POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the State Senator and Chief of Staff, the Communications and Events Coordinator will supplement efforts to increase engagement with community members and handle a diverse set of communication needs for the Senator’s office.
IN-DISTRICT EVENT JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Attending community events, forums and online webinars on behalf of Senator. Collect sign-ups for the newsletter, distribute relevant literature, distribute business cards, network, write a short event summary report and load photos for Air Table.
Build a community calendar with daily research and posting as to events in the community for both constituent and district office (DO) use – primary responsibility
Attend regular meetings and mobilize around major advocacy efforts
Periodically flag local events for the Senator to attend and send those to the legislative assistant and the Senator for consideration.
Take photos of constituents or elected officials who visit the office and coordinate with Senate Communications staff or Chief of Staff to create social media posts.
COMMUNICATION JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Draft and edit press releases or public statements on local, state or national topics.
Proofread other social media pieces by staff and the Senator prior to posting.
Build relationships with local press outlets and periodically coordinate interview schedules with legislative assistant and the Senator.
Draft or edit response letters to constituent regarding issues or legislation. Coordinate getting responses to the constituent via other Senate staff.
Draft or edit letters of opposition or support when the Senator has taken a stance for or against an issue that is happening in the 43rd District.
Some surface level research into issues to provide “fact-checking” to assist the Senator in making a decision on relevant issues, or to enhance our communications
Take photos at events when in attendance with Senator or other staff to upload to Air Table along with social media post – collect names of individuals in photos.
Maintain all photographs, videos, PDF’s and social media text or press releases in Air Table and Dropbox..
OTHER OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Office opening and closing
Answer phones, direct messages/calls to appropriate staff.
Add contacts/business cards into Air Table and other data entry
Assist with other projects as needed
Participate in weekly staff meetings
Consciously help create a positive, friendly, supportive environment for all
Understand and follow confidentiality practices
Business Casual Attire Require in Office
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Ability to work on occasional evenings and weekends
Ability to effectively engage people of diverse social, faith, economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds
Preferred Bachelor's degree or 4 years experience in a related field
Preferred Bilingual in English and Spanish
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures as well as operation and use of computer hardware, software and network systems including, MS Office suite, Word and Excel, Mailchimp, Zoom, Dropbox, and various online Apps
Additional software skills preferred: Air Table, I-Constituent, CRM Gateway
Must have a valid Driver’s License, access to reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within Illinois
WORK SCHEDULE
20 hrs per week as scheduled, Monday–Friday; 9am–5pm
Flexible schedule
Evenings and weekends as needed