Updated: February 18, 2026 (newest at the top, oldest at the bottom)

Job Opportunity with Illinois Power Agency

Position:

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Job Requisition ID: 53620

Closing Date: 3/17/2026

​Agency: Illinois Power Agency

Class Title: CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - 64635

Salary: $145,000 - $150,000

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Cook; Adams; Alexander; Bond; Boone; Brown; Bureau; Calhoun; Carroll; Cass; Champaign; Christian; Clark; Clay; Clinton; Coles; Crawford; Cumberland; DeKalb; DeWitt; Douglas; DuPage; Edgar; Edwards; Effingham; Fayette; Ford; Franklin; Fulton; Gallatin; Greene; Grundy; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardin; Henderson; Henry; Iroquois; Jackson; Jasper; Jefferson; Jersey; Jo Daviess; Johnson ; Kane; Kankakee; Kendall; Knox; LaSalle; Lake; Lawrence; Lee; Livingston; Logan; Macon; Macoupin; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Mason; Massac; McDonough; McHenry; McLean; Menard; Mercer; Monroe; Montgomery; Morgan; Moultrie; Ogle; Other; Peoria; Perry; Piatt; Pike; Pope; Pulaski; Putnam; Randolph; Richland; Rock Island; Saline; Sangamon; Schuyler; Scott; Shelby; St. Clair; Stark; Stephenson; Tazewell; Union; Vermilion; Wabash; Warren; Washington; Wayne; White; Whiteside; Will; Williamson; Winnebago; Woodford

Number of Vacancies: 1

****A COVER LETTER AND RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****

Please attach a Cover Letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), and three professional references in the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of the documents requested.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Work Hours: M-F: 9AM - 5PM

Headquarter Location: 180 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60601

Work County: Cook

Email: IPA.HR@Illinois.gov

Illinois Power Agency

Chief Operating Officer

The Illinois Power Agency is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO will report to the IPA Deputy Director but will work closely with other members of the leadership team. The COO will serve as a principal Agency-wide policy advisor and provide oversight for the operation and integration of activities of the Agency. Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the COO will serve as the Agency’s change management leader and develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure the efficient operation of the Agency. The COO will ensure Agency compliance with all applicable laws, rules and statutes by monitoring and identifying potential compliance issues and developing internal controls to address issues. The COO will oversee and manage day-to-day administrative and operational functions at the IPA, including Human Resources, IT, Project Management, and Office Management.

The Illinois Power Agency is an independent State Agency created in 2007 to develop annual electricity procurement plans and renewable resources procurement plans and to procure adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service for the default supply customers of Illinois electric utilities. As a leading innovator in state clean energy policy, the Illinois Power Agency is on the forefront of designing policies that not only increase the deployment of renewable energy, but do so in a way that protects consumers, prioritizes access for low- and moderate-income households, and ensures equitable distribution of the economic benefits of the clean energy transition.

For more information about the Illinois Power Agency, please refer to: https://ipa.illinois.gov/

The Chief Operating Officer will maintain and enhance Agency operation through five key areas:

Senior Management: serve as a member of the executive staff, participating in policy and strategy development issues for the Agency, and serving as the Bureau Chief of a multi-functional Agency bureau.

• Gather, review, and summarize information for the Director and Deputy Director; work in collaboration with the Deputy Director to research and resolve highly sensitive and confidential issues.
• Perform a variety of special and sensitive functions relating to the overall coordination of Agency activities and programs, policies, procedures, and daily operations.
• Represent the Agency in meetings, conferences, and various committees. Speak authoritatively on behalf of the Director and Deputy Director to internal and external stakeholders including all Agency staff, senior management, public and private entities.
• Oversee and manage day-to-day administrative and operational functions at the IPA, including Human Resources, Labor Relations, IT, Project Management, and Office Management, while developing and implementing a vision for that bureau’s staffing, function, and needs.
• Manage and develop talent within the bureau, creating opportunities for growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Perform supervisory functions including assigning work, approving time off, and completing performance evaluations. Establish annual goals and objectives while providing guidance and training to staff. Recommend and impose discipline.

Policy Advisement: serve as a principal Agency-wide policy advisor and provide oversight for the operation and integration of activities of the Agency.

• Provide oversight and administrative and operational support for all Agency bureaus.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines for the Agency assuring compatibility of each bureau’s individual operational and organizational requirements with the overall mission of the Agency.
• Draft, revise and maintain policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide oversight and input on the best practices for Human Resources-related functions, including HR policies and procedures, on-boarding employee experience, work culture, professional development, and performance measures.
• Implement workplace and governance trainings utilizing existing communication platforms to ensure employees are knowledgeable about Agency policies and procedures.
• Direct staff in review and analysis of Agency programs to assure policy objectives are met.

Strategic Planning: oversee strategic initiatives to improve the Agency and help better define its goals and objectives.

