PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST (OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

Cook County Office of the President is seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist professional to lead strategic communication efforts that highlight the impact of County initiatives, craft compelling press releases and talking points, and help bring important stories to life through media outreach and press events. You’ll collaborate across departments, advise leadership, and occasionally serve as the voice of the bureau, making your work highly visible and influential. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, public service, and media strategy, requiring discretion, creativity, and a passion for clear, impactful communication. 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 communications, public relations, or directly related experience or
• 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

• Responsible for overseeing internal and external communications, including information to the public, other County bureaus/departments, and the press or media-related information on bureau/department matters.
• Collaborate with teammates to manage communication efforts, ensuring accurate and supportive press coverage of bureau/department activities.
• Work with the communications team to draft press releases, remarks, envision and develop press conferences, talking points, media pitches, approve quotes or statements on behalf of the bureau/department and other duties as assigned.
• Assist in drafting various communications including newsletters, resolutions, congratulatory letters, press releases or proclamations as directed.
• Collaborate with other bureaus/departments and Office of the President regarding communication matters related to Cook County Government operations.
• Serve as a communications representative or advisor when required to by other bureaus/departments.
• May speak on behalf of the bureau/department head, as necessary.
• Represent the bureau/department head and their administration before the media; coordinate media access to the President as authorized by the President’s communications team.
• Participate in and attend 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.
• Work with the bureau/department head or their designee to develop strategies for internal and/or public dissemination of County information and programs regarding bureau/department directives, policies, and procedures.
• Work collaboratively and productively with staff, providing guidance where appropriate.
• Analyze the extent of public understanding of the programs administered by the County and determine the need for further public information and education activity.
• May lead the development of communication responsive to proposed legislation of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
• Compose or compile reports, and other documentation as requested to inform the President’s communications team, or leadership team regarding bureau/department programs, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare press releases, remarks, internal and external communications for the bureau/department head as approved by the communications team; anticipates questions and assists the bureau/department head in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press, media, or to respond to internal and external inquiries.
• Drive the development of the overall communication program for the bureau/department, including the development of goals and objectives.
• Drive the interdepartmental development and improvement of operations, processes, and procedures through collaborative partnerships with peers and stakeholders.
• Assist the County’s Freedom of Information Officer, consulting with Legal Counsel, and President’s Counsel or communication team as necessary in response to said inquiries.
• Lead the training or dissemination of training or other bureau/department related materials to staff and members of the public.
• 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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees