CTU
Chicago Teachers Union

Communications Director

Based in Chicago, IL

 

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and collaborative communications professional to serve as its Communications Director.

The Chicago Teachers Union is a transformative labor union of nearly 30,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, and staff in the Chicago Public Schools and charter schools. We are a global leader in the fight for educational justice, racial and economic equity, workers’ rights, and the right of all students, families, and communities to thrive. As a driving force in the movement for working families, we are committed to ensuring every student has access to a safe, welcoming, and high-quality neighborhood public school.

This role sits at the center of that mission—shaping and delivering messages that connect our values to the people we serve and the public we seek to mobilize.

The Communications Director serves as chief strategist and writer for CTU’s communications and media efforts, including media relations, digital strategy, member engagement, and public messaging to support and elevate the union’s mission, campaigns, and advocacy efforts across local, state, and national levels.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage the Communications team, including consultants and contractors, and collaborate across departments to ensure effective daily execution of strategies and tactics across digital, earned, owned, and paid media. 
• Lead the development and execution of targeted and creative communications strategies that promote the union and member programs, services, and advocacy efforts across local, state, and national campaigns. 
• Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with education, labor, and political reporters, editors, and media outlets at the local, state, and national levels to elevate the union’s voice, shape public narratives, and secure impactful media coverage. 
• Grow and manage a diverse network of surrogates and partners—including educators, students, families, community advocates, labor and education organizations, elected officials, and other key stakeholders—to amplify the union’s message and mobilize support. 
• Develop and implement strategies to elevate the voices of staff, members, and executive officers—particularly the President—through coordinated speaking engagements, media opportunities, speechwriting, opinion pieces, and strategic use of digital media to effectively promote and support the work of both leadership and membership. 
• Develop and support staff to serve as effective spokespeople, including speech preparation, messaging guidance, and interview support. 

Essential Qualifications 

• 5 years of relevant prior work experience: communications, digital organizing, messaging, or campaigns 
• 3 years of people and/or project management experience; demonstrated success in leading departments, diverse teams, and managing complex projects. 
• Clear understanding of the current political climate: Some familiarity with Chicago’s education and political landscape. 
• Ability to write quickly and effectively, with a strong eye for political messaging. 
• Experience writing speeches, columns, op-eds, and articles. 
• Ability to persuasively articulate the importance of integrating media strategy in an organizing, political or issue advocacy campaign. 
• Knowledge and interest in integrating digital media with traditional media. 
• Ability to work effectively with elected leaders and staff in complex and sometimes politically sensitive situations. 
• Ability to oversee and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bilingual 
• Experience in African American, Latino, and/or Spanish-language media outreach. 
• Prior work experience as a Communications Director (or lead) in a fast-paced environment 
• Experience working with community partners and civil rights groups. 
• Prior work experience in a union environment. 

If you do not meet all of the required qualifications, but believe this role is right for you, please apply, but be sure to uplift all experience that aligns with both essential and desired qualifications. 

Location & Hours of Operations 
CTU’s hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm cst, plus weekends and evenings as the work dictates. 

The Communications Director is expected to work onsite at CTU Headquarters daily. 
 
Compensation 
CTU offers a competitive compensation package including experience-based salary (please ensure that all relevant experience is included on your resume) and comprehensive benefits, including the following: 

• Salary $110,000 – $130,000 
• Employer subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurances 
• Employer Contributed 401(k) 
• 3 Weeks' Vacation Time First Year 
• Short Term Disability 
• Health Savings Account /Dependent Care Flexible Spending 
• Cell Phone Stipend 

Our Hiring Timeline and Process 
Résumés will be accepted through November 14 (and thereafter on an as needed/ rolling basis until role is filled). 

Our Interview Process
We anticipate that our interview process will involve 2-3 rounds of interviews, ranging in length from 30-60 minutes, including a skills assessment. 

If offered a role at CTU, the candidate will undergo a vetting process, including reference and background check before their start date.

How to Apply 
To apply, please complete this form, including uploading your résumé and a writing sample: CTU | Comms Director Application.

The Chicago Teachers Union is building a culture rooted in justice, care, collaboration, and collective power. We are committed to fostering a liberatory and inclusive workplace where all staff are supported, heard, and empowered to lead. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, or sexual orientation. 

Additionally, CTU is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, CTU will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation for the interview and hiring process. 

If invited to participate in the interview process and reasonable accommodation is needed in the interview process, please email: HR@ctulocal1.org. Requests for updates in the hiring/interview process or other solicitations, should not be sent to this email and will not be responded to.