Communications Director

Open Date
4/30/2026

About the Organization
At IPHI, we collaborate to advance health justice through equitable policy, systems, and institutional change. We lead and foster multi-sector partnerships and transformative initiatives that address health disparities, particularly for those communities that are historically marginalized. With a deep commitment to equity, we envision a future where all communities have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy and thrive.

IPHI supports this mission through a variety of strategies, including the facilitation and convening of cross-sector coalitions, training and technical assistance, policy advocacy, community engagement, and information sharing. Our work strengthens public health systems, influences equitable policies, and builds capacity for sustainable change at the community, institutional, and systems levels.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about health equity, systems transformation, and collaborative approaches to public health. If you're driven by a commitment to justice, community-led change, and strategic action, we invite you to explore opportunities to join our team.

Please visit www.iphionline.org for more information about IPHI.

Description

The Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) is seeking a strategic, collaborative and experienced communications leader to serve as its Communications Director. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, organization-wide communication strategy that advances IPHI's mission, visibility, and impact.

The Communications Director serves as a trusted advisor to the CEAO and the senior leadership, shaping organizational messaging, strengthening IPHI's voice in public health and health equity, and ensuring alignment across all internal and external communications. This role will oversee full communications function, including brand management, content strategy, executive communications, and systems that support coordinated, high-impact storytelling across IPHI's program areas; and translate complex public health systems change work into clear, compelling narratives while positioning IPHI as a thought leader at the local, state, and national levels.

The Communications Director will report to the CEAO and supervise the communications team.

The IPHI operates in a dynamic funding environment, and the availability of specific program funding may evolve over time. While the position you are applying for is currently supported by existing funding, future changes in funding sources could impact the associated program. IPHI is committed to supporting our staff and will work to transition employees into other programs within the organization should program funding shift. We value transparency and open communication and will keep employees informed of any significant funding developments that may affect their positions.

To apply : Complete applications must include a resume, cover letter, writing samples that highlight the breadth of your writing - ideally one that showcases a storytelling or narrative voice and one that reflects a more academic or technical style, and completion of an online questionnaire. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The cover letter should compare your qualifications, experiences, and interests to the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications listed below for the position. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Click the apply button above.

No phone calls, please.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General
Lead the development and implementation of IPHI's organization-wide communications strategy aligned with mission and strategic priorities
Establish and oversee systems that ensure consistent, coordinated communications across all program areas
Ensure all communications reflect IPHI's brand, voice, and commitment to health equity
Expectations or Leadership Behavior

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, CEAO, and senior leadership on messaging, positioning, and communications priorities
Influence organizational decision-making by aligning communications with strategic goals and external opportunities
Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence in communications across teams
Meeting Planning & Facilitation

Lead cross-functional communications planning efforts to ensure alignment on priorities, messaging, and timelines
Facilitate strategic discussions that identify opportunities to elevate program outcomes and organizational impact
Ensure communications planning processes drive actionable outcomes and organizational alignment
Communication & Writing

Oversee the development and execution of content across all platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, reports, and media
Establish editorial direction and ensure high-quality, consistent storytelling across the organization with an emphasis on advancing narrative change
Lead executive communications, including speeches, talking points, board materials, and external messaging
Ensure the organization is prepared for and effectively manages crisis and rapid-response communication
Teamwork & Team Relationships

Build, lead and mentor communications staff to strengthen organizational capacity
Establish clear workflows, roles, and expectations for communications across IPHI
Partner with program teams to proactively identify communications opportunities and needs
Support leadership and staff with strategic communications guidance and tools
External Relationships

Manage relationships with external vendors, consultants, and partners to ensure high quality communications outputs
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance IPHI's visibility and reach
Grant, Resource, & Finance Development

Partner with development and program teams to support grant proposals, reports, and funder communications
Lead the development and maintenance of a shared messaging and language library to ensure consistency and efficiency
Strengthen IPHI's external narrative to support fundraising and resource development efforts
Administration Management

Oversee IPHI's digital presence, including website and social media strategy and execution
Establish and monitor communications metrics and performance indicators
Use data and insights to continuously improve communications effectiveness
Develop and manage editorial calendars and content pipelines across the organization
Public Health Knowledge & Skill Application

Provide leadership in translating complex public health, health equity, and systems change concepts into accessible and impactful communications
Ensure communications accurately reflect public health frameworks and advance equity centered narratives
Systems Change

Lead messaging strategies that support policy, systems, and community-level change initiatives
Position IPHI as a thought leader in health equity and public health transformation
Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to elevate IPHI's influence in public discourse
Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field preferred
8+ years of progressive communications experience preferably in public health or nonprofit
Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and executive communication skills
Demonstrated experience developing and leading organization-wide communications strategies across multiple platforms and partners
Experience advising senior leadership and managing high-stakes or sensitive communications
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with web content management systems, design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe), and social media management platforms
Strong project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Ability to synthesize complex ideas into accessible content for diverse audiences
Knowledge of health equity and public health language and frameworks is strongly preferred
JOB REQUIREMENTS

The position is full-time, exempt, 37.5 FTE hours per week
Must be able to sit at and operate a computer and other office equipment for a significant portion of the workday
Must be able to move about the office to access files and supplies
Occasional evening or weekend work and occasional travel for one or more nights may be required

This position is located in Chicago and will require adherence to IPHI's hybrid schedule Compensation:

This position offers a salary range of $107,292 - $135,187 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits : IPHI offers competitive benefits, including multiple health plan options, dental, vision, employer-paid disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) with employer matching. Employees also receive PTO, paid parental leave, and an Employee Assistance Program, 15 paid holidays, including a week off in December.

Location : This position is located in Chicago. IPHI operates a hybrid office work model where team members work in the office two days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), and individuals may work in the office or remotely the other three days per week. There is travel for meetings and site visits within Chicago, the suburbs, and Illinois. Occasional overnight travel within Illinois or nationally for conferences and training may be required.

Starting Date : Immediate.

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt

Location
Main Office

Start Date

EOE Statement
IPHI recognizes and values multiple pathways to professional experience and education. We encourage candidates to share relevant experiences that demonstrate their qualifications. This may include demonstrated leadership successes, progressive career growth and leadership roles, content expertise, thought leadership, and relevant experiential learning. We welcome applicants with lived experience related to our program focus areas. Your perspective and insight are vital to advancing our mission of health justice.

IPHI'S COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

IPHI is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in the workplace. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to IPHI's mission and the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve. Our workplace is one where team members feel valued and respected regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or expression, race (including traits associated with race such as hair type, texture, or style), color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, family or marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, religion, socio-economic status, sex, sexual orientation, education, disability (including association with someone who has a disability), genetic information, citizenship status, work authorization status, order of protection status, military or veteran status (including unfavorable discharge from military service), or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.

Visit www.iphionline.org for more information about IPHI.

This position is currently accepting applications.