Illinois Secretary of State

Internal Communications Manager (Exempt)

Executive Office - Chicago, IL - Full Time

​ 

Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
Alexi Giannoulias

Job Title:    Internal Communications Manager (Exempt)
Division:     Executive Office
Union:        N/A
Location:    115 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL – Cook County
Salary:       Range $70,000 to $90,000 annually – commensurate with experience
Benefits:    https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

Overview:

The Internal Communications Manager leads the development, coordination, and strategies that keep Secretary of State staff informed, engaged, and connected to organizational priorities. This role creates clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across newsletters, videos, email communications, and internal digital platforms.  The position also plays a key role in shaping internal communication policies, strengthening organizational culture and advancing new technologies that improve how information flows across the agency.

Key Objectives:
  • A cohesive internal communications strategy that strengthens staff engagement and enhances organizational culture.
  • Clear, timely communication of office initiatives using modern tools, channels, and practices.
  • A SharePoint-powered knowledge platform that centralize resources and improves staff access to information.
  • Develop defined KPIs and reporting mechanisms that inform communication effectiveness successes and future initiatives.
  • Build strong cross-departmental relationships that surface communication opportunities and elevate staff engagement.
  • Effective use of Power Platform tools to integrate data visualization into internal messaging and decision-making.
  • Identify, launch, and manage new technologies that improve and streamline internal communications workflows.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Plan, write, and distribute internal newsletters, email updates, video messages, and other staff communications.
  • Ensure all internal messaging is timely, accurate, accessible, and aligned with organizational goals.
  • Partner with leadership to develop internal communication policies, guidelines, and best practices.
  • Design and implement strategies to improve communication effectiveness and staff engagement.
  • Build prototype dashboards and visualizations using Power Platform tools (Power BI, Power Apps, etc.) to demonstrate how data can be collected, presented, and used across the organization.
  • Collaborate with External Communications to ensure alignment between internal and public-facing messaging.
  • Coordinate with department heads to gather updates, influence communication planning, and share relevant information with staff.
  • Establish, manage, and continuously improve the agency’s internal website (intranet)
  • Maintain consistent messaging across all internal channels and ensure information is easy to find and understand.
  • Develop and maintain internal communication processes, workflows, and standards.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • A curious and strategic mindset with strong problem-solving skills, with excitement about producing social-oriented results.
  • Passion for communications as a driver of organizational health and employee engagement.
  • Equivalent Experience -or-a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in roles related to communications, organizational development and/or learning. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Skills
  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities
  • High technical agility and acumen navigating complicated and complex systems
  • Process-oriented, data-driven approach to designing and improving communication, workflows and information flow
  • Degree or Certification in Communications, Organization Design/Development, Change Management, Human Resources, Public Relations, Learning & Development, or related fields or certifications
  • Proactive, and committed to creating opportunities for staff to stay informed and make data-driven decisions
  • Familiarity with internal communications best practices and standards
Experiences
  • Collaboration and influencing across departments and levels
  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Launching internal newsletters or campaigns that improved awareness and engagement
  • Designing, implementing, or managing SharePoint knowledge sites that centralized resources and streamlined employee access
  • Creating data dashboards that visualize metrics in support of data-driven decision-making
  • Involvement with Lean Six Sigma, or similar process-improvement methods
  • Microsoft Power User/Champion-level experience with M365 communication tools
  • Use of M365 tools and automations in a self-service capacity, from the end-user standpoint
If you’re excited about this role and meet the qualifications, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in building a stronger, more connected workplace.


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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