Internal Communications Associate or Specialist

Job Description

CMAP may fill this position as either an Internal Communications Associate or as an Internal Communications Specialist, depending on candidate qualifications. Minimum requirements for each are listed below.

Manages strategic internal communications and engagement in support of the agency’s 100 employees who work to make northeastern Illinois a stronger, more resilient place for its 8.6 million residents.

This position will serve as a communications resource to the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and internal service functions including Human Resources, Finance, IT and Facilities, and the Agency as a whole.

As a member of Communications and Engagement Team (under general direction of the Deputy Director or designee), this individual will play an important role in driving employee engagement and alignment around the Agency’s Values and Strategic Direction and creating a people-centered culture.

The Associate/Specialist will assist with developing and implementing a strategic internal communications plan with clear objectives, strategies, tactics and activities that advance the Agency’s internal communications and engagement goals to enhance performance, operational effectiveness, employee development and recognition, employee engagement, commitment and retention and work/life satisfaction.

This person will also support the Agency’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, assist the Executive Leadership Team with creating engaging and effective messages and content and assist with onboarding information, salary and benefits-related information, skills development, and other agency-wide information sharing.

The Associate/Specialist will be responsible for writing, creating and managing effective and engaging content across various channels, as well as coordinating events and meetings.

Key Functions and Activities for Associate or Specialist

• Inform and engage employees through the development and implementation of strategic and robust internal communication and engagement strategies
• Conduct analysis to understand information gaps and challenges
• Anticipate and respond to employees’ questions utilizing creative and effective messaging and communications systems
• Assist in developing and implementing internal content strategy and creating engaging and effective digital and print content, including newsletters, videos, talking points, presentations, fact sheets, and other materials
• Work with leadership and internal teams to plan content using a content calendar to drive content strategy, creation and delivery
• Support a storytelling philosophy to spotlight and recognize staff
• Collaborate with leadership and other staff to develop enhance processes and deliverables related to staff listening and information-sharing
• Collaborate with staff to manage content on the intranet and other internal platforms (Sharepoint, Yammer)
• Support internal committees
• Assist in coordination of internal trainings and workshops
• Internal Communications Specialist will also have these key functions and activities:
• Assist development of integrated internal communication and engagement strategies to promote organizational goals
• Coordinate and plan engagement events and meetings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to write for various communications (letters, e-newsletters, fliers, brochures, intranet).
• Experience creating content and sharing information clearly and in an interesting manner, and translating complex information into clear, concise, understandable messages. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to meet deadlines, respond to requests for information in a timely manner, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience using Sharepoint 365, website content management systems, desktop publishing (Canva, PhotoShop and/or Adobe Illustrator) preferred.
• Ability to adhere to in-house brand and style guides.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment and integrate diverse thinking and feedback from multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to develop relationships with staff across the agency.

Education and Experience

Internal Communications Associate has the following minimum requirements:

A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Journalism, or a Bachelor’s degree in different discipline with 2 years of professional experience in communications.

Internal Communications Specialist has the following minimum requirements:

A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Journalism or a related discipline with more than 2 years of professional experience in communications or a Bachelor’s degree in different discipline with 4 years of experience in communications. Experience in government or public sector communications is preferred.

Company Description

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region’s comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency’s vision and core values.

CMAP is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application! This position will remain open until filled.

Benefits

• IMRF
• Certifications/Licenses and Association Dues
• Conferences/Training
• Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
• Dental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Flextime
• Health Insurance
• Holidays
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Personal Days/Floating Holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vacation Leave
• Vision Insurance

CMAP requires all employees to declare their vaccination status upon hire. The agency reserves the right to enforce and/or amend this policy in compliance with federal and state mandates or as it deems necessary. Your acceptance of an offer of employment means that you understand and agree to comply with this policy.