Senior Director, Communications

Location: Chicago, IL

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Overview

As the Senior Director, Operations Function Communications, you will lead internal communications for JLL’s new global operations function, led by the Chief Operating Officer. This function brings JLL’s operational expertise together across business lines and corporate functions, and it is home to the Transformation Office, which drives JLL’s five-year strategy, Accelerate 2030. Reporting to the Global Head of Integrated Communications, you will work in close partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and his leadership team, including the Transformation Officer who leads Accelerate 2030.

You will stand up communications for a function that is being built, not one that already runs. You will shape how the function is understood inside JLL, communicate how we are bringing Accelerate 2030 to life for our teams globally, guide people through reporting-line and ways-of-working changes, and build the internal and external profile of both the Chief Operating Officer and the Transformation Officer. This is a leadership role within JLL’s Integrated Communications team.

Responsibilities

Strategy and planning – Build and run the internal communications strategy for the global operations function, aligned to the enterprise internal communications strategy and to Accelerate 2030. Set the narrative for a function that is standing up, so colleagues understand what it is, why it exists, and what it changes.

Accelerate 2030 communications – Partner with the Transformation Officer to communicate internally how JLL is bringing Accelerate 2030 to life. Translate the strategy and its six imperatives into clear, relatable messages that connect colleagues’ everyday work to the direction of the firm. Build manager enablement programs that equip leaders to cascade Accelerate 2030 messaging to their teams through briefings, toolkits, and talking points. Establish a process for compiling initiative progress and wins into an ongoing Accelerate 2030 narrative that demonstrates momentum and impact.

Business partnering – Act as trusted advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, the Transformation Officer, and the wider operations leadership team, providing communications counsel, message discipline, and judgment on timing and audience as the function and its scope evolve. Plan and deliver change communications that guide colleagues through reporting-line and organizational changes, new ways of working, and operational shifts. Draft speeches, town halls, all-colleague messages, leadership forum content, and plan the cadence of leadership-to-colleague engagement, including two-way formats such as Q&As and listening sessions.

Executive eminence – Manage the internal and external profile of the Chief Operating Officer and the Transformation Officer. Plan their key moments, positioning, and thought leadership so their voices land consistently and reinforce the operations and Accelerate 2030 narratives.

Stakeholder management and collaboration – Work in partnership with Corporate Communications, and Internal Communications so internal, external, and people messaging stay aligned, especially around announcement moments. Build strong relationships with business line and corporate function communications teams to keep messaging, activity, and sequencing coordinated.

Measurement – Track how well colleagues understand the function, the change, and the Accelerate 2030 story, report on it, and use what you learn to improve the next wave.

Leadership – manage a small team of communications experts, building capability, giving direction, coaching, and development.

Channels and content – Own the channel mix and content calendar for the function, including intranet, newsletters, video, and collaboration platforms. Put in place the governance, templates, and approval processes that keep output consistent and on-brand as the function grows.

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To apply you need to have

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, with at least 15 years of similar experience·
• Proven experience in similar global internal communications roles, preferably within a professional services or real estate organization·
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, and able to build credible trusted relationships with senior leaders·
• Experience in developing and executing creative internal communications strategies which support the delivery of business outcomes·
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex issues and provide the appropriate communications solutions·
• Excellent communications delivery skills – including planning, writing and editing – comfortable delivering both individually and through others. Able to turn technical subjects into simple and engaging communications.·
• Experience in managing communication during times of change, including organizational restructures and culture transformation initiatives.·
• Proven experience supporting a multi-year transformation program, ideally with a formal change management approach.·
• Experience influencing without authority across a matrixed organization, including business lines, corporate functions, and consulting partners.·
• Experience building and activating manager cascade programs and champion networks to drive organizational change.
• This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position

175,000.00 – 181,000.00 USD per year

Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location

On-site –Chicago, IL

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:

401(k) plan with matching company contributions

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care

Paid parental leave at 100% of salary

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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