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, Linked In 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…