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Assistant Director of Communications - Job Opportunity at Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Deerfield, USA
Full-time
Senior
Posted: March 28, 2025
Hybrid
USD 100,000-120,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance with vision coverage indicating strong employee wellness focus
State Employees' Retirement System membership offering stable retirement benefits
Generous PTO package with 25 vacation days exceeding market average
12 paid sick days supporting work-life balance
14 paid holidays showing commitment to employee wellbeing
Unique educational benefits including tuition waivers at Illinois public universities
Professional development support through tuition reimbursement programs

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic communication initiatives and serve as executive communications advisor with direct impact on agency reputation
Develop and execute comprehensive media strategy while serving as alternate agency spokesperson
Manage crisis communications and reputation management efforts
Direct publication development and content strategy across print and digital channels
Oversee website content strategy and future management of website administration team
Drive executive communications ensuring consistent messaging and brand voice
Collaborate cross-functionally to develop and implement marketing materials and campaigns

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree (Master's degree may substitute for 1 year specialized experience)

Experience

11 years progressively responsible management experience including 8 years in publications, PR, and media relations, and 3 years supervisory experience

Required Skills

Outstanding written and verbal communication Strategic communications expertise Media relations and spokesperson experience Project management capabilities Leadership and management experience Spanish language skills (preferred) Problem-solving abilities Strong interpersonal skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Public sector communications roles are evolving to emphasize digital-first strategies and multichannel engagement Growing importance of crisis communications and reputation management in government agencies Increasing focus on bilingual capabilities to serve diverse populations in public service Shift toward hybrid work models in government communications roles reflecting broader workplace trends

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $100,000-120,000 is competitive for senior communications roles in public sector, particularly considering the comprehensive benefits package and work-life balance offerings. Private sector equivalents typically range from $120,000-150,000 in the Chicago metro area.

Role Significance

Small, agile communications department typical of state agencies, with direct reports and matrix management responsibilities
Senior leadership position with significant strategic influence on agency operations and public perception

Key Projects

Agency-wide communication strategy development and implementation Crisis communication protocol development and execution Digital transformation initiatives including website redesign Executive communication program development Public education and awareness campaigns

Success Factors

Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a lean team environment Strong political acumen and understanding of public sector stakeholder dynamics Excellence in both written and verbal communication with ability to adapt tone for diverse audiences Experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines

Market Demand

High demand with stable growth projection due to increasing complexity of public sector communications and emphasis on educational access initiatives

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic communication planning and execution expertise essential for agency reputation management Crisis communication capabilities crucial for managing sensitive educational and financial aid issues Executive communication skills vital for representing agency leadership Digital content strategy experience necessary for evolving communication channels

Beneficial Skills

Spanish language skills valuable for reaching diverse Illinois populations Project management certification helpful for managing complex initiatives Data analytics knowledge useful for measuring communication effectiveness Public policy understanding beneficial for context and messaging

Unique Aspects

Rare combination of strategic leadership and hands-on execution requirements
Opportunity to impact educational access and economic mobility at state level
Hybrid work model unusual for government leadership roles
Strong emphasis on both traditional and digital communication channels

Career Growth

Typical progression to Director level within 2-3 years, depending on performance and agency growth

Potential Next Roles

Director of Communications Chief Communications Officer Public Affairs Director Executive Communications Director

Company Overview

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

State agency focused on college access and financial aid, playing a crucial role in Illinois' educational ecosystem

Leading state-level organization in educational assistance with significant public impact
Strong presence in Illinois with connections to both educational institutions and government entities
Professional government environment with emphasis on work-life balance and professional development
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