Communications Support Coordinator

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of it's citizens."

Job Summary

This position provides creative, media relations, and administrative support to the district's communications team to ensure high-quality and consistent public communications to further our mission and strengthen the district brand.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proof-read, fact-check, and check links for print and digital publications, press releases, and other communication materials for accuracy and clarity.
• Assist with the research and gathering of information for communications projects.
• Assist with maintenance of and regular updates to the district website, quarterly program calendar, and staff intranet content and updates.
• Coordinate with vendors for printing and distribution of the Conservationist, annual report, and other print materials.
• Coordinate the staff Spirit Wear store and District purchases for public resale.
• Assist with photo library organization and support social media content creation.
• Monitor and assign internal work requests.
• Monitor district main email account and respond to basic email inquiries in a timely and professional manner or forward to the appropriate internal expert.
• Assist with researching and identifying relevant media outlets for outreach; monitor district media email account.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare media summaries for internal use.
• Maintain District print mailing list.
• Coordinate District events such as ground-breakings, ribbon-cutting, and dedications.
• Help prepare materials for and provide logistical support during meetings or workshops.
• Track and maintain all department subscriptions.
• Track and maintain equipment and supplies used by other departments (tablecloths, portable sound system, etc.)
• Research and prepare written reports, presentations, and handouts for meetings and events.
• Utilize word processing, database, spreadsheet, and communication software to create and modify a variety of projects, reports, and data analysis as needed.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age at time of hire.
• Associate's Degree (or 60 college credits equivalent) required in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field with a Bachelor's Degree preferred, 1-3 years of related work experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Driver's license in good standing.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative as well as collaborate as part of a creative team.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff, vendors, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects while interpreting and applying complex written and verbal instructions.
• Spanish bilingual preferred.

Starting Pay: $23.83 - 26.83 per hour.

Eligible for performance review and two possible pay increases annually.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account for Health and/or Dependent accounts, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 12 paid Holidays, 12 paid Vacation Days, 5 paid Personal Days, 8 paid sick days, Pension through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), 457 Retirement Plan.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.