Power Agency is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO will report to the IPA Deputy Director and work closely with other members of the leadership team. The COO serves as a principal Agency-wide policy advisor and provides 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 day-to-day administrative and operational functions at the IPA, including Human Resources, IT, Project Management, and Office Management.

• Senior Management: serve as a member of the executive staff, participate in policy and strategy development, and act as the Bureau Chief of a multi-functional Agency bureau.
• Gather, review, and summarize information for the Director and Deputy Director; research and resolve highly sensitive and confidential issues in collaboration with the Deputy Director.
• Coordinate Agency activities, programs, policies, procedures, and daily operations; represent the Agency in meetings and committees and speak authoritatively on behalf of the Director and Deputy Director to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee day-to-day administrative and operational functions including Human Resources, Labor Relations, IT, Project Management, and Office Management; develop a vision for staffing and needs within the bureau.
• Manage and develop talent within the bureau; foster a culture of continuous improvement and provide timely feedback.
• Perform supervisory functions, assign work, approve time off, complete performance evaluations, set annual goals, provide guidance and training, and administer discipline as needed.

• Policy Advisement: provide oversight for operation and integration of Agency activities; develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines ensuring compatibility with the Agency’s mission.
• Draft, revise, and maintain policies and guidelines to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance.
• Provide oversight on Human Resources-related functions, including onboarding, work culture, professional development, and performance measures; implement trainings to ensure employees are knowledgeable about Agency policies.
• Direct staff in review and analysis of Agency programs to ensure policy objectives are met.

• Strategic Planning: oversee strategic initiatives to improve the Agency and define goals and objectives.
• Develop an operational plan with short-term and long-term goals for internal processes, human capital, operations, and performance.
• Facilitate inter-departmental alignment and provide coordination; integrate data analytics into planning and decision-making.
• Provide administrative input into future Agency initiatives and direction for operations; determine administrative and operational needs across bureaus.

• Efficiency: lead change management and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient operation; oversee operations, timelines, and productivity while fostering an inclusive culture.
• Analyze internal programs and processes; identify bottlenecks and implement improvements to efficiency and productivity.

• Compliance: monitor compliance with laws and regulations; develop internal controls and manage operational risks; ensure timely reporting and HR program compliance.
• Work with the IPA Director and Deputy Director to identify risks; implement risk management strategies and internal controls.

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

• 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.
• Project…