Communications Specialist

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.

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

1. Develops, drafts, and executes communication strategies and campaigns in partnership with the Director.
2. Manages the City’s official digital platforms (website, social media, and other channels), including content creation, updates, analytics, and community engagement.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Ensures message consistency and brand standards across all City departments.
6. Integrates equity and inclusion principles into communications, ensuring diverse community representation and accessibility across platforms.
7. Coordinates communications to support economic development, City events, and cultural programming in collaboration with the BCR team.

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

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

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

Experience:
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: 

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