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Relations Manager Jobs in Chicago Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Adler University

Media Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Media Relations Manager will work with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities to elevate the University's public reputation through proactive public relations initiatives ...

Adler University

Media Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Media Relations Manager will work with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities to elevate the University's public reputation through proactive public relations initiatives ...

Compass Group

Employee Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $95K/yr

Partner with Legal, Labor Relations, Security, and Risk Management on complex investigations * Support audits of employee relations data * Promote consistent application of company policies

Motorola

Public Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$105K - $115K/yr

This position is an opportunity for a skilled communications professional with a strategic mindset, media relations experience and strong project management and writing skills to manage external ...

Continental

Resident Relations Manager

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Our Resident Relations Managers perform responsibilities related to business operations, resident satisfaction, leasing activity, financial reporting, rent collection, renewals, and marketing. You ...

RXO

Carrier Relations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Carrier Relations Manager, you are responsible for executing and upholding commitments made by our RXO carrier partners. You will assist in having conversations with our carrier partners once ...

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All JobsRelations JobsRelations Manager JobsRelations Manager Jobs in Chicago Ridge, IL

Relations Manager information

See Chicago Ridge, IL salary details

$28.6K

$82.3K

$143.3K

How much do relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for relations manager in Chicago Ridge, IL is $82,323.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a relations manager do?

A Relations Manager is responsible for maintaining and enhancing relationships between an organization and its clients, partners, or stakeholders. They act as a primary point of contact, addressing concerns, resolving issues, and ensuring satisfaction. Their duties often include building long-term partnerships, facilitating communication, and identifying opportunities for collaboration or improvement. A Relations Manager helps to strengthen trust and loyalty, which is crucial for the organization's success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a relations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relations Manager, you need strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, social media platforms, and analytics tools is often required, and certifications in public relations can be advantageous. Exceptional emotional intelligence, conflict resolution abilities, and organizational skills help you build and sustain positive stakeholder relationships. These competencies are essential for fostering trust, managing reputational risks, and ensuring productive engagement with clients, partners, or the public.

How does a relations manager typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Relations Managers frequently work cross-functionally, partnering with departments such as marketing, sales, customer service, and product development to ensure consistent messaging and strong stakeholder engagement. They often act as a bridge between external partners or clients and internal teams, facilitating communication, managing expectations, and addressing concerns. This collaborative approach helps align organizational goals with stakeholder needs, making strong interpersonal and project management skills essential for success in the role.

What is the difference between Relations Manager vs Customer Service Manager?

AspectRelations ManagerCustomer Service Manager
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholdersOverseeing customer support operations and ensuring customer satisfaction
Required SkillsCommunication, relationship management, negotiationProblem-solving, communication, team management
Work EnvironmentCorporate, client-facing, strategicCall centers, retail, service departments
Common CertificationsRelationship management certifications, CRM trainingCustomer service certifications, management training

While both roles involve communication and client interaction, Relations Managers focus on strategic relationship building, whereas Customer Service Managers concentrate on operational support and customer satisfaction. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the appropriate professional for your organization.

How much is a relations manager paid?

The average salary for a relations manager typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized relations managers can earn higher salaries, and the role often requires strong communication and relationship-building skills.

What cities near Chicago Ridge, IL are hiring for Relations Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago Ridge, IL with the most Relations Manager job openings:

Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relations Manager job openings in Chicago Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,323 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Media Relations Manager

