Communications & Outreach Specialist (Hybrid)

Compensation

Starting salary: $44,400 to $50,575 annually

Salary is based on experience, qualifications, education, internal equity, and local market conditions.

Chestnut offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement with company match, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and a flexible hybrid work environment.

Overview

Are you a storyteller, strategist, and relationship builder who wants your work to make a real impact?

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a Communications & Outreach Specialist to lead community engagement initiatives, develop meaningful communication campaigns, and strengthen partnerships that improve the health and well-being of communities throughout Central Illinois.

This hybrid position blends communications, marketing, public relations, and community outreach to develop campaigns that educate, inspire, and connect people with valuable health resources. From youth substance use prevention initiatives to community partnerships and advocacy efforts, your work will help shape healthier communities and create lasting change.

If you're energized by developing creative campaigns, building strong community relationships, managing meaningful projects, and using your communication skills to improve lives, we'd love to meet you.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work environment while collaborating with a passionate, mission-driven team.
• Lead communication campaigns that make a measurable impact on community health and wellness.
• Build relationships with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local leaders.
• Own projects from concept to completion, combining strategy, creativity, writing, and outreach.
• Grow your career while working for a nationally recognized leader in integrated healthcare, prevention, research, and community engagement.

• Lead the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health communication campaigns and outreach initiatives.
• Create compelling messaging, educational materials, digital content, presentations, and communication strategies for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with graphic designers, community partners, and internal stakeholders to develop engaging campaigns and outreach materials.
• Coordinate communication projects from planning through implementation while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Monitor campaign performance, analyze results, and recommend improvements using data and community feedback.
• Manage grant-funded communication activities, project timelines, reporting requirements, and budgets.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, healthcare providers, coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
• Participate in local and statewide advocacy initiatives supporting prevention, behavioral health, and community wellness.
• Promote trauma-informed, recovery-oriented communication that reflects Chestnut's mission and values.
• Uphold Chestnut's standards for customer service excellence and maintain confidentiality of organizational information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree with five years of relevant experience, or master's degree with two years of relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, behavioral health, public health, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing communication campaigns, public outreach initiatives, marketing projects, educational materials, or community engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills with internal teams and community partners.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience with virtual meeting platforms and online reporting systems.
• Valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and an insurable driving record.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Reliable home internet connection.
• Ability to obtain DCFS CANTS Child Abuse Clearance.

Benefits

Chestnut offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Hybrid work environment
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Professional development and continuing education
• Employee assistance program and wellness resources

About Chestnut

Since 1973, Chestnut Health Systems has been a leader in integrated healthcare, providing behavioral health, substance use treatment, primary care, prevention, research, and training throughout Illinois and Missouri.

Our communications team plays an important role in advancing health equity by connecting individuals, families, and communities with resources that improve lives. Every campaign, partnership, and outreach effort helps fulfill our mission of making high-quality healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve.

Additional Information

Think you'd be a great fit but don't meet every qualification?

Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn't perfectly match every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We'd love to learn more about your unique skills and experiences.

To be considered, applicants must attach a resume, complete the application, and answer all screening questions.

Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.