Senior Communications Specialist

IES Abroad•Chicago, IL

41d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Communications Specialist helps shape how IES Global communicates with employees, partners, students, media, and the broader field of international education. We're a mission-driven nonprofit built on the belief that international experiences change lives. This role brings that mission to life: sharing the stories of our people and programs, strengthening connection across our global organization, and positioning IES Global as a trusted leader in the field. This is more than a writing job. We're looking for a thoughtful storyteller and natural connector who can make complex information clear and stay calm and empathetic when the stakes are high. Working closely with the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Communications Specialist manages our freelance writer and partners across departments on employee newsletters, stakeholder and change communications, crisis communications, executive messaging, LinkedIn content, and press releases. The role also drives external visibility through media outreach, thought leadership, op-eds, and conference opportunities, and supports two signature events: the IES Abroad Annual Conference and the IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival in Chicago. It's a role for a curious, adaptable communicator who wants variety, takes initiative, and wants their talent to serve something meaningful.

Requirements

5+ years of experience writing, editing, and developing communications across internal and external channels (email, newsletter, press releases, bylines, speeches, articles, etc.)
Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging content
Experience with media relations, journalist outreach, spokesperson preparation, and knowledge of local, regional, national, or international media
Experience supporting crisis or issues communications, with sound judgment and discretion around confidential or sensitive information
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage time and meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a marketing team and others
Enjoys brainstorming independently and with colleagues, with the ability to think outside the box
Good sense of humor and interest in study abroad
Desire to work in a mission-driven organization
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field or relevant work experience

Nice To Haves

Experience with change management or change communications
Experience with Salesforce or other CRM platform
Web content development experience
Event communications experience
Study, living, or travel abroad experience

Responsibilities

Draft and edit organization-wide announcements, newsletters, leadership messages, presentations, talking points, and FAQs.
Partner with HR and senior leaders to communicate employee announcements, leadership changes, and sensitive updates with clarity and empathy.
Support executive communications, including remarks, presentations, and briefing materials for leaders.
Lead communications for major organizational changes, including technology and systems transformations: key messages, timelines, FAQs, toolkits, and stakeholder updates.
Collaborate with project teams, IT, and subject-matter experts to translate complex information into clear guidance and anticipate employee questions.
Track engagement data to strengthen internal communications and inform strategy.
Deliver partner communications to keep our schools informed including but not limited to the What’s New newsletter and other emails and campaigns.
Develop news stories, website content, press releases, media pitches, op-eds, LinkedIn posts, and other external content.
Support communications plans for major announcements, new programs and locations, partnerships, and signature events.
Support media outreach, journalist requests, interviews, spokesperson prep, awards, and speaking opportunities, and maintain media contacts, and coverage results.
Ensure external communications are accurate, consistent, and aligned with organizational messaging.
Support the CCO in developing timely, accurate, empathetic communications during crises and emerging issues, including holding statements, stakeholder messages, talking points, and FAQs.
Serve on the IES Global Crisis Management Team, participating in planning, response, and follow-up.
Monitor external events and media coverage that may affect IES Global's people, programs, or reputation, and handle confidential, rapidly evolving information with discretion.
Support communications for the IES Abroad Annual Conference and Study Abroad Film Festival, including promotional content, scripts, presentations, and attendee materials, and manage the Annual Conference program.
Lead or support communications projects from planning through execution, maintaining organized editorial calendars, templates, and shared resources.
Perform other duties as assigned.