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Cook County Government · 3 hours ago

PRESS SECRETARY - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (SHAKMAN EXEMPT)

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$113K/yr - $138K/yr

4+ years exp

Cook County Government is seeking a Press Secretary to support the communications strategy and media engagement efforts for senior leadership. The role involves developing policies for media responses, managing press inquiries, drafting statements, and supervising staff involved in communications and public affairs.

GovernmentNon ProfitResidential

Responsibilities

Assists in coordinating and drafting of communication and public affair efforts, focusing on providing responses to media inquiry, press releases, and developing stories around policies and programs

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

Assists in research efforts and aids in the development and implementation of policies regarding the marketing and communication of programs and the bureau/department’s agenda

Represents the administration before the media and coordinating media access to senior leadership

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

Assists in the development and implementation of long and short-range plans designed to communicate County programs and improvements

Drafts speeches, PSA’s, brochures, press releases, media advisories and statements as directed or required

Participates in or attends confidential discussions with the senior leadership and other staff to respond to media inquiries or address County programs

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

Composes reports and papers to inform senior leadership and the board regarding department programs

Prepares press briefs for bureau/department; anticipates questions and assists senior leadership in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press and media

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Public AffairsCommunications StrategyMedia EngagementDrafting StatementsSupervisory ExperienceResearch SkillsCommunicationAttention to DetailDecision Making

Required

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

Four (4) years in public affairs, communications, or directly related experience

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

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

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; ability to 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. Ability to 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 Bachelor's or Master's Degree in communications

Six (6) years in public affairs or communications

Four (4) years of previous management or supervisory 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.