Communications Director

Job Summary:

The Communications Director is an executive-level leadership position responsible for the strategic oversight and management of all communications functions for the Office of the Minority Leader. This role requires demonstrated experience leading, supervising, and evaluating a team of five or more communications professionals. The Communications Director develops and executes comprehensive, high-impact communication strategies; serves as a trusted strategic advisor to senior executives; and provides executive direction to a multidisciplinary communications team. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s public narrative, overseeing media relations, and ensuring clear, consistent, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provide executive leadership to a team of communications professionals, offering strategic direction, mentorship, and support to ensure high performance and continued professional growth.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies to support the organization’s goals, enhance its reputation, and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior executives on communication matters, including reputation management, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead and manage a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, mentoring, and support to maximize their effectiveness and professional development.
• Oversee media relations activities, including developing relationships with journalists, responding to media inquiries, and managing press releases and media advisories.
• Develop and implement internal communication strategies to foster employee engagement, promote organizational values, and facilitate effective information sharing.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including executives, policy teams, and external liaisons, to align communication efforts and ensure consistent messaging.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage and public sentiment related to the organization, providing regular reports and recommendations for adjustments to communication strategies.
• Manage and coordinate the organization’s digital communication platforms, including websites, social media accounts, and email marketing.
• Support the development and execution of public outreach initiatives, including events, conferences, and community engagement programs.
• Oversee the development and production of communication and graphic design materials, such as press releases, speeches, presentations, and marketing collateral.
• Frequent travel across the State of Illinois is required

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Extensive experience leading, supervising, and evaluating a team of five or more communications professionals.
• Significant experience in communications, public relations, or related roles, with a track record of progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve strategic objectives.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on achieving results.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and persuasive manner.
• Proven experience in media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Strong understanding of digital communication strategies and proficiency in using various communication tools and platforms.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including senior executives, media professionals, and internal divisions.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information and data to drive decision making.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines and legal constraints related to communications.
• Understanding the mission, values, and policies.

Qualifications/Preferences:

• Extensive experience leading, supervising, and evaluating a team of five or more communications professionals.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is preferred but is NOT required.
• Proven experience in a leadership role in communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably within a governmental or similar environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align communication efforts with organizational objectives.
• Proficiency in crisis management and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Familiarity with media relations and a network of media contacts.
• This role requires the ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, often with changing priorities and tight deadlines. The Director of Communications should be a strategic thinker, an exceptional communicator, and a strong leader capable of managing a team while ensuring that communication efforts contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Salary: $125,000 (Based on Experience)

Headquarters: Springfield, IL (Preferably)