The Blog

The health department looks like it has an absurdly small amount of people. I hope they aren't responsible for a huge amount of work, but I assume that they are.

These are not the correct numbers. As an ex-employee of Cultural Affairs, there are far more employees than 52. Or maybe one needs to look at all of the seperate not-for-profits to determine the real number. But, I really doubt that 52 is the correct number for the city employees.

And, why has CPS just posted this job two days ago? Don't they have enough six-figure PR people? Aren't teachers getting fired, programs cut and kids getting killed outside of schools?

Strategic Communications Officer POSTED: Oct 07
Salary: Open Location: Chicago, Illinois
Employer: Chicago Public Schools Type: Full Time - Experienced
Category: Executive management Required Education: Masters



Employer Information
About Chicago Public Schools

The Chicago Public School System is the third largest School District in the United States, and is comprised of more than 650 schools, 440,000 students and 40,000 employees, with a budget of more than $6 billion. CPS’ mission is to ensure that every child is on track to graduate and prepared for success in college, work, and life.

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Job Description
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Strategic Communications Officer is responsible for supporting Chicago Public Schools’ mission and strategic direction by: establishing policies, procedures, and practices for strategic internal and external communications management; developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan that combines qualitative and quantitative research, public relations, marketing, and other elements to further Chicago Public School’s educational mission. The Strategic Communications Officer provides strategic leadership to Chicago Public Schools’ leadership in the areas of communications, marketing, crisis management, and outreach.
The Strategic Communications Officer acts as a key member of the leadership team and directs all aspects of Central Office external and internal strategic communications efforts. These include stewardship of the organization’s brand, marketing and promotion, printed and digital communications, and development of messages that increase awareness and enhance the reputation of Chicago Public Schools’ programs and initiatives. This individual will work closely with the Chief Human Resources Officer on internal communications to all internal district constituencies.

The Strategic Communications Officer will provide strategic leadership and support to all District leadership. S/he will work with senior leadership to set policy on communication matters and to develop a comprehensive, integrated communication plan for Chicago Public Schools. Design, develop, and implement strategies that enhance the Chicago Public Schools’ visibility and stature by promoting its education and service missions; its unique areas of expertise; and its contributions to Chicago and to the students. Develop and improve techniques to improve external constituencies’ awareness and understanding of key initiatives, policies, and procedures. Work with Chicago Public Schools leaders, including the Chief Human Resources Officer, to develop and expand internal, two-way communications with employees regarding key initiatives, policies, etc.

The Strategic Communications Officer will serve as steward of Chicago Public Schools’ communications platform. S/he will create, maintain, and execute on a communications calendar that incorporates key initiatives, programs, and milestones. Provide visionary leadership for online communications, interactive media, and social networking tools, establishing priorities, developing policies, and identifying emerging opportunities. Develop partnerships related to market research and other communication development and assessment tools. Develop and manage the Chicago Public Schools’ strategic communications budget. Guide development of strategic, coordinated, and cost-effective publications, both print and electronic, that convey the Chicago Public Schools’ message and mission to key audiences. Work with the Office of Performance to design, implement, and report on quantitative measures of effectiveness related to key accountabilities and performance, such as the Chicago Public Schools’ image and reputation.

NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: The CPS offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical and dental insurance, and pension. Salary is commensurate with the years of experience.


Requirements
A Master’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications, business administration, or journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five to seven years of senior level communications experience working in an integrated marketing and communications setting; proven experience developing, designing and implementing marketing and communications strategies and programs; proven experience developing, designing, and implementing internal communications strategies that facilitate effective two-way communications with front line staff. Demonstrated experience in designing and/or specifying market research to serve as a tool in strategic communications; proven understanding of emerging communications technologies and channels, as well as a vision for using them strategically to reach key stakeholder audiences and student populations. Knowledge of urban education issues in the public sector, including relations with state and federal governments, alumni, and other important external and internal constituencies and audiences preferred. S/he should have a record of leading multi-disciplinary teams to achieve communications goals and objectives, and a strong record demonstrating a high degree of judgment, integrity, diplomacy, and confidentiality. Demonstrated exemplary oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated commitment to promoting a diverse environment.
Chicago residency is required within 6 months of accepting an offer of employment with the Chicago Public Schools.

To Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to cpsresumes@cps.k12.il.us. Please include Communications Officer and your name in the Subject Line. Application deadline: November 6, 2009. No phone calls please.

It is the policy of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sex or sexual orientation. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education of Amendments of 1972 and the regulations promulgated thereunder concerning sex discrimination and/or inquiries regarding disability accommodations should be referred to the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office Manager, Chicago Public Schools, 125 South Clark, Chicago, IL 773-553-2688 (TTY-773-553-2699).