DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, COMMUNICATIONS - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT (SHAKMAN EXEMPT)
About The Position
The Cook County Office of the President is seeking a Deputy Chief of Staff - Communications. This senior leadership role oversees all communication and public affairs operations for the County and is responsible for setting strategy, shaping policies and procedures, and coordinating timely, accurate responses to media inquiries. The role ensures clear, consistent, and impactful messaging across newsletters, press releases, speeches, and public statements. Acting as a key spokesperson, this role promotes the County’s priorities and achievements, manages staff, and builds strong relationships with the media and community. As part of the executive team, the Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the evaluation of strategic initiatives, communication strategies, and policy proposals, ensuring transparency and public trust. 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. This position may be eligible for a signing bonus.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher and
- Five (5) years in communications, public relations, or directly related experience or
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
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.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
