Senior Communications Specialist

IES Abroad; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

IES Abroad is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to shape how the organization communicates with employees, partners, students, media, and the broader field of international education. This role collaborates with the Chief Communications Officer, manages freelance writers, and drives external visibility through media outreach and thought leadership.

The position requires a mission-driven communicator with at least 5 years of experience in writing and editing across channels, plus

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience writing, editing, and developing communications across internal and external channels.
• Experience translating complex information into clear, accessible content.
• Experience with media relations, journalist outreach, spokesperson prep, and media monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Draft and edit organization-wide announcements, newsletters, leadership messages, presentations, talking points, and FAQs.
• Partner with HR and senior leaders to communicate employee announcements, leadership changes, and sensitive updates with clarity and empathy.
• Support executive communications, including remarks, presentations, and briefing materials for leaders.
• Lead communications for major organizational changes, including technology and systems transformations.
• Collaborate with project teams, IT, and subject-matter experts to translate complex information into clear guidance and anticipate employee questions.
• Track engagement data to strengthen internal communications and inform strategy.
• Deliver partner communications to keep our schools informed including newsletters and campaigns.
• Develop news stories, website content, press releases, media pitches, op-eds, LinkedIn posts, and other external content.
• Support crisis and issues communications with timely, accurate statements and messaging.
• Support communications for annual conference and signature events.

Skills

Writing & editing

Media relations

Crisis communications

Project management

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field

Job description

Status: Full-time, exemptSchedule: M-F, 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m, including occasional evening and weekend work and/or travelReports to: Assistant Vice President and Chief Communications OfficerDirect reports: NoneStart date: ASAPLocation: Chicago, IL, USA (Hybrid)About Us:IES Global is a not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider dedicated to transforming the lives of nearly 10,000 students annually through unparalleled study abroad experiences. From our headquarters in Chicago, we offer 400+ programs in 85 locations worldwide, partnering with 500 colleges and universities to create authentic educational experiences that exceed expectations.IES Global comprises a collective of brands including IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF). We champion meaningful academic and cultural education, integrate diverse perspectives, prioritize student health and safety, and strive to better the world through our Global Good Commitment.For nearly 75 years, we have been a trusted leader in global education, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We actively recruit underrepresented students and provide millions in scholarships each year, celebrating a diverse student body that reflects the vibrant cultures we engage with. Our commitment extends to our diverse team, fostering an inclusive, welcoming workplace where talents from various backgrounds collaborate and grow. Join us at IES Abroad and become part of a community dedicated to creating global leaders and life-changing experiences.Summary of Position:The Senior Communications Specialist helps shape how IES Global communicates with employees, partners, students, media, and the broader field of international education.We're a mission-driven nonprofit built on the belief that international experiences change lives. This role brings that mission to life: sharing the stories of our people and programs, strengthening connection across our global organization, and positioning IES Global as a trusted leader in the field.This is more than a writing job. We're looking for a thoughtful storyteller and natural connector who can make complex information clear and stay calm and empathetic when the stakes are high.Working closely with the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Communications Specialist manages our freelance writer and partners across departments on employee newsletters, stakeholder and change communications, crisis communications, executive messaging, LinkedIn content, and press releases. The role also drives external visibility through media outreach, thought leadership, op-eds, and conference opportunities, and supports two signature events: the IES Abroad Annual Conference and the IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival in Chicago.It's a role for a curious, adaptable communicator who wants variety, takes initiative, and wants their talent to serve something meaningful.Essential Job Responsibilities & Duties:Internal and Executive CommunicationsDraft and edit organization-wide announcements, newsletters, leadership messages, presentations, talking points, and FAQs.Partner with HR and senior leaders to communicate employee announcements, leadership changes, and sensitive updates with clarity and empathy.Support executive communications, including remarks, presentations, and briefing materials for leaders.Track engagement data to strengthen internal communications and inform strategy.Internal, Executive, and Change CommunicationsDraft and edit organization-wide announcements, newsletters, leadership messages, presentations, talking points, and FAQs.Partner with HR and senior leaders to communicate employee announcements, leadership changes, and sensitive updates with clarity and empathy.Support executive communications, including remarks, presentations, and briefing materials for leaders.Lead communications for major organizational changes, including technology and systems transformations: key messages, timelines, FAQs, toolkits, and stakeholder updates.Collaborate with project teams, IT, and subject-matter experts to translate complex information into clear guidance and anticipate employee questions.Track engagement data to strengthen internal communications and inform strategy.Deliver partner communications to keep our schools informed including but not limited to the What’s New newsletter and other emails and campaigns.External Communications, PR, and Thought LeadershipDevelop news stories, website content, press releases, media pitches, op-eds, LinkedIn posts, and other external content.Support communications plans for major announcements, new programs and locations, partnerships, and signature events.Support media outreach, journalist requests, interviews, spokesperson prep, awards, and speaking opportunities, and maintain media contacts, and coverage results.Ensure external communications are accurate, consistent, and aligned with organizational messaging.Crisis and Issues CommunicationsSupport the CCO in developing timely, accurate, empathetic communications during crises and emerging issues, including holding statements, stakeholder messages, talking points, and FAQs.Serve on the IES Global Crisis Management Team, participating in planning, response, and follow-up.Monitor external events and media coverage that may affect IES Global's people, programs, or reputation, and handle confidential, rapidly evolving information with discretion.Events and Special ProjectsSupport communications for the IES Abroad Annual Conference and Study Abroad Film Festival, including promotional content, scripts, presentations, and attendee materials, and manage the Annual Conference program.Lead or support communications projects from planning through execution, maintaining organized editorial calendars, templates, and shared resources.Perform other duties as assigned.Experience & Qualifications/SkillsRequired5+ years of experience writing, editing, and developing communications across internal and external channels (email, newsletter, press releases, bylines, speeches, articles, etc.)Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging contentExperience with media relations, journalist outreach, spokesperson preparation, and knowledge of local, regional, national, or international mediaExperience supporting crisis or issues communications, with sound judgment and discretion around confidential or sensitive informationExcellent organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage time and meet deadlinesAbility to work independently and collaboratively with a marketing team and othersEnjoys brainstorming independently and with colleagues, with the ability to think outside the boxGood sense of humor and interest in study abroadDesire to work in a mission-driven organizationA plusExperience with change management or change communicationsExperience with Salesforce or other CRM platformWeb content development experienceEvent communications experienceStudy, living, or travel abroad experienceEducation, Licenses and/or Certifications etc.Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field or relevant work experienceHiring Salary Range$65,000 to $75,000Benefits EligibleYesIES Abroad offers a wide range of benefits for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found on our website: https://www.iesabroad.org/about/careersHow to Apply:All applicants should submit an application including cover letter, resume, and salary requirementsPlease visit www.IESabroad.org for more information about working at IES Abroad. If you require an accommodation with the application process, please email us: [e-mail] .Equal Opportunity Employment:IES Abroad is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We strive to treat people with respect; fully utilizing employee's abilities and promoting workforce diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable laws.