The Illinois House of Representatives Office of the Minority Leader is looking to add a new face to its communications team. The ideal candidate will have a college degree in a communications-related field and have an interest in government and public policy or experience on political campaigns. The role requires working directly with staff and State Representatives to create content, press releases, social posts, media materials and more.
Salary: $45,000 minimum starting salary
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Write press releases to submit to media outlets.
- Schedule and organize press conferences, editorial board visits, and media tours.
- Pitch stories to media, coordinate media interviews, and field media inquiries.
- Develop, maintain and/or update media contact databases.
- Write remarks, speeches, and talking points on topical legislative issues to prepare Representatives for speaking engagements and media interviews.
- Create content and PowerPoint presentations for informational public forums and town halls.
- Assist legislative offices in crafting letters to respond to constituent inquiries.
- Design, create, and distribute legislative content in a weekly email newsletter.
- Write, design, and distribute annual print newsletters and surveys for mailing.
- Maintain legislative websites and social media accounts, including posting written content, videos, podcasts, graphics, and photos.
- Promote and assist with the organization of public outreach events.
- Travel to districts for meetings, media events, etc.
- Craft strategic digital media content
Required Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:
- Exceptional written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Ability to work in a team setting
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook
- Experience managing social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
- Ability to work in a team setting
- Ability to work proactively
- Proficiency in Adobe InDesign or Photoshop strongly desired, but not required.
- Previous work in government or political campaigns desired, but not required.
Education and Work Experience:
- A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, marketing, English, history or a related field
- A minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, politics or a related field. Internship experience may count toward overall work experience.
This full-time position offers expansive State of Illinois benefits:
- Defined benefit pension plan with immediate service credit in the State Employee Retirement System
- Multiple health plan options for health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Health Savings Accounts
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Wellness Programs
- Vacation and Sick Days
Use the form below to inquire about the position and upload your resume:
Submit Inquiry and Resume