Inspector General

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A major city government is seeking an experienced Inspector General to oversee the Office of Inspector General. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, managing investigations, and ensuring integrity in government operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to ethical governance, the ability to navigate complex political environments, and experience in public-sector institutions. Join us to lead a multidisciplinary team dedicated to enhancing public trust and accountability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to public integrity and ethical government.
• Experience leading a multidisciplinary oversight organization.
• Ability to navigate sensitive issues and large public-sector institutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead functions of the Office of Inspector General.
• Set strategic direction and determine investigative priorities.
• Engage with City leadership, department heads, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Sound judgment

Independence

Effective communication skills

Understanding of governmental operations

Job description

Overview

The City of Chicago is seeking an Inspector General, who will serve as the City’s principal independent oversight official and is responsible for leading all functions of the Office of Inspector General. Reporting independently as provided by ordinance, the Inspector General sets the strategic direction of the Office, determines investigative and audit priorities, and ensures the fair, thorough, and timely execution of the OIG’s work.

The Inspector General oversees a multidisciplinary staff and manages a complex organization that engages regularly with City leadership, department heads, employees, labor representatives, external stakeholders, and the public. The role requires sound judgment, independence, and the ability to navigate sensitive and high-profile matters while maintaining the confidence of diverse constituencies.

The City seeks an Inspector General with a demonstrated commitment to public integrity, accountability, and ethical government. The successful candidate will be a credible, independent leader with sound judgment and the ability to operate effectively in a complex political and organizational environment. This individual will bring the presence and communication skills necessary to command respect across City leadership, employees, external partners, and the public; and an essential knowledge of governmental operations and the need for effectiveness and efficiency when dealing with taxpayer funds and services.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable leading a large, multidisciplinary oversight organization, navigating sensitive and high-profile matters, and balancing professional collaboration with the independence required of the role. Experience working within or alongside large public-sector institutions, and a clear understanding of the role of independent oversight in strengthening government performance and public trust, are essential.