The Cook County Office of the President is seeking a Press Secretary to support the communications strategy and media engagement efforts for senior leadership. This role is responsible for developing and executing policies and procedures for media responses, managing press inquiries, drafting statements, and producing press releases, newsletters, and official communications. The Press Secretary coordinates media coverage to highlight the accomplishments of various departments and supervises staff involved in communications and public affairs. Additionally, the Press Secretary represents senior leadership in press engagements and supports public affairs and outreach initiatives across Cook County bureaus and departments.

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
• 2nd largest county in America
• Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
• Nearly 80% unionized workforce
• 15 unions represented
• 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

 LOCATION

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

ROLE SUMMARY

Responsible for supporting the management of communications for senior leadership and related, under the guidance of designated leadership. Responsible for assisting in the development of policies and procedures for the coordinated response to the media and for directing, assigning, explaining, reporting, and promoting through the media, points of information and programs regarding the bureau/department. Coordinates supportive press coverage of the efforts and accomplishments of the various bureaus/departments. Supervises staff working on communication and public affairs efforts. Responsible for issuing appropriate information and statements for
media inquiry, press releases, news articles, newsletters, and resolutions. Represents senior leadership before the press and assists in the coordination of public affairs, communications and community outreach for the various bureaus/departments.

This position is in the Office of the Cook County Board President. As such, this position involves policymaking or implementation related to the administration's political and policy views, and/or requires a high-level of confidentiality such that political affiliation is an appropriate consideration for the effective performance of the job.

TYPICAL JOB DUTIES

• Assists in coordinating and drafting of communication and public affair efforts, focusing on providing responses to media inquiry, press releases, and developing stories around policies and programs.
  
• Assists in the development of public service announcements and community relations efforts.
  
• Assists in research efforts and aids in the development and implementation of policies regarding the marketing and communication of programs and the bureau/department’s agenda.
  
• Represents the administration before the media and coordinating media access to senior leadership.
  
• Directs and supervises staff working in and on communication and public affairs efforts.
  
• Assists in the development and implementation of long and short-range plans designed to communicate County programs and improvements.
  
• Drafts speeches, PSA’s, brochures, press releases, media advisories and statements as directed or required.
  
• Participates in or attends confidential discussions with the senior leadership and other staff to respond to media inquiries or address County programs.
  
• Develops strategies for public dissemination of County policies and programs regarding bureau/department directives.
  
• Composes reports and papers to inform senior leadership and the board regarding department programs.
  
• Prepares press briefs for bureau/department; anticipates questions and assists senior leadership in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press and media. 
  

Required for all jobs:
Performs other duties as assigned.

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.
  
• 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 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.