Jobs and Careers
IL
External Communications Director
Illinois Secretary of StateUnited Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 16 Apr 2025
💰 $120,000/yr($100,000/yr – $120,000/yr)
About the role
Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
Job Title: External Communications Director
Division: Administration
Union: N/A
Location: 115 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL – Cook County
Salary: Expected $100,000 to $120,000 annually – commensurate with experience
Benefits: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
Overview:
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is seeking an energetic and creative External Communications Director to manage and support its public communications. The director will develop innovative ways to promote key policy and program initiatives involving all aspects of the office and its 25 departments and engage Illinoisans across a variety of media platforms.
The Director must have excellent communication, writing and editing skills, and have a proven record of engagement with media, significant experience in traditional and digital media and a strong background in communications planning.
Key Responsibilities:
Job Title: External Communications Director
Division: Administration
Union: N/A
Location: 115 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL – Cook County
Salary: Expected $100,000 to $120,000 annually – commensurate with experience
Benefits: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html
Overview:
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is seeking an energetic and creative External Communications Director to manage and support its public communications. The director will develop innovative ways to promote key policy and program initiatives involving all aspects of the office and its 25 departments and engage Illinoisans across a variety of media platforms.
The Director must have excellent communication, writing and editing skills, and have a proven record of engagement with media, significant experience in traditional and digital media and a strong background in communications planning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as chief SOS spokesperson and media contact, managing responses to media inquiries and sharing information proactively with the public and journalists
- Contribute to the development of the office’s vision, planning and goal setting, working closely with the senior executive team
- Develop and execute short- and long-term communication strategies while leading a team of communications professionals, providing direction and guidance
- Develop and execute media plans encompassing local, statewide, national and trade-based media
- Assist in coordinating digital channels including social platforms to effectively promote information about the office
- Write and/or manage content for press releases, policy briefs/statements, FAQs, speeches and internal communications and help prepare for media events
- Provide strategic analysis and consultation, training and preparation in advance of announcements, speeches, interviews and events
- Communicate regularly with journalists and stakeholders and cultivate relationships with media that reflect the diversity of the state and various audiences
- Support research, analyze and advise on policy, legislative and budget initiatives and determine how to promote them effectively
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of all facets of the office and internal matters, interacting closely with department directors to promote innovative programs, anticipate emerging issues and breakdown complex and technical issues to provide a better understanding for public
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