LEAD ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM MANAGER (DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY)

The Cook County Government is seeking a Lead Environmental and Sustainability Program Manager to oversee program development and management related to environmental sustainability. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, developing new initiatives, coordinating oversight for sub-recipients, and promoting sustainability strategies. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience. The position is based in Chicago, IL and is not remote.
About the job

Cook County Offices


Under The President


Administrative Hearings


Auditor


Bureau of Administration


Bureau of Economic Development


Bureau of Finance


Bureau of Human Resources


Bureau of Technology


Facilities


Office of the President


Job Summary:


Plan and deliver on organization objectives through program development, management of day-to day program operations, and technical execution of environment and sustainability programs. Manage new programs, initiatives, and resource/tool development, including grant writing. Participate in data collection and data submittal via the Set Targets Achieve Results (STAR) performance measurement initiative. Coordinate oversight and technical assistance to sub-recipients or assisted businesses, local governments, and residents. Promote Local and regional sustainability strategies and plans through the development and management of programs.


This position is Actively Recruited and At Will.


Minimum Qualifications:






Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher AND
Five (5) years in environment or sustainability program coordination/management, or directly related experience is required.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance is required.

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. Candidates who are selected to fill safety-sensitive positions must pass a required drug test as part of the pre-employment background check process.


https://www.cookcountyil.gov/sites/default/files/service/drug-and-alcohol-policy.pdf


Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents.






Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:






Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning and resource allocation. Knowledge of the County’s sustainability goals and plans and knowledge of environment and sustainability programs, tools, and trends.
Skill in effectively communicating both verbally and in writing to internal departments and external agencies, as appropriate, for the needs of the audience.
Skill in executing project management concepts, including managing and monitoring scopes, schedules, and budgets. Skill in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and applying data to major plans/and program proposals.
Ability to analyze and provide a summary of program progress to the appropriate authorities for approval. Ability to set appropriate program and performance goals and facilitate goal accomplishments.
Ability to enable collaborative teaming and oversee the work of a program.
Ability to lead organization objectives through program development, guidance of day-to day program operations, and advanced execution of a program.
Ability to lead collaborative teaming within and across a program.
Ability to lead program direction and goal achievement, and manage finances, stakeholders, and governance.

Physical Requirements:


Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.


The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.


Benefits Package:






Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/




Salary Range: $109,897 – $121,258 Yearly


The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.






This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment – Penalty, 44-56 Political Discrimination; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)


EEO Statement


Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.


NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.


Please contact BHR.WorkforceStrategy@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.






Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Social Media Disclaimer


The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County – Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.


Job Posting


Jun 17, 2026, 9:40:42 AM


Organization


Offices Under the President


Work Locations


Cook County Administration 69 W. Washington