Chief Communications Officer

Chief Communications Officer

Lake County, Illinois

Lake County, Illinois (population 719,339) is a vibrant, diverse community located along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. As one of the largest and most complex counties in the state, Lake County is home to more than 30 departments and divisions, including public health, law enforcement, transportation, public works, criminal justice, emergency management, and administrative services. With 2,647 full-time employees and an annual budget of $676.6 million, Lake County is committed to delivering high-quality, transparent, and responsive services to its residents.

We are seeking an innovative, strategic, and forward-thinking Chief Communications Officer to shape the County's public voice, elevate community engagement, and advance organizational priorities. This is a dynamic and fast-paced leadership role ideal for a seasoned communicator who thrives on collaboration, strategic storytelling, and guiding communication efforts through complex and evolving issues.

This role offers the opportunity to lead communications for one of the nation's 100 most populous counties, helping shape public understanding of critical services, policy decisions, and community initiatives that affect hundreds of thousands of residents.

About the Role

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) serves as the architect of Lake County's public identity and a trusted advisor to senior leadership. This individual will strengthen the bridge between government and community, ensuring transparency, clarity, and meaningful engagement with residents, employees, elected officials, media, and community partners.

The CCO leads a team of seven talented communications professionals and oversees a $1.1 million budget. The Communications Division manages critical communication channels including the County website, social media platforms, print materials, newsletters, news releases, and Lake County TV (LCTV). The team also films, broadcasts, and streams all County Board and Committee meetings. The Chief Communications Officer reports directly to the County Administrator.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead a proactive, forward-looking communications strategy aligned with Lake County's organizational priorities and Strategic Plan.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the County Administrator, County Board, and executive leadership on public policy, communication implications of major initiatives, reputational risks, and emerging issues.
• Build and maintain a culture of strategic, data-driven communication.

External Communications

• Guide consistent, transparent, and effective messaging across all public channels. This includes the oversight of communication products that include speeches, social media posts, press releases, and Board communications.
• Act as the County's spokesperson and primary media contact.
• Oversee public engagement efforts, digital outreach, and brand stewardship.

Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

• Design and deliver high-quality internal communication strategies to connect employees with the County's mission, values, and priorities.
• Strengthen employee engagement through clear, accessible, and purposeful messaging.

Crisis and Emergency Communications

• Provide timely and accurate public information during emergencies and disasters.
• Lead planning and execution of crisis communication strategies.

Team & Budget Management

• Oversee, mentor, and develop the Communications Division team.
• Manage the division's $1.1 million operating budget.

Performance Evaluation and Analytics

• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies.
• Use data and analytics to refine outreach, improve transparency, and enhance engagement.

Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in external and internal communications leadership.
• Experience in advising senior executives, elected officials, or governing Boards.
• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies in a highly visible organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson and primary media contact.
• Strong judgment, political acumen, and ability to navigate sensitive or complex issues.
• Demonstrated leadership experience building high-performing teams.
• Experience in traditional media, digital communications, social media, and storytelling across multiple platforms.
• Crisis communication experience and ability to make quick, effective decisions.

Preferred

• Government or public sector experience.
• Experience using analytics to measure communication effectiveness.
• Background working in large, complex organizations.

Additional Information

• Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefits package, along with a robust wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employees page to learn more.
• This position is based at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan. While primarily office-based, limited remote work may be possible after an introductory period.
• Moderate in-County travel during business hours is expected.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening, drug test, and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
• Lake County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace.

Why Join Lake County?

If you are a purpose-driven leader who believes in the power of communication to build trust, strengthen community, and support meaningful government service, we invite you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to shape the public voice of a major county and make a measurable impact on the lives of residents.

Apply today and help lead the future of communication in Lake County!