PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION & HIGHWAYS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT

Cook County Government • Full-time • Greater Chicago Area, US • 3w ago

Overview

Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is seeking an experienced Public Relations Specialist, responsible for managing internal and external communications for the department, ensuring accurate and timely information is shared with the public, County bureaus and departments, and the media. It collaborates with communications staff to develop press releases, talking points, media pitches, remarks, and other materials, and helps plan press conferences and public messaging. The position also assists in drafting newsletters, resolutions, proclamations, and other communications as needed. It works closely with other County bureaus and the Office of the President to align messaging across government operations and may serve as a communications representative or spokesperson on behalf of the department when required.

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?

Benefits

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 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
Flexible Teleworking Options
Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation 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
Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

SALARY RANGE: $91,815 - $101,398 / YEARLY

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY

Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
- 2nd largest county in America
- Larger than 27 states
Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
- Nearly 80% unionized workforce
- 15 unions represented
- 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.

Job Summary

Responsible for overseeing internal and external communications, including information to the public, other County Bureaus/Departments, and the press or media-related information on Bureau/Department matters. Collaborate with teammates to manage communication efforts, ensuring accurate and supportive press coverage of Bureau/Department activities. Work with the communications team to draft press releases, remarks, envision and develop press conferences, talking points, media pitches, approve quotes or statements on behalf of the Bureau/Department and other duties as assigned. Assist in drafting various communications including newsletters, resolutions, congratulatory letters, press releases or proclamations as directed. Collaborate with other Bureaus/Departments and Office of the President regarding communication matters related to Cook County Government operations. Serve as a communications representative or advisor when required to by other Bureaus/Departments. May speak on behalf of the Bureau/Department Head, as necessary.

Typical Job Duties

Represent the Bureau/Department Head and their administration before the media; coordinate media access to the President as authorized by the President’s communications team.
Participate in and attend confidential discussions with the Bureau/Department Head, executives, and other staff to respond to media and public inquiries or to address communication of various County programs, initiatives, responses, policies, or procedures to the media, public, or other County agencies.
Work with the Bureau/Department Head or their designee to develop strategies for internal and/or public dissemination of County information and programs regarding Bureau/Department directives, policies, and procedures.
Work collaboratively and productively with staff, providing guidance where appropriate.
Analyze the extent of public understanding of the programs administered by the County and determine the need for further public information and education activity.
May lead the development of communication responsive to proposed legislation of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
Compose or compile reports, and other documentation as requested to inform the President’s communications team, or leadership team regarding Bureau/Department programs, policies, and procedures.
Prepare press releases, remarks, internal and external communications for the Bureau/Department Head as approved by the communications team; anticipates questions and assists the Bureau/Department Head in preparing documentation and appropriate responses for the press, media, or to respond to internal and external inquiries.
Drive the development of the overall communication program for the Bureau/Department, including the development of goals and objectives.
Drive the interdepartmental development and improvement of operations, processes, and procedures through collaborative partnerships with peers and stakeholders.
Assist the County’s Freedom of Information Officer, consulting with the Department’s/Bureau’s Legal Counsel, and President’s Counsel or communication team as necessary in response to said inquiries.
Lead the training or dissemination of training or other Bureau/Department related materials to staff and members of the public.

Required For All Jobs

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher and
Two (2) years of experience in communications, public relations, or directly related experience or
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Four (4) or more years of experience in communications or public relations.

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 Bureau/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.
Skilled in speechwriting 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.
Ability to handle sensitive public relations matters.
Ability to provide moderate-level insight, advice and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts in assigned functional area.
Ability to operate as a team player and communicate basic or narrow-defined knowledge to team members and external stakeholders.
Knowledge of moderately complex principles and practices for a specialized area of focus.

Physical Requirements

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 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. 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.

Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.

Job Posting

Aug 11, 2026, 9:38:08 AM

Organization

Offices Under the President