Head of Corporate Communications (Chicago)

DescriptionSmithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, with primary offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., is looking for a Head of Corporate Communications to join our Branding & Communications team in our Chicago or Washington, D.C. office. This role brings together internal and external communications into a single, integrated function, shaping a clear, consistent narrative that reflects who we are, what we do and why it matters. The Head of Corporate Communications will play a critical role in aligning our voice across the organization, supporting our growth strategy and strengthening engagement with employees, clients and the broader market.We are looking for a leader who thrives on storytelling, builds strong connections across stakeholders, and brings both strategic insight and executional excellence to every aspect of communications. The role reports to the Chief Marketing Officer.At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success.What You Will Do:Corporate Narrative and MessagingDefines and stewards the company’s core narrative, ensuring consistency across all communications.Translates business strategy into clear, compelling messaging for internal and external audiences.Partners with marketing and growth teams to align brand, thought leadership and communications.Executive CommunicationsServes as a strategic advisor and writer for senior leadership.Develop speeches, presentations, talking points and key messages.Ensure leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and consistency.Internal Communications and EngagementLeads internal communications strategy to inform, align and engage employees.Shapes key moments including company updates and leadership messages (email and video).Strengthens employees’ understanding of business strategy, programs and culture.Partners with business leadership to ensure communications support a cohesive change management strategy.Storytelling and ContentLeads development of high-impact stories that bring the brand to life.Identifies and elevates client success stories, employee stories and moments that reflect our values.Ensure content is clear, relevant and aligned with business goals.Media RelationsOversee media strategy, including proactive storytelling and reactive issues management.Builds and maintains relationships with key media and industry influencers.Identifies opportunities to elevate the company’s voice and reputation.Talent BrandPartners with HR to shape communications to support talent acquisition efforts.Monitors and supports external channels for opportunities to strengthen our brand.Reputation and Issues ManagementProtects and strengthens the company’s reputation.Leads communications strategy during crisis situations.Provide guidance on messaging for complex or challenging topics.Team Leadership and CollaborationBuilds and leads a high-performing communications function.Collaborates across marketing, growth, HR and leadership teams.Establishes clear communications processes, priorities and standards.Basic Qualifications:10-15+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations or related fieldsProven experience advising senior executives on strategic and change management communicationsStrong writer with the ability to simplify complex ideasSkilled in navigating complex organizations and stakeholder environmentsStrong sense of the role innovative communications plays as part of change management and adoptionStrong judgment, executive presence and ability to operate with discretionSkilled in Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Teamwork/other project management platforms, Viva Engage and employee survey platformsWhat Success Looks Like:A proactive, trusted communications function that supports senior executives and our businessEmployees who feel informed, connected and engagedCohesive communications to support change strategy, executive presence and reputational awarenessConsistent application of brand and messages across channelsIncreased visibility and credibility in the marketWhere Do You Fit?Whether you are just beginning your career or are a mid- or senior-level professional, working at Smithbucklin will offer you countless opportunities to develop transferable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers all of our people - regardless of position or compensation - an equal chance to experience the fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of Smithbucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company.Smithbucklin is a hybrid work environment with in-office days established as Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Employees will work a standard 40-hour week, with the possibility of additional hours based on project deadlines.Smithbucklin considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate's recent coursework, training, experience, and certifications, among other considerations. The expected pay for this role is $140,000-$160,000.Equal Employment OpportunityAt Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on position.Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment. You must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.