Infrastructure Program Lead - Disaster Recovery (Cicero, Illinois)

ICF; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,203 - 151,646; Full time

Job summary

A global advisory and technology services provider is seeking an Infrastructure Program Lead to support disaster recovery efforts in the Chicago area. The successful candidate will oversee CDBG-DR programs, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, while managing teams and processes involved in infrastructure recovery projects. This mid-senior level role requires strong project management skills and at least 5 years of relevant experience. Competitive salary range between $89,203 and $151,646 and a full-time commitment are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in CDBG‑DR/MIT.
• 1+ year of experience writing technical guidance or procedures.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage teams for CDBG‑DR infrastructure programs.
• Provide project management support throughout grant implementation.
• Review and modify compliance materials for federal and state regulations.

Skills

CDBG‑DR technical assistance

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related discipline

Tools

MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel)

Job description

Infrastructure Program Lead – Disaster Recovery

(Cicero, Illinois)

Description

ICF seeks an Infrastructure Program Lead to support city and county governments in the Chicago metropolitan area with federally funded disaster recovery and mitigation programs focused on addressing housing needs after past and future disasters. The Disaster Management division works with government agencies and communities to design and implement policies and programs that promote increased resilience to disasters and long‑term housing, economic, and infrastructure recovery. Our expertise lies in program management, operations, planning, preparedness, technical assistance, training, strategic communications, compliance, monitoring, and performance measurement. We collaborate closely with ICF experts across the firm on related issues such as energy efficiency, green building, finance, and workforce development. Work is conducted in a professional, collegial environment that encourages pursuit of passions and results.

You will manage, review, analyze, and evaluate grant program activities to ensure compliance with grant program requirements and federal and state regulations governing federally funded programs associated with the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) infrastructure programs in Illinois, emphasizing the Chicago metropolitan region.

Position is onsite with preference given to candidates based in or near the Chicago metropolitan area.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee teams and processes that implement CDBG‑DR infrastructure programs, including project scoping, environmental and engineering review, procurement, construction oversight, and closeout for stormwater management, flood mitigation, and other infrastructure recovery projects.
• Provide project management and operational support throughout the grant and project implementation life cycle, including application, scoring, site visits, and the award period.
• Review and modify CDBG‑DR programmatic materials and project files, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Develop written products and tools for grantee policies and procedures, program design, and implementation (checklists, procedures, process flows, training materials).
• Review subrecipient requests for funding documentation (applications, capacity plans, implementation plans, scope of work, budgets, schedules, plan reviews, and SOPs) to ensure compliance with state and local program guidelines.
• Provide onsite technical assistance and training on programmatic and procedural requirements, including federal regulations (CDBG‑DR/MIT objectives, procurement, LMI benefit, FEMA match, labor standards, program design).
• Support reporting and data management, coordinating data gathering and entry into federal, state, and local government systems of record.
• Maintain task tracking tools, coordinate ICF staff and resources, and ensure timely completion of assignments and deliverables.
• Collaborate with onsite leads and project managers to support best practices, client policies, and strategy meetings.
• Travel throughout the greater Chicago region; attendance at client offices several days a week may be required.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, government, business administration, or related discipline, or 8+ years of CDBG and/or CDBG‑DR/MIT experience.
• 5+ years of CDBG‑DR/MIT/NDR experience.
• 3+ years of experience with infrastructure and/or stormwater management or flood mitigation programs, including technical assistance to grantees or subrecipients and managing multiple projects.
• Expert-level CDBG‑DR technical assistance skills.
• 1+ year of experience writing technical guidance or procedures.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience in a consulting firm, development organization, or public agency.
• Experience delivering training and technical assistance to state and local government agencies.
• Experience with Illinois state or Chicago‑area governments or non‑profit organizations.
• Experience creating disaster recovery, housing, and community development materials (training tools, presentations, handouts).
• Project and operational management skills.
• Strong analytical, qualitative, and strategic thinking abilities and collaboration skills.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, competing deadlines, and stakeholder interests with timeliness, accuracy, and quality.

Professional Skills

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Team player comfortable in fast‑paced environments.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel).

“This job is a Section 3 eligible job opportunity. We encourage applications from individuals that are low income and/or living in Public Housing.”

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine expertise with cutting‑edge technology to help clients solve complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We build a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. ICF is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable accommodations are available for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation, email [e-mail].

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings under the Transparency in Benefits Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

ICF is committed to a fair interview process. AI tools are not permitted during interviews unless an accommodation is requested in advance. Contact [e-mail] for assistance.

Pay Range

$89,203.00 – $151,646.00 (Illinois Client Office – IL88).

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Information Technology

Industries

Business Consulting and Services