Senior Communications Specialist

Status: Full-time, exempt

Schedule: M-F, 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m, including occasional evening and weekend work and/or travel

Reports to: Assistant Vice President and Chief Communications Officer

Direct reports: None

Start date: ASAP

Location: Chicago, IL, USA (Hybrid)

About Us:

IES Global is a not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider dedicated to transforming the lives of nearly 10,000 students annually through unparalleled study abroad experiences. From our headquarters in Chicago, we offer 400+ programs in 85 locations worldwide, partnering with 500 colleges and universities to create authentic educational experiences that exceed expectations.

IES Global comprises a collective of brands including IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF). We champion meaningful academic and cultural education, integrate diverse perspectives, prioritize student health and safety, and strive to better the world through our Global Good Commitment.

For nearly 75 years, we have been a trusted leader in global education, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We actively recruit underrepresented students and provide millions in scholarships each year, celebrating a diverse student body that reflects the vibrant cultures we engage with. Our commitment extends to our diverse team, fostering an inclusive, welcoming workplace where talents from various backgrounds collaborate and grow. Join us at IES Abroad and become part of a community dedicated to creating global leaders and life-changing experiences.

Summary of Position:

The Senior Communications Specialist helps shape how IES Global communicates with employees, partners, students, media, and the broader field of international education.

We're a mission-driven nonprofit built on the belief that international experiences change lives. This role brings that mission to life: sharing the stories of our people and programs, strengthening connection across our global organization, and positioning IES Global as a trusted leader in the field.

This is more than a writing job. We're looking for a thoughtful storyteller and natural connector who can make complex information clear and stay calm and empathetic when the stakes are high.

Working closely with the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Communications Specialist manages our freelance writer and partners across departments on employee newsletters, stakeholder and change communications, crisis communications, executive messaging, LinkedIn content, and press releases. The role also drives external visibility through media outreach, thought leadership, op-eds, and conference opportunities, and supports two signature events: the IES Abroad Annual Conference and the IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival in Chicago.

It's a role for a curious, adaptable communicator who wants variety, takes initiative, and wants their talent to serve something meaningful.

Essential Job Responsibilities & Duties:

Internal and Executive Communications

• Draft and edit organization-wide announcements, newsletters, leadership messages, presentations, talking points, and FAQs.

• Partner with HR and senior leaders to communicate employee announcements, leadership changes, and sensitive updates with clarity and empathy.

• Support executive communications, including remarks, presentations, and briefing materials for leaders.

• Track engagement data to strengthen internal communications and inform strategy.

Internal, Executive, and Change Communications

• Draft and edit organization-wide announcements, newsletters, leadership messages, presentations, talking points, and FAQs.

• Partner with HR and senior leaders to communicate employee announcements, leadership changes, and sensitive updates with clarity and empathy.

• Support executive communications, including remarks, presentations, and briefing materials for leaders.

• Lead communications for major organizational changes, including technology and systems transformations: key messages, timelines, FAQs, toolkits, and stakeholder updates.

• Collaborate with project teams, IT, and subject-matter experts to translate complex information into clear guidance and anticipate employee questions.

• Track engagement data to strengthen internal communications and inform strategy.

• Deliver partner communications to keep our schools informed including but not limited to the What’s New newsletter and other emails and campaigns.

External Communications, PR, and Thought Leadership

• Develop news stories, website content, press releases, media pitches, op-eds, LinkedIn posts, and other external content.

• Support communications plans for major announcements, new programs and locations, partnerships, and signature events.

• Support media outreach, journalist requests, interviews, spokesperson prep, awards, and speaking opportunities, and maintain media contacts, and coverage results.

• Ensure external communications are accurate, consistent, and aligned with organizational messaging.

Crisis and Issues Communications

• Support the CCO in developing timely, accurate, empathetic communications during crises and emerging issues, including holding statements, stakeholder messages, talking points, and FAQs.

• Serve on the IES Global Crisis Management Team, participating in planning, response, and follow-up.

• Monitor external events and media coverage that may affect IES Global's people, programs, or reputation, and handle confidential, rapidly evolving information with discretion.

Events and Special Projects

• Support communications for the IES Abroad Annual Conference and Study Abroad Film Festival, including promotional content, scripts, presentations, and attendee materials, and manage the Annual Conference program.

• Lead or support communications projects from planning through execution, maintaining organized editorial calendars, templates, and shared resources.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Qualifications/Skills

Required

• 5+ years of experience writing, editing, and developing communications across internal and external channels (email, newsletter, press releases, bylines, speeches, articles, etc.)

• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging content

• Experience with media relations, journalist outreach, spokesperson preparation, and knowledge of local, regional, national, or international media

• Experience supporting crisis or issues communications, with sound judgment and discretion around confidential or sensitive information

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage time and meet deadlines

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a marketing team and others

• Enjoys brainstorming independently and with colleagues, with the ability to think outside the box

• Good sense of humor and interest in study abroad

• Desire to work in a mission-driven organization

A plus

• Experience with change management or change communications

• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM platform

• Web content development experience

• Event communications experience

• Study, living, or travel abroad experience

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field or relevant work experience

Hiring Salary Range

$65,000 to $75,000

Benefits Eligible

Yes

IES Abroad offers a wide range of benefits for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found on our website: https://www.iesabroad.org/about/careers

How to Apply:

All applicants should submit an application including cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by clicking 'Apply' at the top of this page.

Please visit  www.IESabroad.org for more information about working at IES Abroad. If you require an accommodation with the application process, please email us: [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employment:

IES Abroad is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We strive to treat people with respect; fully utilizing employee's abilities and promoting workforce diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable laws.