Policy and Planning Analyst I

Illinois Tollway; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Tollway is seeking a Policy and Planning Analyst I to support Move Illinois, Bridging the Future, and Driving Connections capital programs. You will analyze planning initiatives, help develop the department budget, and report performance metrics for Planning efforts.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, strong communication and analytical skills, and at least two years in planning or civil engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are required.
• Minimum of two years of planning or civil engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Review projects slated for initiation as part of the capital planning process.
• Support the Chief of Planning and Deputy Chief of Planning in research of existing plans.
• Participate in the Tollway’s Strategic Plan initiatives in Planning/Engineering.
• Collect and analyze data related to projects and ad-hoc requests.
• Support department budget development and ongoing oversight of expenditures.
• Analyze safety data and provide recommendations based on best practices.
• Collaborate with other departments to align Planning initiatives.
• Review departmental policies and draft updates as necessary.
• Support agency-wide Planning initiatives across the Tollway.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Budget forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, or related field

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Web-based project management tools

Job description

Salary $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually

Location Central Administration 2700 Ogden Avenue Downers Grove, 60515, IL

Job Type Professionals

Job Number 9999-92026

Department Planning

Opening Date 09/29/2026

Closing Date 10/13/2026 11:59 PM Central

Is this a union role? Yes

Union Name AFSCME - 88311

Position Grade 8

Description

The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of highways while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program, open road tolling or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers.

The Tollway is a user-fee system – no state or federal tax dollars are used to support maintenance and operations. Operations are funded by toll and concession revenues.

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service, and maintain public trust.

In support of this vision, the Policy and Planning Analyst I actively supports the implementation of the Move Illinois, Bridging the Future, and Driving Connections capital programs. This position will analyze support Planning initiatives including supporting various Planning programs, projects and policies, development and review of the department budget, conducting research and analysis of emerging trends and other planning topics, and perform duties as required to support efforts that optimize the Tollway’s Planning efforts. This position will play a key role in delivering the Tollway’s Strategic Plan including the development, coordination and reporting of performance metrics for the Department

Essential Job Functions

• Review of projects slated for initiation as part of the capital planning implementation process
• Support the Chief of Planning and Deputy Chief of Planning in research of existing plans
• Participates in implementation of the Tollway’s Strategic Plan, specifically initiatives assigned to Planning/Engineering
• Collects and analyzes data related to projects and ad-hoc requests
• Supports the preparation of the department budget including the development of Department goals and ongoing oversight of budget expenditures throughout the year.
• Analyze safety data and provides recommendations for safety improvements based on research and industry best practices
• Collaborate with other departments ensuring they are aware of Planning initiatives
• Reviews departmental policies and drafts updates as necessary
• Supports agency-wide initiatives and requests on behalf of the Planning Department.

Qualifications

Education (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, or related field

Education (Preferred)

• Master's degree.

Skills and Experience (Required)

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication, organizational and analytical skills are necessary in the performance of duties.
• Detail-oriented but also having the ability to understand issues with a broad organizational perspective. This position will contribute to the overall efforts of Tollway that result in design projects that are delivered on-time, within budget, and with minimal interruptions.
• Minimum of two years of experience in planning or civil engineering,
• Performance will be evaluated as providing support to the Chief of Planning/Deputy Chief of Planning with coordination, analysis, recommendation and forecasting activities that contribute to sound planning decision making.

Skills and Experience (Preferred)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook is desired
• Experience using web-based project management applications

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Illinois Tollway is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, unfavorable discharge from military services, age, order of protection status, military status, sex or sexual orientation.

All stated experience for each question listed within the Supplemental Question Section will need to be reflected in the "Work Experience" section of your application or in your resume. Failure to do so, or overstating experience, will result in receiving no credit for your answer, and may result in your disqualification from consideration.