Job Number:

LOCATION: Department of Public Health

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications Manager, Public Health will oversee development, implementation and evaluation of communications and public relations plans for the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH). The incumbent is responsible for internal and external communications, talking points, speeches, news releases, web and social media content and strategic communication campaigns. In collaboration with CCDPH leadership and program staff, this position will raise public awareness about issues relevant to Public Health, garner public trust and value for CCDPH, and enhance program effectiveness.

Typical Duties

• Works collaboratively with CCDPH and Cook County Health (CCH) public relations and marketing staff to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies that support CCDPH's goals and objectives
• Assures that all CCDPH communications are developed using principles of cultural humility, health literacy, inclusivity, and accessibility.
• Collaborates with CCDPH leadership and staff to develop a shared understanding and narrative of health equity, the structural and social determinants of health, and structural racism throughout CCDPH, with CCDPH's partners, and the public.
• Writes, edits and produces copy for a variety of purposes, including news releases, digital content, fact sheets, program briefings, questions and answers, program summaries, and program progress reports
• Collaborates with internal and external vendors, e.g., public relations and media agencies, printers, and CCH staff to develop communications materials and strategies as necessary
• Generates and coordinates stories and content for internal and external promotion of initiatives
• Acts as a resource for media representatives, providing accurate, timely and appropriate information
• Manages the CCDPH's social media activities and engages and builds audiences
• Effectively counsels the CCDPH's leaders on communications matters
• Keeps accurate documentation of activities and projects, including budgets for each activity
• Works effectively and communicates clearly with staff, stakeholders and external contacts
• Monitors productivity and quality standards as well as staff adherence to departmental and organizational guidelines
• Ensures CCDPH website has up-to-date relevant information that relates to public health in a user-friendly manner.
• Provides communication consultation, technical assistance, and training to CCDPH staff and external groups (i.e., community-based organizations and other contractors or grantees)
• Plans, applies, and evaluates various communication science and marketing techniques to achieve optimal program results and promote positive health outcomes
• Performs other tasks as assigned
• Travels to various locations throughout Cook County

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum six (6) years of communications and marketing experience
• Minimum two (2) years managing communication programs in a professional service, not-for-profit, public health and/or healthcare environment
• Minimum one (1) year of experience successfully managing and leading others
• Duties may involve local travel to locations within Cook County

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Working knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent oral and writing skills, with the ability to adapt communications to different audiences and management levels
• Demonstrated competence in project management with strong communications, design, conceptual, organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with health system governing body, community organizations, the media, and various political entities
• Keeps abreast of emerging public health trends and legislative changes, as well as any other factors which may impact CCDPH's positioning
• Ability to exhibit innovation, creativity, and strong technical aptitude
• Ability to work cooperatively and efficiently with a variety of people throughout CTI, CCDPH, and CCH
• Ability to provide leadership and effective supervision for staff
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to represent CCDPH with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to travel to various locations within Cook County

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.