The Illinois Municipal League (IML) is seeking a dynamic, resourceful, and collaborative leader to fill the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
IML was formed in 1913 with a mission to articulate, defend, maintain, and promote the interests and concerns of Illinois communities: the League’s membership consisted of 30 municipalities. Today, there are 1,294 municipalities in Illinois. Throughout its history, the League’s mission has been consistent, but the scope and complexity of its programs and functions have evolved and expanded substantially.
In addition to providing legislative advocacy for municipalities on the state and federal levels, IML provides legal assistance, develops best practice information, and hosts a wide range of educational seminars and conferences to support its members. The IML Annual Conference is held in September of each year and is regularly attended by more than 2,000 municipal officials. The Annual Conference, a 3-day event held in Chicago, is the premier networking and educational event for municipal officials in Illinois.
In support of its members, the League also operates and manages the IML Risk Management Association (RMA). Formed in 1981, RMA is a not-for-profit risk pool providing insurance coverage, claims administration, loss control, and risk management services to Illinois communities. Today, RMA provides insurance services to 60% of all municipalities in Illinois.
The Illinois Municipal League is governed by a 44-member Board of Directors consisting of Mayors of member municipalities. The Officers consist of the President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President elected from among the Board of Directors to one-year terms. Members of the Board of Directors, referred to as Vice Presidents, do not have term limits on the Board.
The day-to-day operations of the League are overseen and managed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with the support of a staff of 20 employees. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the implementation of Board policy decisions and for making recommendations to the Board on a variety of advocacy and operational matters. The current CEO has served in his position since December 2014. He is only the 7th person to hold this position since it was created in 1923. The position was previously referred to as Executive Secretary and later as Executive Director.
The Chief Operating Officer is a new position created to assist the CEO in managing the affairs of the organization. This is a highly responsible position that will serve as the clear number two administrative official in the organization behind the CEO. The COO will be involved in planning, policy analysis, employee supervision, membership services, legislative and legal affairs and will be called upon regularly to represent IML at a variety of meetings and events throughout the state.
The COO will report directly to the CEO and will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of all IML departments and programs. The COO will have to become familiar with the activities and duties of each staff member and be available to provide assistance to each when needed to meet the needs of the organization. The COO will have significant contact with municipalities and will assist in furthering IML’s agenda in both Springfield and Washington, DC. The COO will regularly interact with members of the Board of Directors, legislators, and statewide officials.
Candidates for the COO position should be familiar with the State of Illinois and the legislative process. Qualified candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree and/or a juris doctor degree is preferred but not required. Qualifying professional backgrounds include experience as a local, state, or federal elected official; state or federal agency senior manager; municipal manager/administrator; trade association director; or some other similar professional experience.
The ideal candidate for the position will possess the following characteristics and attributes:
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to develop harmonious and productive relationships with Board Members, local officials, legislators, employees, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, including strong public presentation abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with forward-thinking abilities.
- Outstanding leadership attributes including the ability to effectively empower and motivate employees while holding them accountable for their performance and behavior.
- Familiar with federal and state legislative processes and political environments.
- Long-term commitment to the organization.
It should also be understood that the current CEO is expected to retire in three (3) years. At that time, it is the expectation of the Board of Directors that the COO will ascend into the CEO position.
The starting annual salary for the COO position is $275,000 +/- depending on qualifications and experience. IML also provides an excellent package of fringe benefits. Residency in or near the City of Springfield, IL will be required within six months of appointment. This is a full-time, in-person position functioning out of the IML office located in Springfield.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five (5) work-related references to the attention of Mark R. Peterson, Vice President, GovHR USA. Please apply by September 3, 2024. Please direct all questions to Mr. Peterson at (309) 825-5091. A brochure, with additional information about this position and the IML organization, is available on the Career Center page of the GovHR USA website (
The Illinois Municipal League is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Application Deadline: September 3, 2024
Posted: 2024-07-15
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