Community Engagement Specialist

Village of Northbrook; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Pension / Defined Benefit Plan (IMRF)

401(k) / 457 Plan

Paid Holidays

Vacation & Sick Time

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Membership Dues Reimburse

Job summary

The Village of Northbrook is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist who will develop and deliver internal communications, manage the employee intranet and website, and collaborate across departments to tell the Village's story.

This role requires creativity, organization, strategic communication, and hands-on media skills including video, photography, and graphic design, with a focus on transparent, engaging content for staff and boards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in communications or multimedia production.
• Strong storytelling and strategic communication skills.
• Experience with video cameras, recording equipment, and non-linear editing.
• Advanced knowledge of Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to translate complex topics.
• Ability to edit and create engaging content for multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manage and update the Village website and intranet content.
• Develop and distribute internal communications across channels.
• Film and photograph meetings and events.
• Design visual content for newsletters, graphics, logos, flyers, social media.
• Edit content for clarity and engagement.
• Support event planning and Commission activities.
• Collaborate with staff and community to promote transparency.
• Serve as liaison to Village Commissions and coordinate appointments.

Skills

Storytelling

Strategic communication

Verbal and written communication

Content editing

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field

Tools

Adobe Premiere

Canva

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Premiere Pro

Job description

The Community Engagement Specialist develops and delivers engaging internal communications that keep Village employees informed, connected, and engaged. This position manages and creates content for the employee intranet and website, develops written and visual communications across multiple channels, and works collaboratively with departments to share information and tell the Village's story. The ideal candidate is creative, organized and strategic communicator who takes initiative, pays close attention to detail, and enjoys working collaboratively in a fast-paced municipal environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Website: Manages content updates on the Village’s website in accordance with the Village’s communication plans, policies, and standards.
• Intranet: Supports the development, organization, and ongoing management of the Village’s employee intranet.
• Communications: Develops, coordinates, and distributes internal communications, including employee announcements, newsletters, updates, informational materials, and other communications designed to keep employees informed about Village programs, services, policies, initiatives, and organizational activities. Assists with the creation and implementation of external communication initiatives as needed.
• Photography and Videography: Film and photograph Village Board meetings, events, and Board approved special events.
• Graphic Design: Design high-quality visual content for newsletters, graphics, logos, flyers, social media, and lobby displays.
• Content Editing: Edit written content for clarity and engagement across various platforms.
• Event Planning and Coordination: Support and help organize Village-sponsored events and Commission activities.
• Team Engagement: Collaborate with staff, public officials, and the community to promote transparency and engagement.
• Commission Support: Serve as a liaison to designated Village Commissions and coordinates Commission appointments and reappointments with Village President, Commission Chairs, and staff.

Must haves for the ideal candidate include:

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
• Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in communications, multimedia production, or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to manage projects from concept to completion.
• Strong storytelling and strategic communication skills to convey the Village’s mission and values.
• Skill in the operation of video cameras, recording equipment, and non-linear editing equipment. The Village uses Adobe Premier and Canva to edit video and a DSLR cameras for photography. Other equipment includes, but is not limited to, a drone, tripod, light kit, microphones, and other audio/visual tools.
• Advanced knowledge of Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including translating complex topics for public understanding.
• Ability to edit and create engaging content for various platforms.

Hiring Range: +/- $65,000 - $80,000, Depending on Qualifications

FLSA Status: Exempt - Full-time

Location: Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Ln., Northbrook, IL 60062

Deadline for Application: Open until filled with first review of resumes starting October 26, 2026.

Benefits: The Village offers a robust benefits package to support your well-being in exchange for your time and talent, including:

• Medical Coverage, PPO or HMO
• Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance (Basic Term & Voluntary)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (IMRF)
• Pension / Defined Benefit Plan (IMRF)
• 457 Plan / Defined Contribution Plan
• Roth IRA
• Paid Holidays, Personal Days, Vacation, Sick Time
• Matching Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Membership Dues Reimbursement

Range of the Position/ Grade: $62,100 - $96,773 | Grade 245

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: The Village of Northbrook is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and equal opportunities for all employees and applicants.