This position requires a physical presence at the work location. 

Please refer to Important Information at the end of the page.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

 COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

SHAKMAN EXEMPT POSITION

Job Summary

The Communications Coordinator is a full-time, Shakman Exempt position reporting to the PIO or their designee. The Communications Coordinator assists with the coordination and implementation of special projects (internal, external), including but not limited to supporting employee resource groups, community outreach, media requests, producing marketing materials and attending/coordinating community resource initiatives. The Communications Coordinator supports the mission and strategic plan by coordinating outreach to publicize available programs and resources within the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.  The Communications Coordinator is also responsible for performing a variety of critical media relations, community and inter-office functions., developing and maintaining working relationships with media, community partners court administration staff, clerk of the courts, and other justice and local governmental partners.  

Essential Duties

•    Participates in events to assist in the programming. 
•    Assists other External Affair team members in prioritizing event preparation and planning.
•    Maintains inventory and documentation of unit resources
•    Ensures the timely ordering and restock of resources and materials needed for community events. 
•    Assists in developing relationships and contact with advocacy, policy, community, and faith-based groups.
•    Provides written communication and support for special projects. 
•    Performs research and completes field work necessary successfully to execute Clerk of the Circuit Court programs and services. 
•    Collects and verifies information for external events and media inquiries. 
•    Follows through with requests for information by compiling accurate data and preparing or providing responses.  
•    Provides information and resources to educational, civic, community and governmental organizations. 
•    Travels off-site during and after regular scheduled working hours for events. 
•    Serves as a liaison for community outreach requests.
•    Assists with special project requests and activities consistent with overall Clerk of the Circuit Court programs and services. 
•    Facilitates professional development training on identified subjects. May maintain records and documentation required for program evaluation and accountability, including budget allocations, itemized costs, and expenditures.
•    Performs other duties as required or assigned.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, communications, journalism, advertising, marketing, or a closely related field.  
•    Two (2) years of full-time experience in the coordination of special events and production of newsletters, flyers, programs, reports, and other publications.
•    Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

OR

•    High school diploma or GED. 
•    Four (4) years of full-time experience in the coordination of special events and production of newsletters, flyers, programs, reports, and other publications.
•    Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

•    Current employee of the Clerk’s Office.
•    One (1) year of full-time work experience in a government setting.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

•    Knowledge of contemporary public relations practices. 
•    Knowledge of public policy principles and practices. 
•    Ability to research information and prepare clear written or oral reports. 
•    Ability to relate to field personnel and community groups. 
•    Creative writing and editing skills. 
•    Record keeping skills. 
•    Computer skills and knowledge in MS Suites including Word and Excel.
•    Ability to work successfully under pressure on multiple projects with multiple deadlines.
•    Strong project management capabilities.
•    Problem-solving skills. 
•    Ability to foster long-term relationships with members of the media.
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•    Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and writing skills.
•    Attention to detail.
•    Ability to work independently.
•    Ability to speak and stand for long periods of time. 
•     Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate evening and/or weekend community outreach related events.

Physical Requirements

•    Ability to sit, stand, walk, or move for extended periods of time.
•    Ability to repetitively use hands to operate standard office equipment and handle documents.
•    Ability to carry equipment and set up tables, tents, etc. for various events.  
•    Ability to attend outreach events located throughout Cook County.
•    Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)  

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/  

Important Information:

1. You must include all work experience in your application for it to be considered.  Work experience included in your resume and not in your application will not be considered.

2. Proof of education, accreditation, certification, licenses, or other documents required under Minimum or Preferred Qualifications must be uploaded to your employment application or presented within five days of the interview request.

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by a foreign credential evaluation agency qualified by the Illinois State Board of Education (currently approved agencies can be found here).  All documents will be reviewed for authenticity.  Failure to provide required documents by time the posting closes will result in disqualification from the position.

3. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

4. This position requires successful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a criminal background check, drug screen, and/or medical examination.

5. Falsification of any information in the application process or failure to comply with any of the requirements in the job notification will result in disqualification for the position, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the Clerk’s Office’s Ineligible for Hire/Rehire List.

6. 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.

7. For more information on how to apply, please visit https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/employment and follow the link to fill out an application. Only applications and resumes submitted on Taleo will be accepted.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Veterans Preference
When applying for employment with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time.   

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
•    Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
•    Identify themselves as a veteran by checking “yes” under veteran status on the diversity/self-identification page of their employment application.
•    Upload a copy of their dd 214, dd 215 or ngb 22 (notice of separation) at time of application filing.  if you have multiple dd 214's, 215's, or ngb 22's, please submit the one with the latest date. coast guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the department of transportation (before 911) or the department of homeland security (after 911).

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact [email protected]