Public Information Officer at Cooks County Government in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

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 speak on behalf of or for 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.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?

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 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans

Flexible Teleworking Options

Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum

of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick

leave)

Pension Plan

Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible

Spending Accounts - Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted

Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition

Stipend

POSITION PROFILE

Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee

Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

Please review carefully the Employee Benefits page. For benefits questions contact

Risk Management at 312-603-6385 or email risk.mgmt@cookcountyil.gov.

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY:

Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs

o 2nd largest county in America

o Larger than 27 states

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

o Nearly 80% unionized workforce

o 15 unions represented

o 63 separate collective bargaining agreements

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 motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for

bicyclists.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Public Information Officer supports the President's communications team and Department/Bureau Heads by

drafting and reviewing internal and external communications that inform the public, County Departments, Bureaus or

agencies, and the media about Department/Bureau information, programs, policies, and operations. They manage

communication strategies, ensure accurate press coverage of Department/Bureau achievements, and collaborate on

quotes or statements. The Public Information Officer will also assist in drafting communications, newsletters, and

other official documents, occasionally serving as a spokesperson and aiding in responding to Freedom of Information

requests for the Office of the President.

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 address County programs where applicable.

Participates in or attends confidential discussions with the Director and executives and other staff to respond to media and

public inquiries or to address or communication 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.

May assist in the development of communications responsive to proposed legislation of the Cook County Board of

Commissioners.

May compile press clippings or may be requested to organize and manage the photo and press release/speech archive for

records and ease of reference.

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.

May assist the County's Freedom of Information Officer, consulting with the Department's/Bureau's Legal Counsel and

President's Counsel or communications team as necessary in response to said inquiries.

May assist in the training or dissemination of training or other Department/Bureau related materials to staff and members

of the public.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to provide concise but thorough communication regarding directives, policies, and procedures.

Ability to call, manage and attend any press briefings for the Bureau/Department Head or President in relation to

Department issues as approved by the President's communications team.

Knowledge of public relations and proper rhetoric and knowledge of the press and media.

Ability to learn and understand Cook County Government and County operations, policies, and procedures.

Skill in speech writing and composing material for public release or presentation, including advisory communications.

Good oral and writing skills; ability to formulate clear and concise language; excellent communication skills; bilingual in

Spanish and English.

Skill in editing documents.

Ability to handle sensitive public relations matters.

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.

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 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.