Senior Advisor

JOB TITLE:            SENIOR ADVISOR
DIVISON:              OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
LOCATION:           JUVENILE TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER
                                11OO S HAMILTON
                                CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  60612
UNION:                  NON-UNION
GRADE:                 24
SALARY:               NEGOTIABLE

Company Overview
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10 – 18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC provides its youth with leadership, structured care, and supervision through a balanced approach of creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. Each member of the JTDC staff is actively encouraged and supported in pursuit of creative participation, personal well-being, and professional development.
 As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility contains five major departments and various offices consisting of 600+ employees who serve an average daily population of 280+ residents.

Job Summary
The Senior Advisor reports directly to the Superintendent and serves as a substantive executive integration and accountability leader. The position assists the Superintendent or designee in researching, developing, coordinating, and implementing policies, programs, strategic priorities, and administrative functions so that all departments under the Superintendent’s jurisdiction meet their goals effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with the mission of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC).

The position coordinates executive priorities across divisions; tracks reform, compliance, and oversight commitments; monitors performance, implementation risk, and required follow-through; and ensures that executive decisions are translated into measurable action. The position serves as the central coordination point for the Blue Ribbon Committee recommendations, Equip for Equality matters, corrective-action plans, external assessments, and other recommendations or commitments involving advocates, oversight entities, consultants, and system partners.

The Senior Advisor reviews confidential reports and managerial studies, prepares recommendations for the Superintendent, and may serve as a liaison to the Office of the Chief Judge, Cook County commissioners, County departments, courts, oversight bodies, community partners, and other governmental or external agencies. The position may oversee assigned administrative functions, evaluate employee performance when directed, and perform other duties delegated by the Superintendent.

Reporting Relationship and Role Authority

• Reports directly to the Superintendent and operates within authority expressly delegated by the Superintendent.
• Works across divisions to coordinate priorities, obtain information, monitor commitments, identify barriers, and ensure timely follow-through.
• Supports—but does not replace—the Deputy Superintendent’s responsibility for day-to-day operational command.
• Does not automatically assume line supervision over Deputy Executive Directors or department heads unless specifically assigned by the Superintendent.
• Escalates significant operational, compliance, reputational, legal, fiscal, or organizational risks requiring executive attention.

Blue Ribbon Committee and Equip for Equality Accountability

The Senior Advisor serves as the Superintendent’s designated executive lead and central accountability point for coordinating JTDC’s response to and implementation of the Blue Ribbon Committee recommendations and all findings, recommendations, corrective-action requirements, and monitoring commitments associated with Equip for Equality. The position does not personally execute every recommendation; it owns the enterprise-wide coordination, visibility, evidence, and accountability process through which assigned divisions complete the work.

• Maintains a master crosswalk of every recommendation and requirement, including the responsible division or leader, required deliverable, due date, supporting evidence, implementation status, identified risk, and next action.
• Convenes and facilitates recurring cross-divisional implementation meetings and holds assigned leaders accountable for agreed-upon deliverables, timelines, and corrective actions.
• Coordinates the policies, procedures, training, operational changes, performance measures, and corrective-action plans necessary to demonstrate meaningful and sustainable implementation.
• Reviews and validates supporting documentation and evidence before submission to the Superintendent, Court leadership, Equip for Equality, oversight bodies, advocates, or for public release, as appropriate.
• Prepares routine executive briefings and dashboards identifying completed items, outstanding requirements, missed deadlines, implementation barriers, material risks, and decisions requiring the Superintendent’s attention.
• Promotes collective responsibility across divisions by establishing clear ownership, shared timelines, and coordinated follow-through rather than allowing recommendations to be managed in organizational silos.
• Promptly escalates delays, noncompliance, insufficient evidence, unresolved barriers, or implementation risks to the Superintendent and tracks corrective action through completion.
• Coordinates with Operations, Resident Daily Life, Programs and Professional Services, Quality Assurance, Training, Human Resources, Legal, Medical, Mental Health, Education, and external partners as required to advance and document implementation.

