Illinois Federation of Teachers
500 Oakmont Lane
Westmont, Illinois 60559

Director of Communications

Will work at IFT’s Westmont and Chicago, IL offices

 

The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and collaborative communications professional to serve as its Director of Communications.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers is a powerful labor union that represents over 103,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, professors, graduate workers, state employees, and other staff in PreK-12 school districts, universities, community colleges, and State of Illinois agencies. We are leaders in the fight for educational justice, racial and economic equity, workers’ rights, and the right of all students, families, and communities to thrive. We are committed to ensuring every student has access to a safe, welcoming, and high-quality neighborhood public school.

This role sits at the center of that mission—shaping and delivering messages that connect our values to the people we serve and the public we seek to mobilize.

The Director of Communications serves as chief strategist and writer for all communications and media efforts, including media relations, digital strategy, member engagement, and public messaging to support and elevate the union’s mission, campaigns, and advocacy efforts across local, state, and national levels.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Communications team, including consultants and contractors, and collaborate across departments to ensure effective daily execution of strategies and tactics across digital, earned, owned, and paid media.
• Lead the development and execution of targeted and creative communications strategies that promote the union and member programs, services, and advocacy efforts across local, state, and national campaigns.
• Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with education, labor, and political reporters, editors, and media outlets at the local, state, and national levels to elevate the union’s voice, shape public narratives, and secure impactful media coverage.
• Grow and manage a diverse network of surrogates and partners—including educators, students, families, community advocates, labor and education organizations, elected officials, and other key stakeholders—to amplify the union’s message and mobilize support.
• Develop and implement strategies to elevate the voices of staff, members, and executive officers—particularly the President—through coordinated speaking engagements, media opportunities, speechwriting, opinion pieces, and strategic use of digital media to effectively promote and support the work of both leadership and membership.
• Develop and support staff to serve as effective spokespeople, including speech preparation, messaging guidance, and interview support.

Essential Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant prior work experience: communications, digital organizing, messaging, or campaigns
• 3 years of people and/or project management experience; demonstrated success in leading departments and diverse teams and managing complex projects.
• Clear understanding of the current political climate: Some familiarity with Illinois’ education and political landscape.
• Ability to write quickly and effectively, with a strong eye for political messaging.
• Experience writing speeches, columns, op-eds, and articles.
• Ability to persuasively articulate the importance of integrating media strategy in an organizing, political or issue advocacy campaign.
• Knowledge and interest in integrating digital media with traditional media.
• Ability to work effectively with elected leaders and staff in complex and sometimes politically sensitive situations.
• Ability to oversee and manage multiple priority projects and meet deadlines.
• Background in labor, education, and/or politics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual
• Experience in African American, Latino, and/or Spanish-language media outreach.
• Prior work experience as a Director of Communications (or lead) in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working with community partners and civil rights groups.
• Prior work experience in a union environment.

If you do not meet all the required qualifications, but believe this role is right for you, please apply, but be sure to uplift all experiences that align with both essential and desired qualifications.

Location & Hours of Operations
The Director of Communications will work at IFT’s Westmont and Chicago offices Monday through Friday, plus weekends and evenings as the work dictates.

Compensation

• Budgeted at $154,562 to $189,222 annually
• This position includes a 100% employer-paid, health, dental and vision plan, a transportation allowance, and a generous 401k contribution. It also includes a competitive time off package: 6 weeks paid time off, 15 sick days, and paid holidays.

Our Hiring Timeline and Process
Résumés will be accepted through May 15 (and thereafter on an as needed/ rolling basis until role is filed).

Our Interview Process
We anticipate that our interview process will involve two rounds of interviews, ranging in length from 30-60 minutes, plus skills assessment.

If offered a role at IFT, the candidate will undergo a vetting process, including reference and background check before their start date.

How to Apply
To apply, please complete this application, including uploading your résumé and a writing sample: btwillie@ift-aft.org

The Illinois Federation of Teachers is building a culture rooted in justice, care, collaboration, and collective power. We are committed to fostering a liberatory and inclusive workplace where all staff are supported, heard, and empowered to lead.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Additionally, IFT is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, IFT will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview and hiring process.

If reasonable accommodation is needed in the interview process, please email btwillie@ift-aft.org. Requests for updates in the hiring/interview process or other solicitations, should not be sent to this email and will not be responded to.