Senior Communications Specialist

The Communications Senior develops and executes strategic and creative communication strategies and projects with a focus on visual storytelling and producing engaging multi-media content.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and creates effective and engaging creative content (websites, graphics, videos, e-newsletters, print materials). 
• Manages content strategy and content development, including writing, editing, proofing, design, and production. 
• Supports agency’s communications and engagement goals, working closely with team members to gather information and present technical or complex subject matter in a clear, concise manner that engages a variety of audiences.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered):

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in communications, English, media/public relations. 
• 5-7 years communication experience at a government agency, nonprofit, association, academia, or mission-driven organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES including competencies that may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.

• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word 
• Expertise using Adobe Creative Suite, design and digital marketing platforms, content management systems and social media management tools (e.g., Canva, GovDelivery, Hootsuite, Engagement HQ). 
• Superior knowledge of and skills in strategic communications and best practices, including developing plans with goals/objectives, strategies, audiences, key messages, tactics, and evaluating effectiveness. 
• Experience in video and graphic design production, with the ability to design digital content from start to finish. 
• Excellent writing, editing, messaging, and proofreading skills –– both technical and creative –– for diverse audiences. 
• Superior understanding of grammar, style, and punctuation, with the ability to follow in-house brand and style guides. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment and integrate diverse thinking and feedback from multiple stakeholders. 
• Attention to detail, with strong planning, organizational, and research skills.
• Excellent self-motivation and commitment to learning and retaining new skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make objective decisions using sound judgment and remain calm under stress. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, private and public sector officials, and the general public.

Benefits:

• IMRF 
• AFLAC 
• 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