Communications Specialist

Illinois House of Representatives; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off (vacation, sick, and ...

Job summary

The Illinois House of Representatives Communications Unit seeks a Communications Specialist to translate complex legislative concepts into concise public messaging, including press releases and social media content.

You will support members’ communication strategies, collaborate with staff designers and reporters, and maintain caucus websites. A Bachelor's in communications and 1–2 years’ experience are required; Spanish skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a communications-related field.
• 1–2 years of relevant work or internship experience.
• Strong writing skills with ability to learn and follow AP style.
• Persuasion skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work long hours in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor and ability to adapt with different personalities.
• Interest in state government, politics and policy, current affairs, public service or nonprofit work, especially in Democratic politics.
• Proficiency with social media platforms and data analytics.
• Computer proficiency with data and social media.
• Spanish language skills (written and oral) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Condense complex legislative concepts into persuasive, concise writing for press releases and PR materials.
• Develop caucus-wide, regional, and district-specific messaging.
• Prepare communications materials for House Democratic Caucus members (press releases, letters to the editor, op-eds, newsletters, mailers, speeches, social posts, scripts, talking points).
• Provide technical support for members’ communication strategies in collaboration with designers, photographers, and videographers.
• Develop and execute member communications plans.
• Build relationships with local media.
• Maintain caucus and member websites and social media presence.

Skills

Strong writing

AP style

Persuasion

Social media analytics

Data proficiency

Span. language (preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Job description

The Communications Unit of the Office of the Speaker offers a unique opportunity for degreed professionals to participate in the political process. Successful candidates show a willingness to handle both large and small tasks, demonstrate an ability to thrive in a professional, fast-paced work environment, can manage a heavy and diverse workload, and display ingenuity to help members perceive and respond to constituent concerns. The Communications Specialist reports directly to the Communications Director.

Essential Functions

• Condense complex legislative concepts into persuasive and concise writing, including press releases and other public relations staples
• Develop caucus-wide, regional, and district-specific messaging
• Develop written communications materials for members of the House Democratic Caucus including but not limited to press releases, letters to the editor and op-eds, newsletters, mailers and letters, speeches, social media posts, scripts, and talking points and messaging guidance
• Provide technical support for members’ communication strategies, working in consultation with staff graphic designers, photographers, and videographers
• Develop and execute member communications plans
• Build relationships and work with members of local media
• Maintain caucus and member website and social media presence

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a communications-related field;
• 1-2 years of relevant work or internship experience;
• Strong writing skills with ability to learn and follow AP style;
• Persuasion skills, both written and oral;
• Ability to work in an unpredictable work environment and the willingness to work long hours, when needed;
• Professional demeanor and the ability to adapt and work with different or difficult personalities;
• A demonstrated interest in state government, politics and policy, current affairs, public service or non-profit work, particularly in Democratic politics;
• Proficiency of widely-used social media outlets, including knowledge of data analytics;
• Computer proficiency, preferably with the ability to work with data and social media; and
• Candidates with Spanish language skills (both written and oral), especially those who are certified in translation are preferred.

Compensation

• $49,000 minimum annual salary
• Health, dental, vision, prescription, behavioral health, and life insurance; for details, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/StateEmployee/Pages/StateInsuranceProgram.aspx
• Participation in State Employees’ Retirement System;
• Optional participation in health savings account and deferred compensation programs;
• Competitive vacation, sick, and personal time.

Work Environment

• Work is largely performed in the Illinois State Capitol Building Complex in Springfield, Illinois which is open to the public. Security for the Capitol Complex is provided by Illinois Secretary of State Police.
• The working environment can be noisy, and the building can be congested with constituents, lobbyists, tour groups, and demonstrators.
• The person in this position needs to be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, as well as to move about inside the capitol building and grounds as necessary.
• The person in this position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, legislators, lobbyists, and members of the public, and must be able to professionally exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Typical work hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on non-session days and 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on session days. Hours are subject to change. Occasional weekends may be required.
• Some travel may be required.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

The Office of the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, age, military discharge, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.