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Assistant Director of Communications
Chicago, IL
Job Description
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a community where people who care about global affairs can connect — in person or virtually — with each other and with global leaders, influencers, and experts to explore ideas that will shape our future.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The assistant director of communications is responsible for the Council’s media relations operations and for writing, editing, and curating digital content via the Council’s website, blogs, email, and social media. The assistant director has a strong sense of the news cycle, can transform complex policy research and recommendations into clear and concise messages, and enjoys using social media as a tool to engage media, policymakers, and other influencers to shape public debates and enhance the Council’s national and global reputation. This role reports to the managing director of communications and works closely with experts in the Council’s research centers of excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe. As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The assistant director of communications is responsible for the Council’s media relations operations and for writing, editing, and curating digital content via the Council’s website, blogs, email, and social media. The assistant director has a strong sense of the news cycle, can transform complex policy research and recommendations into clear and concise messages, and enjoys using social media as a tool to engage media, policymakers, and other influencers to shape public debates and enhance the Council’s national and global reputation. This role reports to the managing director of communications and works closely with experts in the Council’s research centers of excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Build relationships with national and global media and develop media engagement plans to advance the Council’s reputation as a primer global affairs organization
- Support media relations efforts for the Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy, Center on Global Cities, and Center on Global Food and Agriculture to increase coverage of the Council’s flagship, annual public opinion survey, as well as other research projects and high-profile international forums and signature symposia.
- Provide direction, guidance, and support for fellows and experts seeking to serve as media sources or to place expert commentary and op-eds.
- Identify and establish mutually beneficial media partnerships to amplify commentary and analysis by Council fellows and experts and build awareness of Council research and programming.
- Manage editorial calendars, provide editorial direction, write, edit, and curate content that responds to global news for the Council’s home page, social platforms, blogs, and weekly email.
- Enhance the Council’s ability to shape public debates by using social media as a tool to engage media, policymakers, thought leaders, and other influencers.
- Coach staff throughout the Council on the development of content, copy, headlines, event titles, etc. for impact, clarity, style, tone, structure, and grammar.
- Work closely with the managing director to develop communications to inform the Council’s board of directors on strategic goals and accomplishments, including monthly updates, presentations, and annual reports.
- Provide related communications or media relations support for Council programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
- 5 to 7 years of experience working within a communications team, with significant experience managing editorial content and/or media relations.
- BA in journalism, communications, public affairs, political science, or international affairs.
- Excellent writing and editing skills and previous editing experience and knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style and AP Style required.
- Strong sense of and attention to the news cycle and desire to seize opportunities to connect the Council’s content, research, experts, and programs to global trends.
- Experience using social media as a tool to engage media and influencers.
- Strong interest in and understanding of international relations and global affairs.
- Experience working with web content management systems (Drupal a plus), Salesforce CRM, email marketing systems (Pardot a plus), social media content management and listening tools
- Familiarity with video and audio editing and graphic design tools, such as Adobe Creative a plus
- Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- A detail-oriented problem solver who shows initiative, can manage multiple deadlines and priorities, is flexible and adapts easily to new situations, and works well independently and as part of a team that values purpose, creativity, collaboration, and solutions.
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe. As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.
Job Summary
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
5 to 7 years
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