Open Date
4/30/2026

Description

The Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) is seeking a strategic, collaborative and experienced communications leader to serve as its Communications Director. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, organization-wide communication strategy that advances IPHI's mission, visibility, and impact.

The Communications Director serves as a trusted advisor to the CEAO and the senior leadership, shaping organizational messaging, strengthening IPHI's voice in public health and health equity, and ensuring alignment across all internal and external communications. This role will oversee full communications function, including brand management, content strategy, executive communications, and systems that support coordinated, high-impact storytelling across IPHI's program areas; and translate complex public health systems change work into clear, compelling narratives while positioning IPHI as a thought leader at the local, state, and national levels.

The Communications Director will report to the CEAO and supervise the communications team.

The IPHI operates in a dynamic funding environment, and the availability of specific program funding may evolve over time. While the position you are applying for is currently supported by existing funding, future changes in funding sources could impact the associated program. IPHI is committed to supporting our staff and will work to transition employees into other programs within the organization should program funding shift. We value transparency and open communication and will keep employees informed of any significant funding developments that may affect their positions.

To apply: Complete applications must include a resume, cover letter, writing samples that highlight the breadth of your writing - ideally one that showcases a storytelling or narrative voice and one that reflects a more academic or technical style, and completion of an online questionnaire. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The cover letter should compare your qualifications, experiences, and interests to the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications listed below for the position. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.Click the apply button above.

No phone calls, please.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Lead the development and implementation of IPHI's organization-wide communications strategy aligned with mission and strategic priorities
• Establish and oversee systems that ensure consistent, coordinated communications across all program areas
• Ensure all communications reflect IPHI's brand, voice, and commitment to health equity

Expectations or Leadership Behavior

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, CEAO, and senior leadership on messaging, positioning, and communications priorities
• Influence organizational decision-making by aligning communications with strategic goals and external opportunities
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence in communications across teams

Meeting Planning & Facilitation

• Lead cross-functional communications planning efforts to ensure alignment on priorities, messaging, and timelines
• Facilitate strategic discussions that identify opportunities to elevate program outcomes and organizational impact
• Ensure communications planning processes drive actionable outcomes and organizational alignment

Communication & Writing

• Oversee the development and execution of content across all platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, reports, and media
• Establish editorial direction and ensure high-quality, consistent storytelling across the organization with an emphasis on advancing narrative change
• Lead executive communications, including speeches, talking points, board materials, and external messaging
• Ensure the organization is prepared for and effectively manages crisis and rapid-response communication

Teamwork & Team Relationships

• Build, lead and mentor communications staff to strengthen organizational capacity
• Establish clear workflows, roles, and expectations for communications across IPHI
• Partner with program teams to proactively identify communications opportunities and needs
• Support leadership and staff with strategic communications guidance and tools

External Relationships

• Manage relationships with external vendors, consultants, and partners to ensure high quality communications outputs
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance IPHI's visibility and reach

Grant, Resource, & Finance Development

• Partner with development and program teams to support grant proposals, reports, and funder communications
• Lead the development and maintenance of a shared messaging and language library to ensure consistency and efficiency
• Strengthen IPHI's external narrative to support fundraising and resource development efforts

Administration Management

• Oversee IPHI's digital presence, including website and social media strategy and execution
• Establish and monitor communications metrics and performance indicators
• Use data and insights to continuously improve communications effectiveness
• Develop and manage editorial calendars and content pipelines across the organization

Public Health Knowledge & Skill Application

• Provide leadership in translating complex public health, health equity, and systems change concepts into accessible and impactful communications
• Ensure communications accurately reflect public health frameworks and advance equity centered narratives

Systems Change

• Lead messaging strategies that support policy, systems, and community-level change initiatives
• Position IPHI as a thought leader in health equity and public health transformation
• Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to elevate IPHI's influence in public discourse

Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field preferred
• 8+ years of progressive communications experience preferably in public health or nonprofit
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and executive communication skills
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading organization-wide communications strategies across multiple platforms and partners
• Experience advising senior leadership and managing high-stakes or sensitive communications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with web content management systems, design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe), and social media management platforms
• Strong project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to synthesize complex ideas into accessible content for diverse audiences
• Knowledge of health equity and public health language and frameworks is strongly preferred

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• The position is full-time, exempt, 37.5 FTE hours per week
• Must be able to sit at and operate a computer and other office equipment for a significant portion of the workday
• Must be able to move about the office to access files and supplies
• Occasional evening or weekend work and occasional travel for one or more nights may be required

This position is located in Chicago and will require adherence to IPHI's hybrid schedule Compensation:

This position offers a salary range of $107,292 - $135,187 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: IPHI offers competitive benefits, including multiple health plan options, dental, vision, employer-paid disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) with employer matching. Employees also receive PTO, paid parental leave, and an Employee Assistance Program, 15 paid holidays, including a week off in December.

Location: This position is located in Chicago. IPHI operates a hybrid office work model where team members work in the office two days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), and individuals may work in the office or remotely the other three days per week. There is travel for meetings and site visits within Chicago, the suburbs, and Illinois. Occasional overnight travel within Illinois or nationally for conferences and training may be required.

Starting Date: Immediate.

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt

Location
Main Office

Start Date

This position is currently accepting applications.