HACC

SUMMARY
The Communications Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of all internal and external communications for The Housing Authority of Cook County. This role partners with executive leadership, HR, Legal, IT, Finance, Operations, and Sales to develop integrated communication strategies that support organizational objectives, enhance employee engagement, and strengthen the company’s reputation. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, aligning messaging across the enterprise while ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership
• Develop and lead comprehensive communications strategies that align with business objectives and foster organizational culture.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior executives on communication approaches for key initiatives, change management, and employee engagement.

Internal Communications
• Oversee internal communication channels and programs, including newsletters, intranet, video, email, and town halls.
• Ensure company values, vision, and strategic priorities are consistently embedded in messaging.
• Measure effectiveness of internal communications through surveys, feedback, and analytics.

External Communications
• Manage company-wide external communications, media relations, and brand storytelling to support reputation management.
• Develop strategies for proactive media engagement and serve as a spokesperson when appropriate.

Executive Communications
• Draft, edit, and manage high-impact executive messaging, presentations, and talking points for senior leaders.
• Provide coaching and support to executives for public speaking, internal presentations, and employee engagement events.

Change & Crisis Communications
• Lead communication efforts for major business initiatives, organizational changes, and crisis situations.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication that builds trust with employees and stakeholders.

Team & Vendor Management
• Manage and mentor communications team members.
• Oversee relationships with external vendors, consultants, and agencies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 3 – 5 years of progressive communications experience, with at least 2 years in management.
• Demonstrated success in executive communications, change management, and reputation management.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with ability to translate complex initiatives into clear and engaging narratives.
• Experience developing and executing communications strategies in a corporate, government, or nonprofit environment.
• Proven ability to measure communication effectiveness and adjust strategies accordingly.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with digital platforms (intranet, SharePoint, social media management, video production).
• Background in employee engagement and culture-building initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with communication metrics/analytics.

The salary range for this position is $95,000 – $100,000.

BENEFITS
• Health insurance
• FREE Dental insurance
• FREE Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Dependent Care flexible spending account
• Commuter flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• 401(k) – Employer contribution of 6%
• Paid time off

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.