MEDIA ADMINISTRATOR #1 (SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR, OPT. 1)

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Media Administrator #1 for the Offices of Preparedness and Response, Policy, Planning and Statistics, Health Protection, Women’s Health and Family Services and Health Care Regulation in the Department of Public Health. Responsible for media policy development, planning, implementation and administration of all media services and operations for assigned IDPH Offices in collaboration with the Deputy Director for Office of Communications and Director. Serves as agency spokesperson and representative on behalf of IDPH to the media frequently addressing issues of a highly confidential and sensitive nature. Serves as a coordinator and representative to the Governor’s Press Office and IDPH staff depending on nature of issue and coordinates partnerships with other agencies attending media events impacting multiple agencies and in the course of these duties is responsible for planning and programming of departmental activities, integrating the plans and projections of a number of related governmental divisions and media entities and the planning and scheduling of work programs associated with media relations. Conducts analysis and research of potential resources and methods of enhancing media relations services for IDPH. Serves in the role of Public Information Officer in the National Incident Management System during public health emergencies and participates in public health preparedness exercises as needed. 

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position) 
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx.

Essential Functions

• Serves as agency spokesperson and representative on behalf of the Offices of Preparedness and Response, Policy, Planning and Statistics, Health Protection, Women’s Health and Family Services and Health Care Regulation in the Department to the media advocating, explaining and interpreting to both print and broadcast medias the content and implications of specific agency events, issues, inquires, ongoing news and other activities to maximize the accuracy, consistency and effectiveness of understanding of intent to all concerned parties frequently addressing issues of a highly confidential and sensitive nature.
• Serves as Media Administrator #1 for the Offices of Preparedness and Response, Policy, Planning and Statistics, Health Protection, Women’s Health and Family Services and Health Care Regulation in the Department of Public Health, performing policy-making, media relations and spokesperson functions.
• Serves in the role of Public Information Officer in the National Incident Management System during public health emergencies.
• Evaluates local and statewide print and electronic media resources to secure adequate statewide media coverage.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in public affairs, public relations, journalism or a closely related field.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.