Communications Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote/in-office schedule

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement match

Parental leave

Mobile phone stipend

Pre-tax commuter/parking benefits

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 work. Reporting to the Director of Editorial and Digital Content, the role oversees social media, media engagement, and executive communications.

You will craft strategies to highlight research and programs, manage channels, and coordinate digital content. A strong candidate brings 7+ years in communications and a passion for global affairs.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in communications or journalism.
• 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).
• Strong news judgment and ability to operate effectively under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative working style across departments, including 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 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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 (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, YouTube) to amplify work and thought leadership.
• Serve as the organization's primary media contact; pitch Council research, events, and experts to journalists and editors.
• Collaborate with the President's office and senior leadership on 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 analytics reports and translate data into strategic recommendations.
• Draft and distribute announcements, newsletters, press releases, media advisories, op-ed placements, and other external materials.

Skills

Communications strategy

Written communication

Verbal communication

Social media management

Collaboration across departments

Deadline-driven

Global affairs interest

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.

Please note: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until it is filled.

*If available, please include a link to writing samples or your portfolio on your resume or cover letter.

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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people - their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas - are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.

There are many benefits to working at the Council, including a flexible remote/in-office work environment (in-office 3 days per week), employer-subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement match, half‑day summer Fridays, paid parental leave, mobile phone stipend, pre‑tax commuter/parking benefits, and more.