DEPUTY DIRECTOR, INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS (BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES) – SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Overview Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is seeking an experienced Deputy Director, Internal Communications responsible for providing strategic leadership for internal communications that strengthen employee engagement and support organizational communication goals. It develops and implements internal communication policies and procedures, ensuring transparency and alignment with key programs. The position creates and updates department website content to maintain consistent marketing and branding. It also represents senior leadership in communications planning, employee engagement initiatives, and organizational events, helping drive clear, cohesive messaging across the County. Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer. Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change. WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY? Benefits In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including: Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plansFlexible Teleworking OptionsGenerous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)Pension PlanFinancial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition StipendHealth/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program. SALARY RANGE: $114,100 - $139,400 / Yearly SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs2nd largest county in AmericaLarger than 27 statesCook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.Nearly 80% unionized workforce15 unions represented63 separate collective bargaining agreementsHighway – 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 motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists. Job Summary Provides strategic leadership over internal communications initiatives that support the County's employee engagement, organizational communication, and workforce communication strategies Develops and implements internal communication policies and procedures to promote key programs and ensure transparency of organizational and employee communication. Creates and updates bureau/department content for the website, ensuring marketing and branding strategy alignment. Represents senior leadership in communications planning, employee engagement initiatives, and organizational events as assigned. Typical Job Duties Develops and executes internal communication strategies that align with the County priorities, organizational goals and departmental initiatives to inform, engage, and connect employees while increasing awareness of County programs and services.Serves as a strategic communications partner to BHR leadership and OUP communicators to ensure messaging is coordinated, consistent, and aligned across functions, including supporting crisis communications as needed.Leads the development and execution of compelling content across internal communication channels and approved external communication platforms supporting employee engagement and organizational messaging. This may include employee stories, website and intranet content, newsletters, LinkedIn and other digital platforms, ensuing adherence to County brand, style and accessibility guidelines.Leads communications planning and messaging for County initiatives, employee engagement activities, organizational events, and strategic campaigns.Establishes communication metrics and analyze employee engagement data and feedback to continuously improve communication strategies and support organizational effectiveness.Promotes employee engagement by highlighting employee accomplishments, professional development opportunities, innovation, community involvement, and organizational culture through strategic communications. Required For All Jobs Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher andFour (4) years of internal communications, public relations, journalism, or directly related experience orAn equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Preferred Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism.Six (6) years of internal communications, public relations, or journalism experience.Four (4) years of previous management or supervisory experience.Communication management experience working for a government agency. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Knowledge of communications, public relations, social media, and marketing best practices, principles, and techniques.Knowledge of organizational and employee communication methods and the ability to implement related communication strategies.Ability to coordinate and organize internal events and communication campaigns.Skilled in oral and written communications with the ability to formulate clear and concise language and compose material for internal release or presentation.Ability to develop strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.Ability to manage confidential, time-sensitive matters effectively and prioritize competing demands.Ability to understand the dynamic change in communication, make recommendations that generate results, and work collaboratively to align execution of department engagement goals. Physical Requirements 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. The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. EMPLOYMENT TERMS RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County’s career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County. Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position. Job Posting Aug 25, 2026, 7:32:51 AM Organization Offices Under the President