Director of Media and Public Relations

Company: Cook County Treasurers Office
Location: Chicago
Posted on: November 18, 2024

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY:

Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.

Under the direction of the Treasurer and Chief of Staff, responsible for the overall management and control of the Treasurer's communications with Media and the Public. The Director of Media and Public Relations is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication plans to enhance the organization's public image, promote our mission, services, and initiatives. This role involves managing media relations, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders, and overseeing the organization's external communications. The Director of Media and Public Relations plays a vital role in shaping public perception and ensuring effective communication with the media, the public, and other relevant audiences.



TYPICAL DUTIES:

Represents the office before the media and coordinating media access to the Treasurer as authorized by the Treasurer's management team.
Participates in or attends confidential discussions with executives and other staff to respond to media and public inquiries or to address Treasurer's programs where applicable.
Develops strategies for internal and/or public dissemination of information and programs regarding directives, policies and procedures.
Develops communications responsive to proposed legislation of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
Composes or compiles reports and other documentation as requested to inform the Treasurer, and other stakeholders regarding programs, policies and/or procedures.
Prepares press briefs for the Treasurer; anticipates questions and assists in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press, media, or to respond to internal and external inquiries.
Assists in the development of the overall communication program for the Treasurer's office, including the development of goals and objectives.
May assist the Treasurer's Freedom of Information Officer, consulting with the Treasurer's Legal Counsel and or communications team as necessary in response to said inquiries.
May train or disseminate information and other related materials to staff and members of the public.
Assists with Management of all aspects of public engagements and event logistics.
Develops and promotes collateral materials, social media campaigns, and other strategies for amplifying the public's awareness of the Treasurer's office specifically Mission, Vision, Resources and Accomplishments.
Develops materials and presentations that communicate and promote mission, vision, resources, data, performance, initiatives and successes thereof to internal and external stakeholders including existing and potential businesses, program participants, community organizations, delegate agencies, staff funders, policymakers, and board members.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to work in a highly confidential environment, receiving clients and dealing with public and media inquiries. Ability to work cooperatively with supervisory and professional personnel in the coordination or delivery of services as provided by the agency. Ability to make sound decisions and carry out programs affecting one's own work and the work of others in a changing work environment. Ability to research programs and aid in the development policies as it relates to media response. Good communication skills; ability to exercise diplomacy, gather information from others and make inquiries; ability to convey information and explain or discuss office policy and procedure with others in person or by telephone. Good attention to multifarious detail; ability to proof, verify and edit complex data, transcribe and cross reference data from personal computer and documents. Ability to follow-up in a thorough and timely manner relative to unresolved business. Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of office practices and procedures. Accurate judgment in making decisions, reorganizing established precedents and in meeting new problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
A minimum of two (2) years' experience working in public affairs or communications OR equivalent combination of professional work experience, training and education.
Ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.
Graduation from an accredited college, university, or school of broadcasting with a degree in communications, public relations, public administration or journalism.
Professional work experience in organizing communications, media and/or public relations fields.

NOTE: The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

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