PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAYS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County • Chicago, IL

13d • $91,815 - $101,398 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist, responsible for managing internal and external communications for the department, ensuring accurate and timely information is shared with the public, County bureaus and departments, and the media. It collaborates with communications staff to develop press releases, talking points, media pitches, remarks, and other materials, and helps plan press conferences and public messaging. The position also assists in drafting newsletters, resolutions, proclamations, and other communications as needed. It works closely with other County bureaus and the Office of the President to align messaging across government operations and may serve as a communications representative or spokesperson on behalf of the department when required.
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
• Two (2) years of experience in 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Managing internal and external communications for the department.
• Ensuring accurate and timely information is shared with the public, County bureaus and departments, and the media.
• Developing press releases, talking points, media pitches, remarks, and other materials.
• Planning press conferences and public messaging.
• Assisting in drafting newsletters, resolutions, proclamations, and other communications.
• Aligning messaging across government operations by working closely with other County bureaus and the Office of the President.
• Serving as a communications representative or spokesperson on behalf of the department when required.
• Representing the Bureau/Department Head and their administration before the media.
• Coordinating media access to the President as authorized by the President’s communications team.
• Participating in and attending 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.
• Developing strategies for internal and/or public dissemination of County information and programs regarding Bureau/Department directives, policies, and procedures.
• Working collaboratively and productively with staff, providing guidance where appropriate.
• Analyzing the extent of public understanding of the programs administered by the County and determining the need for further public information and education activity.
• Leading the development of communication responsive to proposed legislation of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
• Composing or compiling reports, and other documentation as requested to inform the President’s communications team, or leadership team regarding Bureau/Department programs, policies, and procedures.
• Preparing press releases, remarks, internal and external communications for the Bureau/Department Head as approved by the communications team; anticipating questions and assisting the Bureau/Department Head in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press, media, or to respond to internal and external inquiries.
• Driving the development of the overall communication program for the Bureau/Department, including the development of goals and objectives.
• Driving the interdepartmental development and improvement of operations, processes, and procedures through collaborative partnerships with peers and stakeholders.
• Assisting the County’s Freedom of Information Officer, consulting with the Department’s/Bureau’s Legal Counsel, and President’s Counsel or communication team as necessary in response to said inquiries.
• Leading the training or dissemination of training or other Bureau/Department related materials to staff and members of the public.
• Performing 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