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Illinois State Board of Education · 3 days ago

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER #1963

Springfield, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

5+ years exp

The Illinois State Board of Education is seeking a Chief Communications Officer to lead the development and implementation of Agency communications. This role involves directing the Public Relations and Family and Community Engagement Department, serving as the Chief Spokesperson, and collaborating with various departments to enhance the visibility of the Agency's programs.

College RecruitingEducation

Responsibilities

Supervises and directs the day-to-day management of the Public Relations and Family and Community Engagement Department

Implements and oversees an Agency Communications Plan that ensures the consistency of the Agency’s message in all communications and assures content is accurate and current

Ensures communication aligns to the Agency’s mission, vision and goals

Responsible for making appropriate communications decisions, under the direction of the State Superintendent

Advises the State Superintendent and Agency Executive Leaders in strategic planning, issue management, and communications decision making that furthers the Agency's values, vision, mission, and goals and gains support for the Agency's short and long term objectives

Serves as the Chief Spokesperson for the State Superintendent and Board

Participates in external speaking engagements with and/or on behalf of the State Superintendent

Responsible for the oversight of all media calls and inquiries to ensure accurate and timely responses are being provided

Collaborates with Agency management as they develop the departmental level communication plan and events related to activities for the various functions and opportunities at the Agency

Recommends opportunities to improve the Agency's communications practices and enhance the Agency's communications capacity and effectiveness

Oversees media monitoring and tracking/reporting of coverage

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Media relationsStrategic planningLeadership skillsMicrosoft OfficeVerbal communicationWritten communicationIssue managementStaff managementContent translationOrganizational skills

Required

Master's degree, or, Bachelor's degree plus two years of relevant professional experience. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional and/or administrative experience (in addition to the education requirements) with media relations

Experience with strategic planning and issue management

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to represent the Agency to various media outlets

Ability to translate complicated subject matter into more accessible content

Leadership skills, including accountability and strategic decision‑making

Strong organizational skills to effectively manage multiple complex issues and projects

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)