Communications Director

Communications Director 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.
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 CEO 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 CEO 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.
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.
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.
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.