RESEARCH PROGRAM UNIT CHIEF - (TECHNICAL MANAGER VI)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

9h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is accountable for developing, managing, and monitoring the department’s contract and external research program to be consistent with the priorities of the department’s needs and budget constraints. Additionally, this position is accountable for negotiating and overseeing the intergovernmental agreement and coordinating with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), universities, consultants, and other governmental agencies to ensure research activities comply with federal research funding mandates. This position reports on all aspects of the department’s research program while disseminating and communicating research findings, serves as the department’s voting member on national research committees, and coordinates the department’s participation in national-level research programs.

Requirements

Completion of a bachelor’s degree majoring in business, public administration, public policy, or project management PLUS four years of experience managing complex projects, managing and implementing policies or procedures, or a combination thereof; OR twelve years of experience in public transportation, public administration, managing complex projects, managing and implementing policies or procedures, or a combination thereof.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Valid driver’s license
Occasional statewide and out-of-state travel with overnight stays.
Successful completion of a background check.
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to lead, direct, and manage staff.
Working knowledge of research methods and data analysis, including benefit-cost analysis.
Proficiency with the development of policies, procedures, specifications, and standards.
Working knowledge of agency programs and service objectives, activities, and operational systems.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to communicate effectively at various professional levels in both oral and written formats.
Good organizational, leadership, and self-motivational skills.
Ability to maintain cooperative relationships.

Responsibilities

Develops, manages, and monitors the department’s contract and external research program and reports on all aspects of the program.
Ensures consistency with departmental priorities for needs and budget constraints and compliance with state and federal funding mandates.
Assumes responsibility for the annual research work program submittal to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Ensures that the department’s operational and policy needs are addressed in an acceptable timeframe.
Serves as the department’s voting member on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official (AASHTO) Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and as the Transportation Research Board (TRB) state representative.
Reports on all aspects of the department’s research program while disseminating and communicating research findings.
Documents the achievements and benefits of the department’s research program and illustrates the value received from research funding.
Trains, motivates, and evaluates subordinate personnel to ensure their effectiveness.
Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Monday-Friday work schedule
Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
Pension Plan
(12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
(13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources