Director of Public Affairs

Job Summary:

Under the direct leadership of the Chief Policy Officer, the Director of Public Affairs will lead ICADV’s strategic communications and advocacy efforts to amplify our mission and ensure our services and impact are effectively communicated to member agencies, legislators and other government officials, media outlets, and our communities at large. This role is responsible for conceptualizing, outlining, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive communications plan that aligns with ICADV’s mission, strategic objectives, and intended audiences. As the organization’s communications lead, you will manage the Communications Coordinator and help shape public perception, influence policy, and foster member and community relationships that support our internal and external member services. The Director of Public Affairs is an advocate for ICADV’s vision of “a statewide community committed to exposing the root causes of domestic abuse and ensuring safety for families by supporting the voices of all survivors.” This role may perform other related duties as assigned.

For full consideration, please submit resume, cover letter, and 2-3 examples of previous work samples via email to: Jennifer Welch, Chief Policy Officer (welch@ilcadv.org).

Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• • Medical & Vision (BCBS Platinum with 100% employee coverage) and Dental (Delta) Insurance with premium tiers
  • Hybrid Remote work environment with 4-8 in-person ICADV Team & Program Council Meetings at various locations annually throughout Illinois
  • Bi-monthly pay periods
  • Generous PTO, paid holidays, and Wellness Leave (accrues at 3.5 hours per pay period)
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement: Simple IRA with 3% employer match and contribution, regardless of your personal investment
  • Bereavement Leave
  • A vibrant team culture that supports wellness, collaboration, inclusivity, and forward-thinking
  • Time off to vote
  • Employee allowance for remote work setup

We also offer:

• • Start date and workday flexibility
  • Travel reimbursement / company bank card

Minimum Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or 7-10 years of progressive, related work experience with communications, public policy, public administration or similar strongly preferred
  • 5-7 years of related experience in strategic communications, public policy, lobbying, grassroots advocacy, nonprofit, health or human services, or political campaigns
  • 3 years of management experience
  • Demonstrated track record of successful media relations, advocacy and/or donor campaigns, and managing integrated communications initiatives.
  • Tech savviness with the ability to utilize AI (or immediate willingness to learn) and analytic tools to adapt to the needs of changing/emerging campaigns and volunteers, as well as donor database functions
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of all ICADV business and activities

Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership

• • Ensure consistent, compelling messaging and storytelling across all internal and external platforms that advances organizational goals while positioning ICADV as the trusted voice and thought leader across diverse audiences and platforms, including email, social media, print materials, CRMs, digital campaigns, website, media outreach, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, television, and public events
  • Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy aligned with ICADV’s mission, goals, and audiences; maintain annual communications calendar and routinely collaborate across teams to ensure accuracy and impact
  • Provide guidance to ICADV’s Executive Team on media strategy, crisis communication, and reputational risk
  • Ensure consistent, value-driven messaging across all platforms and stakeholders
  • Ability to effectively challenge ideas, content, and/or messaging with a solutions-oriented approach that improves the overall quality of ICADV’s advocacy efforts

Marketing, Media & Digital Engagement

• • Manage digital channels, digital marketing assets and campaigns, and analytics to drive growth and engagement
  • Oversee content creation and branding across all web, print, social media, and multimedia platforms
  • Manage and direct relevant team activities in various software applications, including Coalition Manager, Asana, Fast Democracy, and designated CRM
  • Build strong relationships with press and collaborative partners to drive earned and unearned media opportunities; advise CPO and CEO of engagement prospects and prepare supportive messaging

Legislative and Community Engagement

• • Represent ICADV with local, state, and federal lawmakers to support policy and funding initiatives
  • Plan and execute advocacy campaigns, public appearances, and community events that align with ICADV priorities

Internal Communications and Organizational Support

• • Keep ICADV team members, member agencies, and stakeholders informed through regular briefings, newsletters, live social media events, video outreach, and other updates
  • Collaborate with CEO and CPO to develop CRM campaigns and database monitoring, as well as lead communications strategies for recruitment of team members, volunteers, and donor management systems
  • Track KPIs and report on communications outcomes to CPO, CEO, and management teams
  • Supports CEO and CPO in achieving revenue goals and legislative outreach by assisting in management of CRMs to maximize donor retention and public presence