Job Description
JOB TITLE: Director, LGBTQ+ Affairs, Health and Human Services, Mayor's Office
About the Administration:
The Johnson Administration, under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, is committed to building a better, stronger, and safer Chicago where every resident and every community has access to tools and resources that enable them to thrive. Since being sworn in as the 57th mayor on May 15, 2023, Mayor Johnson has reopened mental health clinics and expanded mental health services citywide, employed nearly 28,000 young people and invested nearly $80 million into youth engagement in 2024, created a place-based people-drive plan for community safety that is showing promise in downward trends in every indicator, and concentrated investments in neighborhoods experiencing high rates of violence. The administration’s first year marked a landmark $1.25 billion investment in neighborhood and economic development, substantial support for building out the affordable housing continuum while removing bureaucracy, eliminated the subminimum tipped wage, and the enactment of the most expansive paid leave statute in the country.
Mayor Johnson’s administration is committed to addressing housing accessibility and homelessness, increasing access to and expanding mental health services, improving community safety by tackling the root causes of crime, and prioritizing youth employment and engagement. With a vision of safety, solidarity, and prosperity, the Mayor's Office continues to work tirelessly to create a city where every Chicagoan can thrive.
About the Position:
The Mayor’s Office Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs will report to the Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services and advise the Mayor's Office on new and existing policies to improve equity, justice, representation, health, and well-being for residents who identify as LGBTQ+.
Advise the Mayor on policies and priorities that impact residents who identify as LGBTQ+.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create Chicago’s first LGBTQ+ Policy Plan, a document that outlines objectives and strategies to improve the health and well-being of residents who identify as LGBTQ+.
Manage/Advance key goals and strategies of the LGBTQ+ Policy Plan including, but not limited to, working with internal and external stakeholders to implement policies, programming, and initiatives that foster equitable outcomes and inclusive processes for residents who identify as LGBTQ+.
Collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports to assess progress and outcomes on policies relevant to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.
Use data to drive decision-making and strategy.
Apply an intersectional lens and advise the Mayor’s Office on how new and existing policies impact residents who identify as LGBTQ+.
Coordinate internal stakeholders to improve outcomes for residents who identify as LGBTQ+.
Work with the Mayor’s Office, Department of Human Resources, and contracted consultants to assess, improve, and implement LGBTQ+ affirming policies for City workers and job seekers.
Collaborate with City Departments, including the Department of Housing, Chicago Police Department, Department of Family and Support Services, Chicago Department of Public Health, Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities, etc., to strengthen existing programs and ensure alignment with the Mayor’s vision of a better, stronger, safer city.
Partner with the Mayor’s Office Teams including, but not limited to Equity, Policy, Business, Economic and Neighborhood Development, Community Engagement, Community Safety, Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights, and Youth and Education, and teams to deliver results for LGBTQ+ residents.
Develop the capacity of departments to deliver transformational change for residents who identify as LGBTQ+.
Create and manage external partnerships to advance the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ agenda.
Manage the City of Chicago LGBTQ+ Advisory Council in partnership with the Chicago Commission on Human Rights.
Advance the Mayor's LGBTQ+ policy agenda with Advisory Council members and Chicago Commission on Human Rights.
Serve as the point of contact with LGBTQ+-focused organizations. Foster and sustain partnerships that benefit the City of Chicago and community-based organizations.
Represent the Mayor’s Office at external events and engagements.
Note: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; other duties may be necessary for this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training, and Experience
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
4+ years of professional experience in public administration, advocacy, policy, project management, or research.
Proven track record managing multiple projects, especially at the municipal or state level.
Experience working with community members and organizations who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or LGBTQ+ serving.
Budgeted Salary for this Position: $100,476-102,456
THIS POSITION IS SHAKMAN EXEMPT
Our goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous healthcare and other benefits for eligible employees. Learn more about benefits for City of Chicago employees.
The City of Chicago values a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. The City of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage candidates from all races, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and ages, as well as veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to
Danielle.Blick@cityofchicago.org by Friday, May 16, 2025.