Communications Manager

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, based in Chicago, seeks a Communications Manager to expand its public presence and elevate the visibility of its research and programs. You will oversee day-to-day social media, manage media relations, and coordinate with senior leadership on executive communications.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in communications or journalism, strong written/verbal skills, and a track record of increasing visibility through strategic campaigns.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in communications or journalism in policy or international affairs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of increasing an organization's visibility via strategic communications.
• Hands-on management of organizational social media with audience-focused content strategy.
• Experience using data to inform communications decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communications strategies that elevate the Council's research, experts, publications, programs, and special initiatives.
• Manage and grow the Council's social media presence across LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube with strategic use.
• Serve as the organization's primary media contact; pitch research, events, and Fellows to journalists and producers.
• Collaborate with the President's office and senior leadership on executive communications and thought leadership.
• Contribute to short-form digital content production, including video clips, graphics, and summaries.
• Monitor media coverage and social performance; prepare analytics reports and translate data into recommendations.
• Draft and distribute announcements, newsletters, press releases, media advisories, and op-ed placements.

Skills

Strategic Communications

Social Media Management

Media Relations

Analytics & Reporting

Written & Verbal Communication

Cross-functional Collaboration

Video Content Creation

Tools

Google Analytics

Sprout Social

Meltwater

Salesforce

Drupal CMS

Job description

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is the Midwest's premier global affairs think tank and a leading independent, nonpartisan forum for debate on the forces shaping our world. Based in Chicago, the Council convenes policymakers, business and civic leaders, scholars, and the public for high-level public programs, policy dialogues, and expert roundtables. Its research, analysis, and convenings address the defining issues of our time, from geopolitics and the global economy to technological change, global food security, and immigration, bringing the world's leading voices to Chicago and a vital Midwestern perspective to national and international debates.

THE ROLE

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is seeking a Communications Manager to expand the organization's public presence and elevate the visibility and profile of its work. Reporting to the Director of Editorial and Digital Content, the Communications Manager will showcase Council expertise, insights, and impact through written and digital content, manage the Council's day-to-day social media presence, and plan and execute media engagement strategies.

Specific responsibilities of the Communications Manager include:

• Develop and execute communications strategies that elevate the Council's research, experts, publications, programs, and special initiatives.
• Manage and grow the Council's presence across social media platforms (including LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube), using each strategically to amplify the Council's work, elevate its public profile, and extend the thought leadership of Council Fellows and senior leadership.
• Serve as the organization's primary media contact; proactively pitch Council research, events, and expert Fellows to journalists, editors, and producers across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Collaborate with the President's office and senior leadership to support executive communications and thought leadership positioning.
• Contribute to the production and distribution of short-form digital content, including video clips, graphics, and written summaries.
• Monitor media coverage and social media performance; prepare regular analytics reports and translate data into actionable strategic recommendations.
• Draft and distribute announcements, newsletters, press releases, media advisories, op-ed placements, and other external-facing communications materials.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in communications, journalism, or a related field, ideally in a policy, international affairs, or similarly complex environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated track record of increasing an organization's visibility through strategic communications.
• Hands-on experience with organizational social media accounts with a strong understanding of audience dynamics and content strategy.
• Familiarity with digital communications tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Sprout Social, Meltwater, Salesforce, Drupal CMS) and demonstrated ability to use data to inform communications decisions.
• Strong news judgment and an ability to operate effectively under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative working style and comfort operating across departments, including with senior leadership, research staff, and external contributors.
• Fluency in digital communications trends and a genuine interest in global affairs and public policy.
• Experience producing or coordinating short-form video content and multimedia assets for digital distribution is a plus.

Salary Range: $80,000-$90,000

The pay range included represents a good faith estimate of the possible full-time compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.