Chief of Communications (Closes 2/25)

Position Overview

The Illinois Tollway is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of travel while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program, open road tolling or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers.

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service, increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, and maintain public trust.

In support of this vision, the Chief of Communications leads the development and implementation of the Illinois Tollway's public face and interaction with stakeholders. The incumbent is responsible for maximizing the design, reach, and effectiveness of messages to a broad array of stakeholders with whom the Tollway regularly interacts.

Essential Job Functions

The Chief of Communications will lead a high functioning team of professionals whose talents support the design, reach, and effectiveness of Tollway messages and communication. Responsible for developing and proposing strategies, as well as organizing and managing the team, around several key functions, including:

• Media and Public Relations
• Consumer Marketing
• Internal and Employee Communications
• Community and Industry Outreach
• Government and Legislative Affairs
• Events and Advance Planning
• Public Address (including speeches, presentations)

The Chief of Communications will lead a thoughtful and analytic approach to the design of messages, their targeted audiences, and the quality of engagement and interaction experienced by and with stakeholders.

Engage in an inclusive and welcoming approach with appropriate partners in developing programming, messaging, and engagement opportunities on behalf of the Tollway which could affect the policies, goals and objectives of the Agency. These partners can include other departments of the agency, such as Planning, Engineering, Human Resources,  Business Diversity and contractual consultants.  Collaborate with external partners such as community groups, industry associations, workforce development agencies, and legislative staff to increase the effectiveness and reach of these opportunities.

Partners with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors and reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer. Assists senior management personnel with communication strategies and in the implementation of new or revised policies, guidelines and programs. 

The effectiveness of this position is measured by the reach and engagement of Illinois Tollway messages to their intended audiences. Messaging frequently targets a variety of different intended audiences, including:

• The Tollway’s 1.5M daily customers, or targeted segments thereof, 
• The Tollway’s 1400 employees, or specific groups within, including prospective employees and workforce trainees
• Tollway industry partners, including current and potential contractors
• Government officials including partner agencies, and elected officials
• The public at large interested in new Tollway services or projects, employment opportunities, community investments, diversity efforts and environmental improvements

Specific duties also include:

• Manage, support and lead a team of professionals with the goal of effectively communicating a credible and positive public face for the Illinois Tollway.  
• Provide effective two-way communication programming between the Tollway and the public, ensuring Tollway programs are clearly understood by the public and conveyed to the Tollway Directors, management, employees, contractors and customers.  
• Develop and implement marketing strategies for Tollway's programs as necessary.  
• Manage internal communications to effectively convey the Tollway's policies and programs and engage employees and other internal stakeholders.  
• Prepare Tollway staff and board members with tools, materials and training to effectively convey Tollway messages in external settings
• Manage the design of materials, including copywriting, graphic design, printing, placement, and production.  Review and coordinate materials from other stakeholders for consistency and quality.
• Prepare timely deliverables and plan projects effectively.

Qualifications

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s Degree, with minimum 10 years of combined supervisory and organizational administration experience in: communication, consumer marketing, government/public relations or community outreach roles.
• Operational expertise associated with the planning, coordination, execution, and reporting of programs.
• Capability to manage cost, schedule, and technical performance and the ability to multi-task across departments to complete critical tasks on time.

Additional Skills

• Excellent communication and listening skills both verbal and written are required.  
• Track record of building, supporting, organizing, and leading effective teams of professionals. 
• Established track record of communications program management and external stakeholder engagement, preferably including community groups and elected officials.
• Track record of leading a successful and data-driven consumer marketing campaign is preferred
• Effectively complete assigned tasks under tight time requirements and internal and external pressures. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications is required.

This position is subject to the Revolving Door provision under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. For questions regarding the Revolving Door provisions, please contact the Illinois Tollway Ethics Officer.

The Illinois Tollway is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, unfavorable discharge from military services, age, order of protection status, military status, sex or sexual orientation.