• Develop an operational plan, incorporating short-term and long-term goals and key deliverables for internal processes, human capital, operations, and performance.
• Facilitate inter-departmental alignment to ensure the Agency is working effectively within its various bureaus. Provide internal coordination and resolution of issues throughout the Agency.
• Provide administrative input into planning for future Agency initiatives and direction for operations. Confer with Agency senior management to determine and recommend Agency administrative and operational needs, and integrate data analytics into Agency planning and decision-making.

Efficiency: serve as the Agency’s change management leader and develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure the efficient operation of the Agency.

• Oversee Agency operations, key project timelines, and employee productivity while building an inclusive culture that ensures team members can collaborate effectively and thrive in their respective roles.
• Analyze internal programs and processes, develop and implement plans for continuous process improvement and efficiency across the Agency,
• Work collaboratively and responsively to identify bottlenecks, develop and/or improve inefficiencies, processes, controls and procedures that improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the Agency.

Compliance: ensure Agency compliance with all applicable laws, rules and statutes by monitoring and identifying potential compliance issues and developing internal controls to address issues.

• Work closely with the IPA Director and Deputy Director in identifying and assessing operational risks.
• Develop and implement short and long-term risk management strategies and internal controls for the Agency.
• Work collaboratively to monitor Agency compliance with all relevant statutes and rules.
• Ensure that Agency reporting obligations are fulfilled in a timely manner.
• Oversee the administration of the Agency’s Human Resource programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal acts and rules.

The Chief Operating Officer will also perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, risk management, or related field.
• Five years or more in a leadership role with supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated strategic management and planning experience.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial office environment.
• Ability to be proactive, foresee challenges and operational risks, and take initiative to recommend solutions.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, including the ability to convene, manage, and lead a multi-functional bureau within an organization.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent decision-making skills.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) preferred.
• Supervisory experience in a government entity, preferably within the State of Illinois.
• Experience managing HR, IT, and Operations functions.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• The COO is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.

This is a merit compensation position. Position Salary Range: $145,000- $150,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The position is a hybrid position and may require in-office work on a periodic basis.

To apply, please submit: (1) a cover letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position; (2) a resume; and (3) three professional references along with your online application. Applications submitted without each of these elements will not be reviewed for consideration. No phone calls please.

The Illinois Power Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

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Click here for more information, and to apply.

Job Opportunity with Onward Survey & Land Services

Position:

Renewable Land Agent – BESS, Wind & Solar (Illinois) - Fort Worth, Texas (Project-based work in Illinois)

Posted by ISEA: February 4, 2026

About Onward Survey & Land Services

Onward Survey & Land Services is a Texas-based land services firm specializing in renewable energy, midstream, transmission, and infrastructure projects across the U.S. We support utility-scale wind, solar, and battery storage developments with full-scope land services, including right-of-way, title research, GIS, surveying, and landowner negotiations.

We are expanding our renewables team and are currently seeking experienced Renewable Land Agents in Illinois, with an immediate focus on BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) projects, followed by wind and solar lease acquisition. This role will support multiple projects, and we expect to bring on 5–6 agents as workload ramps.

This is not entry-level work. We are looking for land agents who understand how renewables actually get built.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Negotiate BESS, wind, and solar leases with private landowners

• Conduct landowner outreach, meetings, and negotiations (in-person and remote)
• Explain project scope, surface use, access, easements, and construction impacts
• Coordinate with project managers, title teams, and survey/GIS staff
• Track negotiations, document progress, and maintain clean project records
• Work professionally with landowners, attorneys, developers, and local stakeholders
• Support curative items, amendments, and option extensions as needed

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience negotiating renewable energy leases (solar, wind, and/or BESS)
• Strong understanding of:
• • Option agreements and long-term leases
  • Easements and access rights
  • Surface use and landowner concerns
• Experience working directly with landowners in rural and semi-rural markets
• Ability to manage multiple tracts and negotiations simultaneously
• Clear, professional communication skills (written and verbal)
• Comfortable working independently while staying accountable to deadlines
• Familiarity with Illinois land, title, or renewable development is a strong plus
  
  

Preferred (But Not Required)

• Prior BESS project experience
• Existing landowner or regional familiarity in Illinois
• Experience working with national renewable developers or EPCs
• Understanding of title, survey, or right-of-way coordination
  
  

Compensation & Structure

• Contract / project-based role

• Competitive day rate or per-tract compensation, depending on experience
• Mileage and approved expenses reimbursed per project guidelines
• Steady pipeline of work for strong performers
  
  

Why Onward

• We are not a churn-and-burn land shop
• We run organized projects with real support behind our agents
  
• We respect land agents who know their craft and value professionalism
  
• We combine traditional land expertise with modern GIS, survey, and AI-supported workflows
  

If you know renewables and can represent a project professionally in front of landowners, you’ll fit in here.

To Apply: Submit resume and a brief summary in an email to: Ted.Valdez@onwardland.com 

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