Job Description

Posting number: 2026-DMS

Department: Job & Family Services

Division: JFS Admin

Job classification: EMPLOYMENT SERV SPECIALIST

Posting type: Open

Categories: Arts, Design, Entertainment & Media

Summary

Knox County Job and Family Services is a Quadruple combined organization serving Knox County

through each of our four agencies; Children and Adult Protective Services, Child Support, Public

Assistance, and Workforce/Ohio Means Jobs.

The Communications Specialist will develop and manage communications that advance the mission,

programs, services, and impact of Knox County Job and Family Services (KCJFS). This position oversees

the organization's internal and public communication strategies including messaging, press releases,

social media platforms, website management, brand, digital content, and community engagement

activities.

Working across our combined agencies, the Communication Specialist translates complex information

into clear, accessible, and compelling content for clients, community members, donors, volunteers,

partners, funders, and other stakeholders. The role requires strong writing, digital communications,

project management, and relationship-building skills, as well as a commitment to respectful, traumainformed,

and culturally responsive storytelling.

Department: Administration I Employment Status: Full-Time I Schedule: M-F 8am-4pm

Annual Salary: $48,483 FLSA: Exempt/Classified/Non -Bargaining I Deadline: November 11, 2026

Location: 117 E. High St. Mt. Vernon, OH 43050

Apply Online: Knox County, Ohio - Knox County, Ohio

Knox JFS offers a robust benefit package including, paid vacation, personal leave and sick leave. Health care, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, paid holidays and deferred compensation plans. Employee Assistance Program.

Examples of duties

Communications

• Develop and implement an annual communications plan aligned with organizational priorities
• Maintain calendar covering programs, events, campaigns, and organizational announcements
• Identify opportunities to increase awareness, build community trust, and expand engagement
• Advise staff and leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and audience needs
• Coordinate communications projects across programs, development, leadership, and agencies
• Adhere to organizational policies and applicable laws, maintain confidentiality
• Practice consent in photo/media releases, intellectual property, and records management
• Use of Al must be disclosed and monitored for accuracy

Content Development

• Create email campaigns, website content, impact stories, press releases, talking points
• Translate program information and data into clear, audience-friendly content
• Maintain consistent messaging, voice, tone, and editorial standards

Social Media Management

• Manage organization's social media accounts, content planning, creation, scheduling,
• Create platform-appropriate copy, graphics, photography, and short-form video content
• Track platform performance, monitor comments and plan appropriate responses
• Maintain protocols for moderation, privacy, consent, crisis response, and account security

Website Management

• Maintain and update website pages, program information, events, news, staff information,
• Apply search engine optimization, accessibility, usability, and content-quality-practices
• Monitor website analytics and use findings to improve content and user experience

Brand Management

• Oversee organization's brand identity and communications standards
• Maintain brand guidelines, templates, logos, images, messaging and communications resources
• Ensure consistent use of the brand across digital, print, event, and partner materials

Page Break

• Support staff and partners in applying brand and messaging standards

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop communications that engage clients, volunteers, partners, and community members
• Promote programs, services, events, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer opportunities
• Build relationships with community organizations, media contacts, and other stakeholders
• Gather audience feedback and use it to strengthen communications and engagement

Media and Public Relations

• Draft for approval; press releases, statements, materials, and responses to media inquiries
• Monitor media coverage and public conversations related to the organization and its mission
• Support crisis communications in coordination with organizational leadership

Measurement and Administration

• Establish communications goals and track indicators such as reach, engagement, website traffic, email performance, media coverage, and conversions
• Prepare regular performance reports and recommend adjustments
• Manage communications tools, subscriptions, files, permissions, and digital asset libraries
• Support budget development and monitor communications-related expenses
• Perform other duties that support the organization's mission and evolving needs
• Act as backup to agency IT coordinator and perform any/all other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Mission-centered communication: that connects to the organization's purpose and community
• Strategic thinking: Communication with clear goals, audiences, messages, and outcomes
• Storytelling: Communicates human impact with clarity, dignity, accuracy, and consent
• Builds productive relationships with staff, clients, stakeholders and community members
• Project management: Organizes complex assignments and consistently meets deadlines
• Responds effectively to changing priorities, emerging issues, and new communication channels

Supplemental information

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in office, and may extend to community, or outdoor setting
• Occasional evening/weekend may be required for events, or urgent communications
• Local travel may be required for meetings, programs, photography, or community events
• Requires prolonged computer/device use and the ability to move/carry up to 50 pounds

Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the Position Description and the responsibilities outlined within. I understand that duties may be adjusted as organizational needs evolve. I have been informed that Pre­ employment screening including BCI and FBI Background check are conducted.

Employee/Applicant Signature: _________________________________ Date: _____________

Employee/Applicant Printed Name: _________________________________________________

Knox County Job & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.