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Cook County Government · 2 weeks ago

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, COMMUNICATIONS - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (SHAKMAN EXEMPT)

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$155K/yr - $190K/yr

5+ years exp

Cook County Government is seeking a Deputy Chief of Staff - Communications to oversee all communication and public affairs operations for the County. This senior leadership role is responsible for setting strategy, shaping policies, and ensuring impactful messaging across various platforms while acting as a key spokesperson for the County.

GovernmentNon ProfitResidential

Responsibilities

Coordinates communication and public affair efforts including providing responses to media inquiry, press releases, community outreach and speaking engagements

Leads in the development of public service announcements and community relations efforts

Leads research efforts and the development and implementation of policies regarding the marketing and communication of the County’s programs

Represents designated leadership as directed and community group events

Directs and supervises staff working in and on communication and public affairs efforts

Consults with bureaus/departments in developing and implementing long and short-range plans designed to communicate County programs and improvements

Oversees the drafting of speeches, public service announcements, brochures, and press releases

Represents senior leadership before the media and coordinating media access to County officials. Leads confidential discussions to respond to media inquiries or address County programs

Develops strategies for public dissemination of County information and programs regarding bureau/department directives

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Communications strategyPublic relationsMedia relationsPolicy developmentManagement experienceDiplomacyCommunication skillsAttention to detail

Required

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher

Five (5) years in communications, public relations, or directly related experience

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Ability to work in a highly confidential environment, receiving clients and dealing with the public and media inquiries

Ability to work cooperatively with supervisory and professional personnel in the coordination or delivery of services as provided by the agency

Ability to make sound decisions and carry out programs affecting one's own work and the work of others in a changing work environment

Ability to research programs and aid in the development policies as it relates to media response

Good communication skills, ability to exercise diplomacy, gather information from others and make inquiries, convey information and explain or discuss office policy and procedure with others in person or by telephone

Good attention to detail, ability to proof, verify and edit complex data, transcribe and cross reference data from personal computer and documents, and follow-up in a thorough and timely manner relative to unresolved business

Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of office practices and procedures

Accurate judgment in making decisions, reorganizing established precedents and in meeting new problems

Preferred

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree or a Juris Doctorate (JD)

Eight (8) years communications or public relations experience

Six (6) years of previous management experience

Benefits

Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans

Flexible Teleworking Options

Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)

Pension Plan

Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend

Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.