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Cook County Government · 3 days ago

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST (OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$90K/yr - $99K/yr

2+ years exp

Cook County Office of the President is seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist professional to lead strategic communication efforts that highlight the impact of County initiatives. The role involves overseeing internal and external communications, drafting press releases, and collaborating with various departments to ensure effective media outreach.

GovernmentNon ProfitResidential

Responsibilities

Represent the bureau/department head and their administration before the media; coordinate media access to the President as authorized by the President’s communications team

Participate in and attend confidential discussions with the bureau/department head, executives, and other staff to respond to media and public inquiries or to address communication of various County programs, initiatives, responses, policies, or procedures to the media, public, or other County agencies

Work with the bureau/department head or their designee to develop strategies for internal and/or public dissemination of County information and programs regarding bureau/department directives, policies, and procedures

Work collaboratively and productively with staff, providing guidance where appropriate

Analyze the extent of public understanding of the programs administered by the County and determine the need for further public information and education activity

May lead the development of communication responsive to proposed legislation of the Cook County Board of Commissioners

Compose or compile reports, and other documentation as requested to inform the President’s communications team, or leadership team regarding bureau/department programs, policies, and procedures

Prepare press releases, remarks, internal and external communications for the bureau/department head as approved by the communications team; anticipates questions and assists the bureau/department head in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press, media, or to respond to internal and external inquiries

Drive the development of the overall communication program for the bureau/department, including the development of goals and objectives

Drive the interdepartmental development and improvement of operations, processes, and procedures through collaborative partnerships with peers and stakeholders

Assist the County’s Freedom of Information Officer, consulting with Legal Counsel, and President’s Counsel or communication team as necessary in response to said inquiries

Lead the training or dissemination of training or other bureau/department related materials to staff and members of the public

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Public RelationsCommunication StrategyMedia OutreachSpeechwritingPress Release WritingAnalytical SkillsCrisis ManagementTeam CollaborationInterpersonal Skills

Required

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

Two (2) years of communications, public relations, or directly related experience

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Ability to provide concise but thorough communication regarding directives, policies, and procedures

Ability to call, manage, and attend any press briefings for the bureau/department head or President in relation to bureau/department issues as approved by the President's communications team

Knowledge of public relations and proper rhetoric and knowledge of the press and media

Ability to learn and understand Cook County Government and County operations, policies, and procedures

Skilled in speechwriting and composing material for public release or presentation, including advisory communications

Good oral and writing skills; ability to formulate clear and concise language; excellent communication skills

Ability to handle sensitive public relations matters

Ability to provide moderate-level insight, advice and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts in assigned functional area

Ability to operate as a team player and communicate basic or narrow-defined knowledge to team members and external stakeholders

Knowledge of moderately complex principles and practices for a specialized area of focus

Preferred

Four (4) or more years of experience in communications or public relations

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.