Cook County, IL(population: 5.3 million) Cook County is the second largest county in the country and is seeking candidates with a reputation for high ethical standards and demonstrated record of independence in the performance of their duties to serve as its next Independent Inspector General. The position is a six-year appointment with the option for reappointment. The Inspector General is recommended for appointment by the County Board Chair and approved by the County Board. A separate Search Committee has been established to oversee the process. The previous Inspector General recently retired after 12 years of service.
The Inspector General is charged with detecting, deterring, and preventing corruption, fraud, waste, mismanagement, unlawful political discrimination, or misconduct in the operation of County government. This includes but is not limited to any County contract, grant, lease, license, or application and covers all county employees, departments, bureaus, boards, agencies, agents, independent contractors, and appointed and elected officials. Leading a team of 19 staff members and with a budget of $2.3 million, the Inspector General must also:
Promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of investigations, and oversee and conduct investigations consistent with requirements of equal protection and due process. Such investigations can begin as the result of a complaint or by the Independent Inspector General’s own initiative.
Request and review past, current, and proposed county programs, accounts, records, contracts, and transactions as necessary in the course of investigations.
Prepare confidential reports and recommend corrective action.
Notify the State’s Attorney or other appropriate law enforcement authority if it is determined or suspected that possible criminal conduct has occurred.
Create and maintain a toll-free “Office of the Independent Inspector General Hotline” for the purpose of receiving reports of corruption, fraud, waste, mismanagement, unlawful political discrimination, and misconduct.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess strong leadership skills, high ethical standards, and a demonstrated record of independence and success in the performance of their professional duties. In addition, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education as well as an advanced degree in law, accounting, public administration, or other relevant fields (with a law degree strongly preferred); a minimum of ten years of federal, state, or local government experience as a law enforcement officer, attorney, or judge; prior work experience managing and completing complex investigations involving allegations of fraud, theft, deception, or conspiracy; demonstrated experience and/or ability in accounting, auditing, finance, law, management, analysis, public administration, investigations, criminal justice administration, or other closely related fields.
PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Previous experience as an Inspector General or Deputy Inspector General of a large, complex government operation with a record of independence and success in the performance of those duties.
Leadership of a team of professional and administrative staff comparable to the Cook County Inspector General’s Office with the ability to effectively manage, mentor, and coach employees while ensuring accountability and productivity. The ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and execute competing assignments and control deadlines personally and with respect to the Inspector General’s Office is highly valued.
Experience conducting complex and sophisticated investigations into fraud, waste, mismanagement, unlawful political discrimination, or misconduct in the operation of government operations is highly desirable.
The ability to interpret federal regulations, state statutes, and local ordinances when conducting investigations.
Excellent writing, researching, and editing skills for preparing complex reports that are understandable to a wide variety of audiences and stakeholders.
COMPENSATION, RESIDENCY, AND BENEFITS
The compensation range for the position is up to $177,853 depending on qualifications and commensurate with experience. Additionally, the County offers a generous benefits package competitive with the market. Residency in Cook County will be required; a selected candidate not currently residing in Cook County will be provided a reasonable amount of time to establish residency.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply at once but no later than June 23, 2023 online at www.GovHRjobs.com. Questions about this recruitment can be directed to Heidi Voorhees, President, GovHR USA, Tel: 847-380-3240.
ADA Statement
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services.
EEO Statement
Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. As an employer, Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard, actual or perceived, to race, color, religion, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military service or discharge status, housing status, source of income, gender identity, or genetic information; or the actual or perceived association with such a person. Cook County is committed to keeping its workplace free from discrimination and harassment and to maintaining an environment in which every person is treated with dignity and respect.
DEI Statement
We believe in the dignity and worth of all people and the strength in the diversity of all perspectives. Cook County commits to cultivating equity, inclusion and opportunity within County government and the diverse communities it serves—where we celebrate employees, residents and visitors and welcome diversity of perspectives. Empowered by an inclusive workforce, Cook County is dedicated to equity and fairness in governance—in all its forms—to strengthen and serve our communities to the best of our abilities.
GovHR USA and GovTempsUSA provide executive recruiting and interim staffing solutions, management and human resource consulting to local government and nonprofit clients across the country. Founders Heidi Voorhees and Joellen Cademartori each bring more than 30 years of expertise to the company through backgrounds working as managers in local government, and as consultants working with public sector clients.
