Content and Communications Specialist - Civics

Position: Content and Communications Specialist - Civics

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Salary Range: CL 27-01 to CL 27-61 ($66,104 - $107,482) depending on experience and educational qualifications. 

This position has promotional potential to the CL 28 without further competition.

Closing Date: Priority given to applications received by January 5, 2026.  Positions open until filled. 

Job Summary
 
The Library of the U.S. Courts for the Seventh Circuit includes a headquarters library in Chicago and four branch libraries located in Milwaukee, Madison, South Bend, and Indianapolis. Our organization promotes creativity and innovation, and we are looking for a candidate with these qualities. The Content and Communications Specialist position is in Chicago.

The ideal candidate possesses strong storytelling skills across mediums, with an emphasis on using digital platforms to tell impactful visual stories. The incumbent will highlight histories of notable moments within the Seventh Circuit and design supplemental visual materials. The incumbent will work closely with library staff on short- and long-term community outreach and education projects and may have frequent contact with judges and court staff. The incumbent will demonstrate the ability to serve in a role that combines historical research with community education, including the creation of digital and online displays, and multimedia content. The position will report to library administration, the Associate Circuit Librarian and Circuit Librarian.

Representative Duties:

• Research and develop content relating to the history of courts in the Seventh Circuit.
• Create digital and print displays about courts and the judicial system.
• Work with library staff to identify stories, generate ideas, and create compelling content for the circuit’s civic education programs.
• Develop outreach and communication strategies to inform the court community and the public about history and civics projects.
• Assist with the design, management and maintenance of the circuit’s archival program.
• Perform all other tasks assigned by the Associate Circuit Librarian or Circuit Librarian.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates much have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience in related positions, OR
• Master’s degree in Public History, Media Studies, Graphic Design, Library or Information Science, Archives, Education, or other relevant field and at least one year of experience in a related position.
• Experience with digital storytelling and knowledge of digital storytelling tools.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, both oral and written, strong interpersonal skills and a committed customer-service orientation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an office environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and presentation software.
• Interest in learning new skills and staying up to date in your field.
• Occasional travel is required.
• The required hours for this position are an 8-hour day between 8:00am-5:00pm (Monday-Friday). The successful candidate must have the ability to occasionally work outside of standard business hours as needed for events or projects.
• The ability to telework, if needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using social media platforms to disseminate educational content.
• Experience using archival programs and software.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier, and Audition.
• Experience using visual analytics platforms like Tableau.
• Knowledge of programming language.

Application and Interview Requirement

• All applicants must include examples of at least two (2) and a maximum of five (5) work products. A link to the portfolio/work product can be included in the resume or cover letter.
• Applicants selected for an interview will be provided with a link to a videoconference. All interviews will take place via videoconference.
• Applicants selected for an interview will give a 7-10 minute presentation on the work products they submitted as part of the application process.

Benefits:
 Benefits include eleven paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), Thrift Savings Plan (401k), Benefits also include optional participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI), Flexible Benefits Program, and Dental and Vision Insurance. Limited telework options are available.   Information can be found on the court’s website under Human Resources at: www.ca7.uscourts.gov.Application:
Consideration will only be given to those individuals who apply through the court’s online applicant tracking system and provide a resume and cover letter.
Due to the anticipated large response to this announcement, only those interviewed will be notified of the selection outcome. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement without written notice to applicants. Travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed.

Please note that this position is covered by the Fair Chance Act and does not require that applicants provide criminal history information prior to receiving any conditional offer of employment. All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation.
The selected candidate will be subject to an FBI fingerprint check as a condition of employment and may be subject to periodic updates. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed.

Pursuant to the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, selection is contingent upon providing proof of being legally eligible to work in and for the United States. Employees are required to use Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Salary : $66,104 - $107,482