JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS (DCASE)
Marketing and Communications Division
Number of Positions: 1
(Additional Vacancies Possible Pending Budget Approval)
Starting Salary: $83,052
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 06/03/2026
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago.
DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago.
Essential Duties
Under direction, the Public Relations Coordinator will manage public relations functions; specifically manage social media strategy and content creation, oversee and/or supervise online community engagement; support integrated digital marketing efforts, and assist with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as part of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Marketing and Communications Division. In this capacity, the position performs the following:
- Develop and implement strategic social media plans to increase visibility, engagement, and awareness of arts programming, special events, cultural resources, and initiatives presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
- Serve as the social media lead for specific events and campaigns, plan, schedule, and post content across multiple platforms
- Manage daily operations of the department’s social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, LinkedIn), including creating, editing, and publishing posts, stories, and videos
- Develop compelling multimedia content (graphics, photos, short-form video, reels) tailored for each platform to highlight events, exhibits, performances, artists, and departmental initiatives
- Monitor social media channels for public inquiries, comments, and mentions; engage with audiences in a timely and professional manner to build community and strengthen public perception
- Collaborate with marketing and communications colleagues on integrated campaigns that align social media efforts with email, web, and traditional PR strategies
- Analyze social media performance using analytics tools; prepare regular reports on key metrics and insights to inform strategy and optimize content
- Maintain and grow relationships with digital influencers, content partners, and cultural organizations to expand reach and amplify messaging
- Assist with responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from the public
- Assist with other digital communications needs, including website updates, email newsletters, and online promotional materials
- Assist with other DCASE events, programs, and activities
- Perform related duties as assigned
Additional Duties Maybe Required For This Position.
NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class
LOCATION: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)
Marketing and Communications Division
78 E. Washington St., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602
HOURS: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Must be able to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work indoors and outdoors during inclement weather.
THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Experience
Nine (9) years of experience in the development and implementation of media relations or public information programs, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,
OR
Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in Journalism, Communications or a directly related field, plus seven (7) years of experience in the development and implementation of public information programs, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,
OR
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or a directly related field, plus five (5) years of experience in the development and implementation of public information programs, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position,
OR
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications or a directly related field, plus four (4) years of experience in the development and implementation of public information programs, of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position
NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at the time of processing
Selection Requirements
This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected.
Preference Will Be Given To Candidates Possessing The Following
- Bachelor’s degree in Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Art, and/or Arts Administration
- Proficiency in the arts and culture or events industry (i.e. Community Arts Organizations, Museums, Theaters, Music and Dance Venues, Festivals)
- Bi-lingual in Spanish
Other requirements: Must be able to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Working Conditions: Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. General office environment, using standard office equipment.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.df
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration.
These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Job Posting
May 20, 2026, 12:01:00 AM
