DEPUTY DIRECTOR, INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS (BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES) – SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County • Chicago, IL

5d • $114,100 - $139,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is seeking an experienced Deputy Director, Internal Communications responsible for providing strategic leadership for internal communications that strengthen employee engagement and support organizational communication goals. It develops and implements internal communication policies and procedures, ensuring transparency and alignment with key programs. The position creates and updates department website content to maintain consistent marketing and branding. It also represents senior leadership in communications planning, employee engagement initiatives, and organizational events, helping drive clear, cohesive messaging across the County.
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.
Provides strategic leadership over internal communications initiatives that support the County's employee engagement, organizational communication, and workforce communication strategies Develops and implements internal communication policies and procedures to promote key programs and ensure transparency of organizational and employee communication. Creates and updates bureau/department content for the website, ensuring marketing and branding strategy alignment. Represents senior leadership in communications planning, employee engagement initiatives, and organizational events as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and Four (4) years of internal communications, public relations, journalism, or directly related experience or An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of communications, public relations, social media, and marketing best practices, principles, and techniques.
• Knowledge of organizational and employee communication methods and the ability to implement related communication strategies.
• Ability to coordinate and organize internal events and communication campaigns.
• Skilled in oral and written communications with the ability to formulate clear and concise language and compose material for internal release or presentation.
• Ability to develop strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to manage confidential, time-sensitive matters effectively and prioritize competing demands.
• Ability to understand the dynamic change in communication, make recommendations that generate results, and work collaboratively to align execution of department engagement goals.

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism.
• Six (6) years of internal communications, public relations, or journalism experience.
• Four (4) years of previous management or supervisory experience.
• Communication management experience working for a government agency.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes internal communication strategies that align with the County priorities, organizational goals and departmental initiatives to inform, engage, and connect employees while increasing awareness of County programs and services.
• Serves as a strategic communications partner to BHR leadership and OUP communicators to ensure messaging is coordinated, consistent, and aligned across functions, including supporting crisis communications as needed.
• Leads the development and execution of compelling content across internal communication channels and approved external communication platforms supporting employee engagement and organizational messaging. This may include employee stories, website and intranet content, newsletters, LinkedIn and other digital platforms, ensuing adherence to County brand, style and accessibility guidelines.
• Leads communications planning and messaging for County initiatives, employee engagement activities, organizational events, and strategic campaigns.
• Establishes communication metrics and analyze employee engagement data and feedback to continuously improve communication strategies and support organizational effectiveness.
• Promotes employee engagement by highlighting employee accomplishments, professional development opportunities, innovation, community involvement, and organizational culture through strategic communications.
• 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: Manager