Description
VETERAN AFFAIRS DIRECTOR (BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATION) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT
Requisition ID: 00138484
Job Posting: Feb 6, 2026, 2:00:34 PM
Closing Date: Ongoing Full-time
Posting Salary: $109,800-$134,200/YEARLY
Organization: Offices Under the President
OVERVIEW
Cook County Bureau of Administration is seeking an experienced Veteran Affairs Director, responsible for developing, implementing, and interpreting policies and procedures related to veteran programs and legislation. The role coordinates with State and Federal Veteran Assistance Programs, builds relationships with veteran organizations, and serves as a liaison to ensure eligible veterans receive appropriate services. Key responsibilities include monitoring veteran-related legislation, leading strategic planning efforts, and overseeing program administration and outreach initiatives on behalf of the department.
Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.
Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.
WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?
In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:
- Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
- Flexible Teleworking Options
- Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
- Pension Plan
- Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
- Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
SALARY RANGE: $109,800 - $134,200 / YEARLY
SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY
- Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
- 2nd largest county in America
- Larger than 27 states
- Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
- Nearly 80% unionized workforce
- 15 unions represented
- 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
- Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
- Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
- Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.
LOCATION
Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.
Job Summary
Oversees the development, implementation, and interpretation of policy and procedures related to veteran programs and legislation. Coordinates with State and Federal Veteran Assistance Programs, fostering relationships with veteran organizations, and serving as a liaison to ensure qualified veterans receive assistance. Monitors veteran legislation, engages in strategic planning, and leads program administration and outreach efforts on behalf of the department.
Typical Job Duties
- Develops, implements, and interprets policy and procedures for veteran programs in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies.
- Engages with state and local elected officials to garner support for veteran initiatives.
- Serves as the liaison to assistance commissions across the state.
- Reviews and determines eligibility for veterans seeking assistance and verifies their status.
- Supports veterans with employment opportunities, assistance for utility and transportation, and burial services.
- Advises veterans of their rights regarding benefits.
- Collaborates on legislative initiatives affecting veterans.
Required for all jobs
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
- Four (4) years in Veteran Affairs program management or directly related experience or
- An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Honorable discharge from one of the six branches of the United States Armed Services.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration or public administration.
- Seven (7) years of Veteran Affairs program management experience.
- Five (5) years of previous management or supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local Veteran Affairs and/or organizations relating to assisting veterans. Knowledge of federal, state, and local veteran programs and organizations.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the general public in various settings.
- Knowledge of office management principles and supervisory techniques. Ability to manage staff effectively. Ability to provide strategic leadership, insight, support, and direction to support the unit's mission and goals. Ability to supervise and coordinate work activities.
- Ability to implement the strategic vision of a department or organization-wide function. Ability to implement plans and objectives, and oversee the efficiency and performance of specific processes and operations.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to manage staff effectively. Ability to act independently and make decisions in the absence of senior leadership. Ability to solve complex problems that have a long-term impact on the unit and organization.
- Knowledge of outreach and support methodologies.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work in a highly confidential environment.
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.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County’s career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.
Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.
