Director of External Communications & Thought Leadership

Chicago Public Media Inc; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Vacation and holidays

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Retirement savings

Job summary

Chicago Public Media seeks an experienced and strategic Director of Communications to lead external communications for its brands, including WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, chicago.com, and Vocalo. Reporting to the VP of Marketing & Communications, the role will craft proactive strategies to enhance reputation, visibility, and influence through earned media, executive communications, and storytelling.

The Director will write and execute high-impact initiatives, cultivate journalist

Qualifications

• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling for diverse audiences.
• Proven success securing earned media coverage and building journalist relationships.
• Experience developing and executing communications strategies that boost reputation.
• Strong executive communications, including speechwriting and messaging.
• Experience guiding organizations through high-profile or sensitive issues.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and senior leadership.
• Discretion and judgment in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external communications strategy for Chicago Public Media and its brands.
• Lead proactive media outreach, build strong relationships with journalists and outlets.
• Write and distribute press releases, advisories, statements, talking points, FAQs, and other materials.
• Advise senior leadership on messaging and reputation; prep executives for media interviews.
• Monitor coverage and identify opportunities to amplify priorities and address issues.
• Collaborate with marketing, editorial, development, legal, HR, and leadership for coordinated messaging.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Media relations

Strategic communications

Executive communications

Crisis communications

Cross-functional collaboration

Discretion

Job description

Chicago Public Media seeks an experienced and strategic Director of Communications to lead external communications for its brands, including WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, chicago.com, and Vocalo. Reporting to the VP of Marketing & Communications, the role will craft proactive strategies to enhance reputation, visibility, and influence through earned media, executive communications, and storytelling.

The Director will write and execute high-impact initiatives, cultivate journalist