Communications Specialist

Summary:

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 and creative communications materials for members of the House
Democratic Caucus including but not limited to press releases opinion pieces and blogs
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 communications plans for members and their districts;
- Build relationships and work with members of local media; and
- Maintain caucus and member website and social media presence

Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors 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:
- $49000 minimum annual salary;
- Health dental vision prescription behavioral health and life insurance; for details visit
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. Evening hours will be
required on days when the House is in session. Hours are subject to change. Occasional
weekends may be required.
- Some travel may be required.

Application Information:
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to:

Pamela Lassiter
Human Resources Director and EEO Officer
Illinois House of Representatives
Office of the Speaker
Stratton Building Room 419
401 S. Spring Street
Springfield IL 62706

Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and
responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects managements 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.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority