ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER

City of Chicago Department of Law; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago Department of Law seeks an Assistant Commissioner to lead a major division within the City government. The role focuses on managing daily operations, staff performance, budgets, and strategic initiatives across departments.

This exempt position reports to senior leadership and supports policy implementation and program oversight. Candidates should have extensive supervisory experience and advanced degrees as outlined in the minimum qualifications; the posting notes an October 29,

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of experience related to the responsibilities of the position, of which at least two (2) years must be in a supervisory or supervisory-equivalent role
• Supervisory or supervisory-equivalent role defined by direct supervision, project/program management, functional oversight, or senior/team lead

Responsibilities

• Manages division or program operations and staff
• Develops and implements performance measurement systems
• Prepares reports and briefings for departmental leadership

Skills

Supervisory experience

Strategic planning

Education

Associate’s degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree or higher in related field

Job description

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Job Description - ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (416846)

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Under direction, this class functions at the managerial level participating in a city department’s leadership staff. The class manages a major division or program; has direct responsibility for division or program operations; and works to implement and enhance City infrastructure, services, programs and initiatives across City government; and performs related duties as required

This class title has been designated as a multi-tiered title. Positions allocated to this title code are assigned to Tier 3 City departments and have been designated as such on the Senior Manager Salary Plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Functions as the head of an operational division or section within a department by leading and directing staff
• Manages daily operations by assigning work, setting expectations, monitoring performance, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring adherence to organizational policies and practices
• Coordinates work efforts with management in developing strategic plans and implementing changes in staffing, operating procedures, and work processes designed to improve the administration of programs, increase operational efficiencies and accomplishments
• Facilitates and implements directives from department leadership ensuring they are implemented by setting expectations, monitoring performance, and managing resources
• Develops and implements performance measurement systems to track operational efficiency, service delivery, and staff productivity
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing program operations
• Manages and provides guidance on functions including budget preparations and grant funding, human resources, labor relations, finance and accounting, contracts administration and purchasing, accounts payable, inventory management, and administrative operations activities, etc.
• Prepares comprehensive reports, dashboards, and briefings for departmental leadership
• Serves as a liaison with operating departments, governmental agencies, and private consultants participating in collaborative projects
• Stays abreast of relevant laws and regulations pertinent to program division or program operations

Additional duties may be required for this position.

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of experience related to the responsibilities of the position, of which at least two (2) years must be in a supervisory or supervisory-equivalent role OR
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in a field related to the duties performed, including seven (7) years of work experience related to the position, of which at least two (2) years must be supervisory or supervisory-equivalent role OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a field related to the duties performed, including five (5) years of work experience related to the position, of which at least two (2) years must be supervisory or supervisory-equivalent role OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in a field related to the duties performed, including four (4) years of work experience related to the position, of which at least two (2) years must be supervisory or supervisory-equivalent role
• Supervisory or supervisory-equivalent role as defined below by any of the following:
  • direct supervision of staff (e.g., assigning and reviewing work, approving time off requests, preparing performance evaluations, hiring and discipline, etc.)
  • working as a project or program manager
  • performing functional oversight (e.g., coordinating or directing the work of others,
  • working as a senior or team lead

Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or law school where the applicant is enrolled in or has completed an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Juris Doctorate degree program.

NOTE: You must provide a copy of your transcripts/diploma at the time of processing, if applicable.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral interview will be selected.

APPLICATION EVALUATION

Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date.Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075.The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

https://my.chicago.gov/dam/intranet/documents/depts/dhr/INFORMATION/2026_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicagois an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Job Posting

Oct 22, 2026, 5:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External : Oct 30, 2026, 4:59:00 AM