ASSOCIATE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS

Essential Functions

• Serves as Associate Deputy Director of Communications
• Responds to media and press inquiries in media markets throughout the state, some of which may be of a sensitive, controversial nature, or assigns staff to respond
• Provides input to the Deputy Director in the development and implementation of collaborative communications statewide with the DCFS/Child Welfare Contributing Agency system, DCFS advisory boards, Child Death Review Team, and other public, nonprofit, and private partners
• Serves as full line supervisor
• Through subordinate administrators, oversees the Department’s statewide marketing programs and special events/community relations efforts
• Drives or travels to attend, support, and provide guidance on special events, including but not limited to the Springfield and Du Quoin State Fairs, Scholarship luncheon, Midnight Circus, FIREE Awards, and other events as assigned
• Serves as a representative of the Deputy Director in collaborating with the Governor’s Office and other government agencies regarding highly sensitive, complex responses, reaffirming the Department’s position on sensitive, controversial issues
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, with coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, or liberal arts
• Requires three years of related administrative experience in media relations, communications, public affairs, or a comparable area

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of professional experience in communications or marketing in a public or business organization
• 3 years of professional experience planning, organizing, and conducting special events for a public or business organization
• 3 years of professional experience in the management or implementation of a marketing plan for a public or business organization
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or liberal arts
• 3 years of professional experience coordinating public events with community partners

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license
• Requires ability to work evenings and weekends
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx