DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH (Director Of Public Affairs)

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH

(Director of Public Affairs)

(Office of Inspector General)

Visit www.igchicago.org to apply

Reporting directly to the Inspector General, manages and directs public affairs functions of the Office of Inspector General including media relations. In consultation with the Inspector General and management team, plans and executes a comprehensive, proactive communication strategy that advances the office’s mission with the community, media, elected offices, and other stakeholders.

DUTIES:

• Manage and direct public relations and communications staff and manage related budgeting.

• Lead OIG’s efforts to interact with community and advocacy groups, City of Chicago residents, the media and other key stakeholders in advancing the mission of the Office.

• Plan and direct special events, interviews, and media appearances for the Inspector General and senior personnel,

• Lead the development of specific strategies to engage stakeholders across the City, which may include facilitating legislative hearings and educational presentations, conducting surveys, identifying opportunities for community meetings, and disseminating OIG products.

• Develop, execute, and assess OIG-wide communications and media outreach strategies, serve as department spokesperson to the news media, and arrange news conferences and interviews for the Inspector General and senior personnel.

• Serve as OIG’s public information officer for purposes of liaising with various City entities and representing OIG at community meetings and events, as required.

• Be available for time sensitive needs, including outside of regular business hours.

• Other duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, or a directly related field, plus five years of work experience in the development and implementation of public information programs, of which two years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General is seeking a dynamic public relations professional to serve as Director of Communications and Outreach. The successful candidate will possess:

• Extensive experience working and building relationships with news media and ability to build new relationships in the field;

• Experience working under tight deadlines with competing priorities;

• Ability to write and edit statements and talking points for the Inspector General and other senior personnel;

• Experience with copy editing, maintaining an office style guide and report templates, and knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style;

• Experience with web-based technologies including digital and social media platforms;

• Familiarity with City of Chicago government;

• Passionate, forward-thinking, and detail-oriented leadership skills;

• Outstanding ability to collaborate with senior executives and other staff to achieve goals; and

• Demonstrated an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations; and

• Extensive experience working with community-based and/or non-profit organizations throughout the City of Chicago.

ANNUAL SALARY: Commensurate with experience up to $113,244

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employees must be a resident of the City of Chicago and proof of residency is required at the commencement of employment.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE: Travel outside Chicago is not required.

Employee Vaccination Requirement: City of Chicago employees must, as a condition of employment, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 effective October 15, 2021. This Policy applies to all City employees. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable City processes. For more information on the vaccine policy please visit: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dhr/supp_info/city-of-chicago-employee-vaccination-policy.html

WE VALUE DIVERSITY

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an equal opportunity employer.

OIG is an inclusive organization that hires and develops all its staff of all levels regardless of race, religion, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, age, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

OIG strives to create the kind of workplace where a socially diverse mix of people can thrive professionally. We pride ourselves in meeting our legal charge to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in government. Through the hard work of our passionate and innovative team, OIG aims to serve every community with equity, respect, and dignity.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy to participate in the application process, please contact the OIG’s Supervisor of Personnel Administration Keyla Vazquez at kvazquez@igchicago.org. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.

THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND MILITARY FRIENDLY EMPLOYER

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The City of Chicago does not participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). In addition, employment at the Office of Inspector General is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.