External Communications Director

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Communications
Senior Executive
Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
Alexi Giannoulias

Job Title:    External Communications Director
Division:     Administration
Union:         N/A
Location:    115 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL – Cook County
Salary:        Expected $100,000 to $120,000 annually – commensurate with                                   experience
Benefits:    https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html           

Overview: 

The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is seeking an energetic and creative External Communications Director to manage and support its public communications. The director will develop innovative ways to promote key policy and program initiatives involving all aspects of the office and its 25 departments and engage Illinoisans across a variety of media platforms.

The Director must have excellent communication, writing and editing skills, and have a proven record of engagement with media, significant experience in traditional and digital media and a strong background in communications planning.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Act as chief SOS spokesperson and media contact, managing responses to media inquiries and sharing information proactively with the public and journalists
  • Contribute to the development of the office’s vision, planning and goal setting, working closely with the senior executive team
  • Develop and execute short- and long-term communication strategies while leading a team of communications professionals, providing direction and guidance
  • Develop and execute media plans encompassing local, statewide, national and trade-based media
  • Assist in coordinating digital channels including social platforms to effectively promote information about the office
  • Write and/or manage content for press releases, policy briefs/statements, FAQs, speeches and internal communications and help prepare for media events
  • Provide strategic analysis and consultation, training and preparation in advance of announcements, speeches, interviews and events
  • Communicate regularly with journalists and stakeholders and cultivate relationships with media that reflect the diversity of the state and various audiences
  • Support research, analyze and advise on policy, legislative and budget initiatives and determine how to promote them effectively
  • Maintain in-depth knowledge of all facets of the office and internal matters, interacting closely with department directors to promote innovative programs, anticipate emerging issues and breakdown complex and technical issues to provide a better understanding for public consumption
  • Responsible for measuring effectiveness of communications programs, providing oversight and ensuring execution of programs and responsible for overseeing external agency vendors  
Required Skills and Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field, or equivalent education and experience
  • A minimum of 5+ years’ experience in professional communications-related setting, which could include journalism or a public affairs, corporate, government or agency or crisis communications environment
  • Exceptional writing and storytelling skills as well as strong verbal communications and presentation skills
  • Experience developing relationships with reporters/media, pitching news stories/ ideas, managing media inquiries and serving as a spokesperson
  • Requires willingness to travel; regular evening and weekend work will be required to support news, events or special content needs
Application Process: 
  • Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume, or other attachments as needed.
  • Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
  • Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).  
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability
 
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