Deputy Press Secretary, JC #3225 (Clerk of the Circuit Court)

Cook County•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Press Secretary is a full-time, Shakman Exempt position reporting to the Press Secretary or their designee. The Deputy Press Secretary supports the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s communications strategy with a primary focus on media relations, press operations, and public-facing written communications. This role is responsible for managing media inquiries, monitoring and compiling news coverage, drafting press releases, statements, talking points, remarks, outlines, social media copy, and other external communications materials. The Deputy Press Secretary works closely with court leadership, internal departments, and external partners to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent messaging that advances the mission, programs, and services of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, communications, journalism, advertising, marketing, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of full-time experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, or communications, including writing and editing external-facing materials.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of full-time work experience in a government or public-sector setting.
Experience working with media, press deadlines, or public information offices.

Responsibilities

Serves as a key support staff member for media relations and press operations, including responding to and coordinating media inquiries in collaboration with the PIO.
Monitors, tracks, and compiles news coverage, prepares media clips, summaries, and reports, and identifies emerging issues or trends relevant to the Clerk’s Office.
Drafts, edits, and proofreads press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, remarks, briefing materials, outlines, fact sheets, and other external communications.
Assists in the development and execution of proactive media strategies to promote Clerk of the Circuit Court programs, services, initiatives, and announcements.
Collects, verifies, and synthesizes information from internal departments to ensure accuracy and clarity in all public-facing communications.
Develops and maintains working relationships with members of the media, court administration, Clerk leadership, justice partners, and other local governmental agencies.
Supports social media and digital communications, including drafting copy and coordinating messaging to align with press activity and key announcements.
Conducts background research and prepares materials to support interviews, press briefings, and public remarks.
Assists with internal coordination to ensure timely approvals and dissemination of communications materials.
Provides written communications support for special projects and initiatives as assigned.
Performs other duties as required or assigned.