Director, Internal Communications

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Director of Internal Communications is responsible for developing and executing communications strategies to help disseminate key messages and information to the district's students, families, teachers, principals, and central office staff. This role will be critical to ensuring our families are informed and engaged with the district's priorities. The director will work with district leaders to develop tailored communication plans and produce a wide range of internal communications and executive communications materials including speeches, presentations, correspondence, and stakeholder updates. While the primary responsibilities will be leading internal communications, the director will also coordinate with the Media Relations team as needed. This role reports to the Chief Communications Officer.

The Director of Internal Communications will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Typical Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage all internal communication projects for Chicago Public Schools and streamline workflows.
• Lead internal communications team composed of communications strategists, chief speech writer, and translator.

• Work with district leadership and departments to develop communication plans for key initiatives, particularly determining the most effective communication strategies to ensure the appropriate parties are informed and supported.

• Serve as a key member of the crisis communications team and provide written and verbal communication support to schools when needed.

• Evaluate and monitor the impact of communication efforts and provide structured recommendations and innovative solutions to maximize the effectiveness of communication within CPS.

• Supervise staff in the writing, editing, preparation, and/or delivery of internal and online communications.

• Support Communications Department and the district by aligning internal messaging to external media relations activities, including new stories and press releases.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Director of Internal Communications must possess the following qualifications:

Type of Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Political Science or a related field preferred

Type of Experience Required:

• Minimum of five years of communications experience with demonstrated ability to manage projects and writing and editing experience for a large non-profit or government entity. Government or corporate communications experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills; strong editor with a demonstrated ability to produce communications that clearly and logically convey complex information and ideas.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to work well under deadlines.

• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to work effectively, independently, and in a team or collaborative environment.

• Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to think strategically, to identify needs and requirements, and to develop recommendations and solutions.

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.