Public Information Officer

Job Details for Public Information Officer

Court Name/Organization Illinois Northern District Court

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is currently accepting applications for a part-time Public Information Officer. This position is located within the Clerk’s Office and reports directly to the Clerk of Court and regularly consults with the Chief Judge. The Public Information Officer works approximately 40 hours every two weeks.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is now accepting applications for a Public Information Officer. Consideration is only given to those who apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system, submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references.

• Responsible for a broad range of media endeavors, community outreach programs, and innovative programs
• Increases the understanding of the federal court’s presence to the media, to educational institutions, with the community, and with the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
• Prepares press releases made available to the public regarding court events, news, or case statuses
• Manages all social media avenues in which court activities are publicized
• Arranges for open house events, publications, articles, and arranges meetings with key media executives, editors, and columnists to stimulate favorable media coverage
• Makes arrangements for court tours by special interest groups
• Provides leadership to court activities such as media press days, open house events, and juror education programs
• Creates a variety of informational brochures, publications, court newsletters, court press releases, and videos
• Maintains and updates the content on the Court’s website and electronic signage
• Informs the Court of strategies for public relations events and customer service programs
• Provides assistance to other court units as necessary
• Performs other duties as assigned

Exceptional writing and speaking skills are required. Thorough knowledge of public relations, media communications, and/or government public affairs. Excellent organizational and communication skills for coordinating conferences and group meetings. Ability to conduct research of all available resources and convey material through written communications. Ability to be politically savvy and deliver a polished performance under difficult public affair situations. Ability to create a positive communications foundation between the court, media, and public.

Legal training, knowledge of court procedures and demonstrated social media skills are excellent credentials for this newly created position but not required.

The U.S. District Court offers a generous benefits package to full-time, permanent employees, which includes:

• Paid leave time for federal holidays, vacation, sick, and Parental Leave
• Access to an infant and toddler care near the Courthouse
• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is available to full-time employees with qualifying student loans
• Life insurance
• Thrift Savings Plan with matching funds (401k & Roth 401k style)
• Participation in Federal Employees Retirement System
• Health, dependent care, and parking reimbursement programs
• Public Transit Subsidy Program
• Employee Assistance Program, which provides free counseling, financial assistance, and basic legal services

Compensation and classification level will be set based on the work experience, qualifications, and salary history of the successful candidate. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the CL-29 level is required.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is now accepting applications for a Public Information Officer. Consideration is only given to those who apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system, submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references.

• Responsible for a broad range of media endeavors, community outreach programs, and innovative programs
• Increases the understanding of the federal court’s presence to the media, to educational institutions, with the community, and with…