Communications Specialist

Department: Executive

Location: West Chicago, IL

Minimum Salary: $68,584.43

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Shift: 1st Shift

Scheduled Work Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm

For nearly a century, The Jel Sert Company has focused on creating high-quality, high-value foods and beverages that help bring people together. Jel Sert is proud of being awarded the Great Place to Work certification, along with being recognized as a Best Workplace to Work in Chicago and Best Workplace to Work in Manufacturing and Production. We are currently looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST. If you are looking for a work environment that encourages personal growth, responsibility, and a shared vision for creating incredible products that help create lasting memories, then Jel Sert wants you!

The Communications Specialist executes and supports Jel Sert's corporate communications strategies across key programs, including public relations, corporate social media, and campaign initiatives. This role supports the VP of Corporate Communications by supporting the day-to-day implementation and partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver consistent, timely, and effective messaging across channels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned

• Serve as a primary communications partner to the VP of Corporate Communications by supporting strategy execution and day-to-day priorities.
• Assist with external communications including press releases, social media posts, and community or customer communications.
• Manage and update company website with company updates, news content, press pages, and communications-related content.
• Support internal communications strategy and timelines across marketing, sales, eCommerce, social, licensing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Manage communications calendars, workflows, and project tracking systems.
• Organize and maintain communications assets, including images, videos, logos, and campaign materials.
• Utilize AI-enabled tools, where appropriate, to support drafting, research, content creation, and workflow efficiency.
• Support media relations efforts across B2B and B2C outlets, including coordination with external PR agencies.
• Support cause marketing and corporate responsibility initiatives through the execution of internal and external communications.
• Identify relevant trends, media opportunities, and cultural moments and recommendations for consideration.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to use experience and judgment to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

EDUCATION, SKILLS and/or EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years of experience in corporate communications, internal communications, or a related role.
• BA in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality written communications for internal and/or external audiences.
• Experience supporting senior leadership or executive communications preferred.
• Experience in CPG manufacturing, industrial, or operational environments strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of AI tools and their application in content creation, research, and communications efficiency.
• Proficient with Canva or similar digital asset management and design platforms.
• Experience using Meltwater or comparable media monitoring and intelligence platforms.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exercised sound judgment to ensure communications are thoughtful, accurate, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Leveraged creativity to develop innovative and engaging communication materials.
• Manage multiple communications initiatives simultaneously with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of professionalism and discretion.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels, from top executives through frontline employees, to support communication initiatives.
• Strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Proficient with MS Office, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

BENEFITS & SALARY

The Jel Sert Company is committed to pay transparency and will provide further compensation information during the interview process. The minimum compensation for the Communications Specialist is $68,584.43. Compensation is determined by a candidate's experience, education, skills, training, and the internal equity within our organization. Actual compensation to be paid will be determined upon an offer. In addition to a competitive compensation package, regular full-time corporate employees of Jel Sert are eligible for our extensive benefits programs that can be reviewed here.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to sit at computer for a minimum of 4 hours.
• Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and/or extensive reading.
• Ability to stoop, bend, stretch, reach and/or grab documentation, as needed.
• Ability to read and write the English language in order to engage and complete one's job responsibilities
• Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: The ability to receive and hear detailed information through spoken communication.
• Hand Dexterity: make substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers including picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling and applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Ability to walk throughout facility (manufacturing plant and office environment) as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Remote, work from home environment, with the ability to travel as required.

FOOD SAFETY and QUALITY RESPONSIBILITIES

Follow applicable procedures and work instructions.

Backup VP of Corporate Communications

IMPACT ON JEL SERT SUCCESS

The Communications Specialist supports Jel Sert's voice and strengthens the company brand by delivering clear, consistent, and engaging messaging across internal and external channels. This role supports business objectives by translating complex information into compelling communications, aligning employees with company priorities, and building trust with key audiences.