Adler University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Media Relations Manager will work with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities to elevate the University's public reputation through proactive public relations initiatives, earned media, and thought leadership. This position will be responsible for telling Adler's story in support of the University's enrollment, fundraising, and awareness goals by engaging with American and Canadian local, regional, and national media, as well as other key influencers. The Manager will partner with members of the Communications & Marketing team to develop and execute media distribution strategies and leverage content from Adler's owned channels.
The Media Relations Manager will also work closely with the President and senior leadership to support the President's strategic priorities and identify opportunities to advance those priorities through external communications, media relations, and thought leadership. The Manager will provide strategic counsel, performance analysis, and recommendations informed by industry knowledge, media trends, and best practices.
This position will initially serve as an individual contributor and will play a key role in rebuilding and strengthening Adler's media relations function. The Manager will establish effective processes, develop and maintain media relationships, create a proactive media relations strategy, and build the systems and practices needed to support the function as it evolves.
Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, marketing, or a related discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning is required.
  • Minimum ten (10) years of experience in media relations and content development is required.
  • Minimum five (5) years of Public Relations experience in higher education, at a non-profit or marketing and communications agency, is required.
  • Demonstrated success developing and implementing media relations strategies with secured placements.
  • Established contacts and ability to cultivate new media relationships.
  • Worked cross-functionally within an organization to develop and implement high-impact public relations strategies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Alignment with Adler University's social interest mission and commitment to advancing positive social change.
  • Strong understanding of media relations, public relations, and earned media strategies, with the ability to identify compelling stories and translate complex academic, research, faculty, student, and institutional work into accessible public narratives.
  • Understanding of the higher education, nonprofit, and/or professional education landscape, with the ability to identify media opportunities that support enrollment, reputation, fundraising, and institutional priorities.
  • Ability to develop and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and other media and industry influencers across local, regional, and national markets in the United States and Canada.
  • Understanding of the distinct media, cultural, and higher education environments in Adler's key markets, including Chicago, Vancouver and British Columbia, and the broader U.S. and Canadian markets.
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, including experience developing press releases, media pitches, talking points, bylined articles, opinion pieces, executive communications, and other external-facing content.
  • Ability to work closely with the President, senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, and subject matter experts to identify stories, develop thought leadership opportunities, and prepare individuals for media engagement.
  • Ability to translate content across channels and collaborate with social media, digital, marketing, and creative colleagues to extend the reach and impact of earned media.
  • Strong research and news judgment, including the ability to identify emerging issues, trends, and timely opportunities relevant to Adler's mission, academic programs, research, and areas of expertise.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, stakeholders, and external relationships while maintaining a high standard of quality.
  • Ability to develop meaningful performance measures and use media analytics, coverage data, and other insights to evaluate results and recommend improvements.
  • Ability to work independently, establish priorities, build effective processes, and operate successfully as an individual contributor while rebuilding and strengthening the University's media relations function.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and listening skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences across organizational levels and geographic locations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Media Relations Strategy Development & Implementation:
  • Collaborates to elevate and enhance the University's public reputation through strategic earned media, thought leadership, and other public relations initiatives, including secured speaking engagements and award submissions, with measurable KPIs aligned with larger communication efforts.
  • Develops measurable objectives and processes to manage the implementation of best-in-class media outreach programs.
  • Understands media relations cycles and trends to inform external storytelling opportunities.
  • Engages with journalists to shape University news coverage, proactively and reactively.
  • Liaises with senior leadership and faculty on schedules to proactively identify media opportunities coinciding with travel.
  • Partners with faculty, staff, students, and campus leadership to develop opinion pieces and bylined articles for dissemination.
  • Prepares written press materials and collaborates with others across Adler's locations to develop additional collateral pieces as needed, inclusive of design or videography.
  • Provides basic media training tips and staffs interviews where appropriate

Content Development & Analytics:
  • Works with the enrollment marketing team, faculty, staff, and students to identify, vet, develop, and disseminate impactful stories externally that articulate the University's value proposition.
  • Collaborates with Communications & Marketing team members to execute against an editorial calendar, ideate ideas, and provide additional relevant opportunities for content initiatives.
  • Provides regular reporting on media relations placements and other channels as needed to determine the success of initiatives, identify gaps in content, and present solutions.

Work Environment (Physical Demands): The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00
Universal Core Behaviors:
Commitment to Adler's Mission
  • Acts with personal integrity, honesty, compassion. and integrity in all professional responsibilities.
  • Aligns professional actions with Adler's commitment to community-rooted education, research, and impact.
  • Contributes to a culture that advances health, well-being, and community connection - locally and globally.
  • Respects and values colleagues and community partners.

Accountability and Excellence
  • Demonstrates results-oriented focus and commitment to quality.
  • Consistently meets deadlines and delivers work of high professional standard.
  • Prioritizes service and responsiveness.
  • Seeks opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and resource use.
  • Takes ownership of performance, seeks feedback, and accepts responsibility for actions.

Communication
  • Communicates with respect, diplomacy, and professionalism.
  • Demonstrates active listening and comprehension.
  • Expresses ideas clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms.
  • Keeps colleagues informed in a timely and transparent manner.

Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Actively contributes to and engages with colleagues, partners, and communities.
  • Builds relationships rooted in respect, empathy, and trust.
  • Demonstrates curiosity, courage, and integrity in guiding work and decisions.
  • Makes thoughtful, informed decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term impact.
  • Works cooperatively with colleagues to achieve collective goals.

Adaptability and Lifelong Learning
  • Approaches challenges with proactive problem-solving.
  • Commits to lifelong learning by continuously developing skills, knowledge, and effectiveness.
  • Supports and adapts to evolving needs in the work environment.

Partnership with Supervisors
  • Engages supervisors as partners in achieving goals.
  • Fosters open, respectful communication to maintain alignment and clarity.
  • Seeks guidance and feedback when appropriate while demonstrating initiative and accountability.

Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Adler University that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protection. The University does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of age, religion, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status (including unfavorable discharge from the military), or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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