Typical Duties

• Assists the Superintendent or designee in developing, coordinating, and implementing policies, programs, strategic initiatives, and administrative functions within the Superintendent’s jurisdiction.
• Coordinates the Superintendent’s executive priorities and maintains implementation schedules, milestones, responsible parties, performance measures, and leadership briefings.
• Reviews confidential reports, managerial studies, compliance findings, performance information, and organizational risks; prepares analyses and recommendations for the Superintendent or designee.
• Coordinates compliance, oversight, and public-facing reports to support accuracy, consistency, timeliness, and appropriate executive review.
• Strengthens communication and thought partnership across divisions; facilitates shared accountability, coordinated problem-solving, and follow-through on interdependent work.
• Monitors whether divisions are operating efficiently, managing assigned responsibilities, and contributing to JTDC’s collective priorities and strategic plan.
• Identifies barriers, inefficient procedures, emerging risks, missed commitments, and resource needs; recommends corrective action and tracks resolution.
• Coordinates external assessments, technical-assistance engagements, reform workgroups, and corrective-action planning as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Supports performance management and cross-department follow-through by clarifying deliverables, timelines, ownership, and expected outcomes.
• Ascertains and assesses best practices to inform appropriate policies, procedures, programs, and organizational improvements.
• Serves as liaison between the Superintendent’s Office and the Office of the Chief Judge, County departments, courts, commissioners, unions, oversight entities, community organizations, and other agencies as directed.
• Consults and confers with unions and may conduct grievance hearings when assigned and authorized.
• Monitors work projects to ensure departments have the information, coordination, and resources necessary to perform expected functions.
• May coordinate executive itineraries, meeting agendas, decision materials, and follow-up actions.
• Assists the Superintendent with annual budget development, including assessing human and material resource needs and preparing supporting justifications.
• Develops goals and directives for assigned personnel and conducts staff meetings and individual conferences as needed.
• Maintains community relations and represents JTDC in developing working relationships that benefit the County, facility, youth, families, and staff.
• Provides on-call executive support and may report to the facility during non-traditional hours to address emergencies or significant operational needs.
• Schedules and completes performance plans and reviews for assigned staff; maintains and enforces appropriate performance and disciplinary expectations.
• Assigns work and provides guidance to assigned staff and department leaders to support effective use of resources and coordinated problem-solving.
• Assesses staffing and organizational needs and may participate in interviews, background review, selection, onboarding, or other hiring activities as assigned.
• Develops, reviews, and ensures that documents prepared for or released by the Superintendent are accurate, complete, timely, and appropriately approved.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in public administration, policy administration, executive operations, organizational development, reform implementation, compliance, or a related field; an equivalent combination of academic and professional preparation demonstrating expertise in the assigned responsibilities is desirable.
• United States citizenship.
• At least 21 years of age at the time of application.

These qualifications represent general guidelines for the knowledge and experience associated with the position and should be considered with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to support the Superintendent in the day-to-day administration and strategic direction of a complex 24/7/365 juvenile detention facility.
• Strong executive judgment, discretion, political awareness, and ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, change management, project management, performance management, human resources, budgeting, finance, and procurement.
• Knowledge of juvenile justice reform, positive youth development, trauma-responsive practice, PREA, regulatory compliance, oversight, and continuous quality improvement.
• Ability to convert recommendations, audit findings, and executive decisions into implementation plans, accountable workstreams, measurable outcomes, and sustainable operating practices.
• Ability to lead cross-functional work without relying solely on formal line authority and to establish credibility with executive leaders, managers, frontline staff, public officials, advocates, and community partners.
• Ability to identify operational, legal, fiscal, compliance, reputational, and organizational risk and to recommend timely corrective action.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, conflict-resolution, and relationship-management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive-briefing skills.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal government functions, labor and employee relations, and applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, standards, and mandates.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, programs, and organizational improvements.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple high-priority assignments, deadlines, and stakeholders while making efficient use of time and resources.
• Ability to lead, motivate, coach, direct, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and present qualitative and quantitative data and to prepare comprehensive analytical and compliance reports.
• Ability to objectively assess operations and make sound professional and administrative decisions in routine, complex, and emergency situations.
• Skill in representing JTDC before County entities, courts, government agencies, oversight bodies, community groups, and other external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work at a desk and operate a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to walk and stand throughout the facility for periodic operational observation, meetings, and emergency response.
• Ability to reach, bend, and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds for routine office and file-management functions.
• Ability to work extended or nontraditional hours based on departmental and operational needs.

Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with members of the public, employees, governmental officials, external partners, and residents.
• May be exposed to resident behavioral incidents, including physical acting out, requiring adherence to facility safety and response protocols.
• May be exposed to facility deficiencies, pests, varying hygiene conditions, and communicable or other health-related conditions requiring appropriate precautions and adherence to medical guidance.

Hiring Requirements

• Obtain Illinois residency within 90 days of hire.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background investigation, including but not limited to LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.
• Receive an eligible result from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System or other applicable registry review.
• Must meet position eligibility requirements established by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
• This position has an Administrative Office of the Illinois Court (AOIC) requirement, if an offer of employment is extended to you, you will be required to show immediate proof of AOIC Certification. If you are AOIC certified please upload your letter, and if not please move forward with completing the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court certification application. Employment | Probation/Court Services (illinoiscourts.gov)
• Pass Prison Rape Elimination Act screening requirements.
• In response to Congress enacting the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), the Department of Justice (DOJ) developed national standards for federal, state and local correctional agencies. The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center as it is a zero-tolerance policy prohibits all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment from staff members, interns, volunteers, and contractors and any form of resident sexual misconduct between residents.

Benefits Package

• Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page. 

Medical dental and vision coverage	Basic term life insurance
Pension plan and deferred compensation	Competitive salary
Employee Assistance Program	Paid holidays vacation and sick time

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.  No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.