Communications Specialist

Addison Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Addison Group in Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced HR Communications Specialist to partner closely with HR and executive leadership during a period of growth, acquisitions, and organizational change. This role will develop thoughtful communication strategies, create executive-level content, and ensure employees receive clear, consistent messaging across major business initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a polished communicator who builds programs, structures in fast-moving environments, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or related discipline; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in corporate/internal/executive communications.
• 5+ years of high-level written communications for diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting mergers/acquisitions, integrations, organizational transformation, or significant change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop communication strategies for mergers, acquisitions, and organizational changes.
• Create comprehensive communication plans tied to HR initiatives and company priorities.
• Serve as strategic partner to HR executives and senior leaders.
• Translate complex business information into concise employee communications.
• Draft executive messaging, presentations, talking points, FAQs, and internal announcements.
• Oversee end-to-end communication initiatives from planning to distribution.
• Collaborate with HR and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging.
• Support communications around HR programs including benefits and open enrollment.
• Help establish processes and tools for the internal communications function.
• Evaluate feedback and adjust communications for effectiveness.

Skills

Executive communication

Strategic writing

Stakeholder management

M&A communications

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Work Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, 40 hours per week. Hybrid schedule with approximately 3–4 days onsite per week initially, with the potential for increased flexibility as the role progresses.

Benefits:

This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company:

Our client is an established global organization providing specialized testing, quality, and professional services that support consumer health and safety. The company is currently experiencing significant growth and organizational transformation, creating an opportunity for an experienced communications professional to play an important role in supporting change across the business.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced HR Communications Specialist to partner closely with HR and executive leadership during a period of growth, acquisitions, and organizational change. This position will be responsible for developing thoughtful communication strategies, creating executive-level content, and ensuring employees receive clear and consistent messaging throughout major business initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a highly polished communicator who enjoys building programs, creating structure in fast-moving environments, and translating complicated business information into messaging that resonates with employees at all levels. This individual should be comfortable operating as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while also owning the hands-on development and execution of communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop communication strategies supporting mergers, acquisitions, organizational changes, and broader business transformation efforts.
• Create comprehensive communication plans tied to HR initiatives, employee engagement, and company-wide priorities.
• Serve as a strategic communications partner to HR executives and other senior business leaders.
• Turn complex organizational information into concise, engaging, and easy-to-understand employee communications.
• Draft executive messaging, leadership presentations, talking points, FAQs, announcements, and other internal communication materials.
• Oversee communication initiatives from initial planning and stakeholder discussions through content creation and final distribution.
• Collaborate with HR, business leaders, and cross-functional partners to maintain consistent messaging across the organization.
• Support communications surrounding key HR programs, including benefits and open enrollment initiatives.
• Help establish processes, communication standards, and tools that strengthen the overall internal communications function.
• Review employee feedback and engagement indicators to determine communication effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive experience within corporate communications, internal communications, executive communications, or a related function.
• 5+ years of experience developing high-level written communications for diverse employee and leadership audiences.
• Demonstrated experience supporting communications related to mergers and acquisitions, integrations, organizational transformation, or significant change initiatives.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to advise and collaborate with senior-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and message-development skills with strong attention to audience, tone, and detail.
• Experience within testing, inspection, certification, professional services, food safety, life sciences, manufacturing, or another complex/global business environment is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and create structure within a rapidly changing organization.
• Creative and strategic mindset with the ability to identify new approaches to employee communication and engagement.
• High-visibility role with direct exposure to senior and executive leadership.
• Opportunity to have a meaningful impact during a period of growth and transformation.
• Significant involvement in M&A, integration, and change-management communications.
• Ability to help build and improve communication processes rather than simply maintain existing programs.
• Exposure to a large, global organization and cross-functional initiatives.

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.