Public Information Officer - Bureau Economic Development - Cook County Government

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The Cook County Department of the Office of Economic Development is seeking an Public Information Officer to join our team.

At the direction of the President’s communications team or at the request of the Department/Bureau Head, the Public Information Officer is responsible for assisting in the drafting or review of internal and/or external communications providing information to the public, other County Departments, Bureaus or agencies, and the press or other media relative to points of information, programs, policies, procedures, processes, operations and other relevant information regarding the Department/Bureau. Assist the Department/Bureau in the management of its communications and the time and manner of policy and/or operational communications. Provides accurate and supportive press coverage of Department/Bureau efforts and accomplishments of the Department/Bureau and coordinating agencies thereof as required. Works directly with the

President’s communications team to authorize any quotes or statements to be issued by the Department/Bureau or the President or his/her designee. Assists in drafting communications and correspondence or reviews such communications on behalf of the President or Department/Bureau Head or his/her designees and assists in drafting newsletters, resolutions, congratulatory letters, press releases or proclamations as directed. May collaborate with and supports other departments in Offices under the President concerning communication matters as it relates to Cook County Government operations. At the direction of the Department/Bureau Head and the President or his/her designee, may also serve as a communications representative or advisor to other departments in Offices under the President as needed. May speak on behalf of,

the Department/Bureau Head, as necessary and approved by the President’s Department of Public Affairs and Communications. Assists the Office of the President in the response of Freedom of Information requests.

How do I apply?

Please submit a Cover letter and Resume to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov.

 

When are Resumes due?

Until Filled.

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY:

· Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.

· Health Care – Cook County established the nation’s first blood bank in 1937. Cook County Hospital was the first to have a dedicated unit for trauma services. Today our healthcare system treats more cancer patients than any other provider in the metropolitan area.

· Technology – Cook County’s Bureau of Technology provides technology support to Cook County offices and employees, with its wide area network providing service to more than 120 municipalities.

· Courts – Cook County oversees one of the nation’s largest unified criminal and civil justice

system and administers the largest single jail site in the country.

· Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.

· Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.

· Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

Location:

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants and plenty of shopping!

In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorist, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclist.

Benefits:

Cook County employees have access to a variety of benefits, including:

· Medical and Pharmacy Plans

· Dental Plans

· Vision Plan

· Flexible Spending Accounts – Health Care and Dependent Care

· Life Insurance – Group Term and Supplemental Life

· Commuter Benefits

· Pre-paid Legal Services

· Retirement Benefits

· Competitive Base Pay

General Overview

At the direction of the President’s communications team or at the request of the Department/Bureau Head, the Public Information Officer is responsible for assisting in the drafting or review of internal and/or external communications providing information to the public, other County Departments, Bureaus or agencies, and the press or other media relative to points of information, programs, policies, procedures, processes, operations and other relevant information regarding the Department/Bureau. Assist the Department/Bureau in the management of its communications and the time and manner of policy and/or operational communications. Provides accurate and supportive press coverage of Department/Bureau efforts and accomplishments of the Department/Bureau and coordinating agencies thereof as required. Works directly with the President’s communications team to authorize any quotes or statements to be issued by the Department/Bureau or the President or his/her designee. Assists in drafting communications and correspondence or reviews such communications on behalf of the President or Department/Bureau Head or his/her designees and assists in drafting newsletters, resolutions, congratulatory letters, press releases or proclamations as directed. May collaborate with and supports other departments in Offices under the President concerning communication matters as it relates to Cook County Government operations.

 

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Represents the Department/Bureau Head and his/her administration before the media and coordinating media access to the President as authorized by the President’s communications team.

Participates in or attends confidential discussions with the Department/Bureau Head and executives and other staff to respond to media and public inquiries or to address communication of various County programs, initiatives, responses, policies or procedures to the media, public, or other County agencies.

Works with the Department/Bureau Head or his/her designee to develop strategies for internal and/or public dissemination of County information and programs regarding Department/Bureau directives, policies and procedures.

Composes or compiles reports, and other documentation as requested to inform the President’s communications team or President or Commissioners or Department/Bureau Head regarding Department/Bureau programs, policies and/or procedures.

Prepares press briefs for the Department/Bureau Head as approved by the President’s communications team; anticipates questions and assists the Department/Bureau Head in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press, media, or to respond to internal and external inquiries.

Assists in the development of the overall communication program for the Department/Bureau, including the development of Department/Bureau goals and objectives.

Assists in interdepartmental development and improvement of operations, processes, and procedures through collaborative partnerships with peers and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate PLUS three (3) years of experience in communications or public relations OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college, university, or school of broadcasting with a degree in communications, public relations, or journalism.

Professional work experience in media and/or public relations fields.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

For more information please visit: LinkedIn

Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago - Chicago, IL

Class Title - Applications Accepted Online Only Senior Public Affairs Specialist Exam # 15046 Opening Date 2/27/2015 Closing Date 3/13/2015 Qualification Deadline 4/12/2015 Minimum Annual Salary 90541.10 Maximum Annual Salary 133120.00 Duties Under direction, assists in the development and administration of the District's communication strategy and organizational branding efforts.  Minimum Requirements Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in journalism, communications, public relations or a closely related field and four years of public relations, public information and/or journalism experience. Substitution: Professional experience in journalism, public information or public relations activities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years.  Examination The examination will consist of a training and experience evaluation, weighted 25%, and an oral test, including a written exercise, weighted 75%. The minimum passing score on each test will be 70% unless determined otherwise by the Director of Human Resources. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test to be eligible to compete in each subsequent test and to have their names placed on the eligible list. The training and experience evaluation will assess candidates' experience in areas such as public relations and project management. The oral test will assess candidates' knowledge, skill and abilities in public relations concepts; planning and organizing; critical thinking and problem solving; interpersonal effectiveness and written and oral communication skills. Examination Process All applicants will be advised by email if they have been admitted to the examination process. Applicants who do not receive a response to their application by March 20, 2015 should contact the Employee Selection Office at (312) 751-5100. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: Approved applicants will be provided a link to the Training and Experience Evaluation form on the District's website. Applicants must complete and return the form according to the instructions specified on the evaluation form. ORAL TEST: Candidates who pass the training and experience evaluation will be informed by email regarding the date, time and place of the oral test. Appointments Appointments will be made from an eligible list with three categories: A (Exceptionally Well Qualified), B (Well Qualified) and C (Qualified). Candidates in the highest category will be given first consideration for appointment. This examination is also being given on a Promotional basis. In instances where both Original Entrance and Promotional eligible lists result from an examination process, it is the District's practice to appoint only from the Promotional eligible list until all names from that list have been considered. The eligible list has a duration of three years. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a physical examination, a drug test and a criminal history background investigation. Posting Date

Apply now!

Public Affairs/Communication Manager, American Planning Association - Washington, D.C.

Public Affairs / Communication Manager 

American Planning Association

October 16, 2014 

Website: 

http://www.planning.org

Location: 

Washington, DC

National association focused on planning and community development policy is seeking a communications professional to manage relations with traditional and digital media; provide guidance on overall communications and messaging strategies; and coordinate key communication campaigns and initiatives. This position oversees a national community recognition program and provides communications support for government relations and policy advocacy initiatives, including national polling. Position will assist the Policy and Communications Director with program development and implementation. 

Requires a minimum of five years of experience in public information, advocacy, communications or media relations and degree in journalism, communications or related field. Prefer candidates with knowledge of and passion for city planning, community development and local government issues and prior non-profit experience. Send cover letter, resume and writing sample to govtaffairs@planning.org. Position closes November 3, 2014.