PUBLIC RELATIONS COORD Job at City of Chicago in Schiller Park

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS (DCASE) Marketing and Communications Division Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval) Starting Salary: $80,628 Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 12/23/2024 The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. Under direction, the Public Relations Coordinator will manage public relations functions; oversee and/or supervise community outreach functions; and oversee and/or assist with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as part of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Marketing and Communications Division. In this capacity, the position performs the following: ESSENTIAL DUTIES Develop and implement strategic public relations plans to promote and secure story placement and maximize exposure for arts programming, special events, cultural resources, and other initiatives presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Serve as PR lead for specific events and coordinate and staff on-site media coverage Maintain and foster relationships with reporters, producers, news directors, freelance journalists, and other media representatives Disseminate information via the press through well-written press releases, advisories, phone calls and promotional materials related to events, exhibits and performances as well as initiatives and opportunities for artists and arts organizations Respond to media inquiries by phone or email, and coordinate interviews to inform the public, respond to inaccuracies and verify stories and facts Assist media in their coverage at events by providing relevant information and access to talent, coordinators, and performers. Staff on-site press events May assist with digital strategy including social media content development, posting and inquiries May assist with writing, editing, and disseminating information via digital and printed promotional materials (websites, newsletters, brochures, postcards, advertising, etc.) May oversee and/or supervise community outreach work to promote Department events and opportunities to specific neighborhoods and groups May oversee and/or supervise full-time or temporary staff, including student interns Will oversee and/or assist with responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from the public Assist with other DCASE events, programs, and activities Perform related duties as assigned Additional duties maybe required for this position. NOTE : The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class LOCATION: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Marketing and Communications Division 78 E. Washington St., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602 HOURS: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday Must be able to w ork early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work indoors and outdoors during inclement weather. THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE Qualifications Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or a directly related field, PLUS at least five (5) years of experience in the development and implementation of media relations or public information programs, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Equivalencies: At least nine years of experience in the development and implementation of media relations or public information programs Associate's Degree from an accredited college in Journalism, Communications or a directly related field, SUPPLEMENTED by at least seven years of experience in the development and implementation of media relations or public information programs Master's Degree or Doctorate from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communications or a directly related field, SUPPLEMENTED by at least four years of experience in the media relations or public information programs NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at the time of processing SELECTION REQUIREMENTS This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected . Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following: Bachelor's degree in Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Art, and/or Arts Administration Proficiency in the arts and culture or events industry (i.e. Community Arts Organizations, Museums, Theaters, Music and Dance Venues, Festivals) Bi-lingual in Spanish Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of departmental activities, policies, and programs. Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations. Knowledge of local media outlets and news organizations, as well as the city of Chicago, the arts and culture industry, special events, exhibitions, government, and nonprofit organizations. Abilities: Ability to plan, assign, and review the work of direct reports. Ability to establish and meet deadlines and schedules. Ability to work effectively with public officials, media representatives, and the general public, as well as business writing, media relations strategy, social media and digital strategy, community outreach strategy. Ability to work effectively in partnership with people of diverse backgrounds. Ability to write and speak Spanish fluently. Skills: Considerable skill in oral and written communication, evaluating and analyzing ideas and concepts, attention to detail. Other requirements : Able to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays. Working Conditions: Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. General office environment, using standard office equipment. APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here. ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT. The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change. City of Chicago Brandon Johnson, Mayor