Strategic Program Communications Executive

Overview

Location: Hybrid – Chicago, IL (≤ 3 days per week onsite)Employment Type: Full-Time 

 

Join Trissential and Make an Impact Through High‑Visibility Urban Infrastructure Communications

Are you a strategic communications leader who thrives at the intersection of public affairs, infrastructure, and community impact? Trissential is partnering with our client to bring on an experienced Strategic Program Communications Executive to support one of Chicago’s most complex and high‑visibility capital programs.

If you excel at simplifying technical information, managing sensitive stakeholder dynamics, and shaping cohesive messaging for large-scale infrastructure initiatives, this is a standout opportunity to make a genuine difference in the City of Chicago.

 

What’s In It for You?

• High‑Visibility Impact – Play a leading role in shaping how the City of Chicago understands and experiences a major capital infrastructure program
• Strategic Influence – Work closely with senior leadership, regulatory teams, government affairs, and city partners
• Mission‑Driven Work – Help drive transparency, clarity, and trust for Chicago’s communities during active construction
• Collaborative Culture – Partner with multidisciplinary teams including engineering, construction, regulatory, operations, and community affairs
• Growth & Challenge – Expand your influence across strategy, public affairs, rapid response, and large‑scale program communications

Your Role & Responsibilities

As a Communications Executive supporting our client’s program, you will:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, program‑wide communications strategy aligned with milestones, construction sequencing, and regulatory expectations
• Define messaging frameworks, audiences, channels, and timing to support transparency, predictability, and risk mitigation
• Ensure consistency across internal, external, and public-facing communications
• Support Local Affairs in communications engagement with Chicago aldermanic offices, mayoral staff, community organizations, and impacted residents and businesses
• Coordinate with internal teams such as engineering, construction, regulatory, government affairs, customer operations, and customer service
• Prepare briefing materials, one-pagers, decks, and executive-ready talking points
• Translate complex capital construction concepts into clear, accessible messaging for non-technical audiences
• Develop construction notifications, FAQs, outreach materials, and issue‑response messaging
• Anticipate communications risks tied to schedule changes, disruptions, or political sensitivities
• Support rapid response to media inquiries, community concerns, and escalations from elected officials
• Partner with regulatory and government affairs on sensitive, high‑visibility issues

Skills & Experience You Should Possess

You don’t need to meet every requirement to apply. Ideal candidates bring:

• Significant experience developing and executing communications strategy for large, complex programs
• Strong background navigating Chicago’s municipal, political, and community landscape
• Proven stakeholder management experience—especially in high‑visibility or politically sensitive environments
• Demonstrated experience communicating around capital construction projects
• Ability to translate technical and construction activities into clear, community-friendly messaging
• Strong writing, planning, and rapid-response skills

Bonus Points If You Have

• Utility industry experience—gas, electric, water, or regulated infrastructure
• Experience working adjacent to active construction or field operations
• Experience collaborating with regulatory bodies, government affairs, or public sector partners

Education & Certifications You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• Advanced degrees or industry certifications are a plus but not required

What We Offer

At Trissential, we believe great work happens when talented people feel supported. By joining our client’s team, you’ll be part of a culture that values transparency, partnership, and long-term career growth.

• Competitive Compensation – You choose the model that works best for you, both with company-sponsored benefits! Rates: $185,000–$205,000 annually or $120–$130 per hour,