Directs and administers the activities of the Research and Innovation Section
Considers and prioritizes the research needs of all departmental offices within available funding constraints
Ensures research projects address the department’s complex operational needs and are effectively implemented, shared, and documented
Promotes the use of a taxonomy to guarantee that universally understood terminology is used throughout the department
Confirms information and departmental knowledge, current and historical, is uniformly shared and readily available through the Information Resource Center and that diverse informational needs are met
Administers succession management program to prevent a loss of institutional knowledge and functional efficiencies
Collaborates with the Pavement Programs Section to ensure pavement-related research needs are considered and determines the benefits and potential of in-house versus external pavement-related research
Serves as the Secretary for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)-Illinois Center for Transportation (ICT) Executive Committee, develops budgets for the contract research program, and conducts final review of all contract and in-house research reports
Responds to requests for information, research, knowledge capture, knowledge management, and succession planning and provides timely and workable solutions to the requesting entity
Trains, motivates, and evaluates subordinate personnel to ensure their effectiveness

Completion of a bachelor’s degree majoring in business, public administration, public policy, management, project management, library science, or communications
Six years of progressively responsible managerial experience in public transportation, public administration, program management, grant administration, policy analysis, community outreach, or a combination thereof; OR fourteen years of experience in public transportation, public administration, program management, grant administration, policy analysis, community outreach, or a combination thereof
Three years of supervisory experience
Proven ability to lead, direct, and manage staff
Experience in managing performance measures and monitoring project task performance
Proven ability to identify, plan, adapt, and adjust priorities
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
Effective oral and written communication skills
Strong organizational leadership
Effective self-motivational skills
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships between diverse groups of professional and technical personnel
Ability to plan and adapt as the needs and funding availability change
Working knowledge of intergovernmental relations
Valid driver’s license

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)
12 paid Sick Days annually
10 paid Vacation Days first year, up to 25 paid Vacation Days annually
3 paid Personal Days annually
13-14 paid holidays annually (based on start date)
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

Research and Innovation Section Chief – Technical Manager VII

Key skills