COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST - OOP (OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County • Chicago, IL

8h • $70,242 - $77,452 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cook County Office of the President is seeking an experienced Community Outreach Specialist, responsible for supporting the bureau/department’s community outreach efforts by advancing programs, initiatives, policy directives, and digital equity priorities. Responsibilities include helping to develop and implement engagement strategies and targeted outreach designed to expand program impact and strengthen stakeholder involvement. The role establishes and manages partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, contributes to the review of program policies and recommendations, and develops educational materials, presentations, and communications aligned with leadership priorities. Additional duties include providing guidance to team members on outreach activities and supporting efforts to promote digital equity across communities.
Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45%25 of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.
Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and Two (2) years of community outreach, education, communications, or directly related experience or An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Four (4) years of experience in community outreach, education, or communications.
• Skill in communicating to and directly educating consumers regarding the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other beneficial environmental programs.
• Knowledge of community engagement, public outreach strategies, and stakeholder relationship managements and programs.
• Skill in evaluating program effectiveness and implementing modifications.
• Skill in problem solving and data management.
• Ability to operate as a team player and communicate specialized knowledge to team members, managers, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of public sector communications and outreach best practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain relationships with internal departments, external agencies, and non-profit organizations to advance Bureau/Department priorities, support program direction, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop, evaluate, and oversee the distribution of educational materials and outreach content, ensuring consistency with policy objectives and leadership priorities.
• Lead and conduct community education initiatives through outreach, public presentations, and stakeholder engagements, exercising independent discretion in messaging, delivery, and audience targeting.
• Identify, evaluate, and establish strategic partnerships; provide guidance and training to internal staff and external stakeholders on the development and delivery of outreach and educational programming.
• Develop and coordinate content for Bureau/Department websites, blogs, and social media platforms, ensuring alignment with strategic communications objectives and securing leadership approval on sensitive or high-impact messaging.
• Represent the Bureau/Department in meetings with community groups, service providers, governmental entities, and key stakeholders to gather input, address concerns, and provide input to program and policy recommendations.
• Design and direct the tracking, analysis, and reporting of outreach activities and program outcomes; evaluate effectiveness and provide data-driven recommendations to leadership for program enhancements and policy improvements.
• Collaborate with internal leadership and cross-functional teams to support the development and implementation of strategic outreach plans, including timelines and execution frameworks that support broader organizational initiatives.
• Advance equity-focused initiatives by advising on and implementing outreach strategies that ensure inclusive access to County programs, services, and resources across diverse communities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level