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

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
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

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)
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)

Associate Deputy Director, Communications

About this role