Communications Specialist

Description

Do you believe in the power of storytelling to connect people, inspire pride, and strengthen community? The City of West Chicago is seeking a Communications Specialist to join our Business & Community Relations Department. This team is dedicated to advancing outreach, engagement, and investment as the pillars of a healthy, thriving, and inclusive community.

About The Role

The Communications Specialist is a hands-on, creative communicator who will help tell West Chicago’s story—its people, businesses, culture, and opportunities. This position is responsible for managing the City’s website, social media channels, digital platforms, and public information efforts, with a focus on creating compelling and accessible content that reaches a wide range of audiences.

Working collaboratively with the Director and colleagues across the Department, the Communications Specialist will ensure that City messaging is accurate, timely, and engaging, while reflecting equity, inclusion, and transparency. The role will support not only internal communications needs such as service reminders and construction updates, but also external-facing efforts that highlight economic development initiatives, cultural programming, and special events.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a communications role—it’s an opportunity to shape how residents, businesses, and visitors see West Chicago. As part of the Business & Community Relations Department, you will play a central role in building awareness, celebrating diversity, and fostering civic pride.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions of this Position (Generally up to 60% of the time annually)

• Develops, drafts, and executes communication strategies and campaigns in partnership with the Director.
• Manages the City’s official digital platforms (website, social media, and other channels), including content creation, updates, analytics, and community engagement.
• Assists in the development of the City’s editorial calendar in collaboration with the Director and departmental staff and is principally responsible for implementing and maintaining the calendar to ensure timely, consistent, and aligned communications.
• Develops written, visual, and multimedia content (articles, graphics, photos, videos, podcasts) to share the City’s story, drawing on interviews with residents, businesses, and staff.
• Ensures message consistency and brand standards across all City departments.
• Integrates equity and inclusion principles into communications, ensuring diverse community representation and accessibility across platforms.
• Coordinates communications to support economic development, City events, and cultural programming in collaboration with the BCR team.
  
  

Essential Functions of this Position (Generally up to 30% of the time annually)

• Manages media relations, including drafting press releases, responding to inquiries, and cultivating relationships with local outlets.
• Supports the creation of internal communications to ensure timely and accessible information about City services and programs.
• Supports departmental and cross-departmental projects, including assisting at special events as assigned.
  
  

Other Functions of this Position (Generally up to 10% of the time annually)

• Conducts evaluations of resident needs, perceptions, and satisfaction related to City communications.
• Provides training or technical assistance to staff on communications platforms and tools.
• Provides back-up support in reviewing meeting recordings and preparing meeting minutes, as needed.
• Provides public information support during emergencies or urgent City updates in coordination with the City’s Public Information Officer.
  
  

Essential Safety Responsibilities And Duties Of All Employees

• Become familiar with and adhere to all City and Department safety and security policies/procedures.
• Report all potential hazards, accidents and injuries consistent with City policy and procedure.
• Immediately report all unsafe conditions and acts to a supervisor.
• Recommend improvements to safety and security practices.
• Obey and adhere to all work safety rules and practices.
• Complete assigned safety training.
  
  

Experience

Typical Qualifications

At least 2–3 years in a public communications or marketing role; experience in local government or nonprofit preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; or equivalent experience.

Special Requirements And/or Training

• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, or event hours as needed.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
  
  

The City of West Chicago offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. The City aims to maintain a generous blend of benefits that supports employees at all career and life stages.

Insurance benefits include a choice of PPO or HMO plans for medical, prescription, and vision coverage. Dental and basic life insurance coverage are employer-paid. The City participates in a Police Pension and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund for eligible employees. Voluntary benefits include flexible spending accounts (FSAs), deferred compensation plans (457b), supplemental life insurance for the employee and dependents, specialty insurance plan options, paid time off (e.g. sick, vacation, and personal time), health and wellness offerings, among other benefits.

Contact the Human Resources office with additional questions about City insurance benefits and offerings.

01

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Will you have the ability to work occasional evenings, weekends or special event hours as needed due to operational need?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Are you bilingual in Spanish? (Answer yes or no). Please indicate if you speak any other languages?

• Required Question