DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Job Responsibilities

The Pritzker Administration is seeking a communications professional to join the governor’s communications team. Ideal candidates will have experience in media relations, communications strategy, strong writing skills, and management or leadership experience. The successful candidate will bring curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, and excellent written/oral presentation skills, while demonstrating a proven track record in strategic communications, with 5 years of experience in communications and media relations.

• Help oversee communications professionals at state agencies, boards, and commissions to drive cohesive messaging, manage announcements, develop media responses, and highlight the goals and successes of the administration.
• Work with agency staff to develop and plan events for Governor Pritzker and other officials in markets across the state and ensure comprehensive briefing documents in advance of each event.
• Manage traffic flow of agency press releases and other materials and guide things through GO approval process.
• Assist with the preparation and training of agency leaders for media interviews, hearings, and speaking engagements.
• Write press releases and statements on behalf of the governor and other high-ranking officials within the administration.
• Work with members of the media to inform stories and provide information on a variety of topics.
• Create clear, compelling narratives across multiple channels to inform and update Illinois residents on key programs and changes related to the legal cannabis industry. 
• Manage annual comms planning for agencies and schedule meetings to review plans with each agency once complete.
• Regularly edit and update online resources published by the administration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 5 years of experience in senior communications roles
• Strong written skills, including drafting press releases, statements, and digital content.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to think and communicate clearly, formulate a clear point of view on complicated issues, and create a concise and well-written narrative.
• Proven ability to work well within a team and elevate potential press opportunities or challenges to leadership. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, work well under tight deadlines, and readily adapt to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks/projects at once.
• On the record experience and experience working with news media.
• Management/leadership experience preferable.