State of Ohio

Communications & Engagement Specialist

State of Ohio  •  Columbus, OH (Onsite)  •  5 hours ago
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Job Description

Communications & Engagement Specialist(260006EC)

Organization

Ohio Public Works Commission
Agency Contact Name and InformationDaniel.DeNiro@pwc.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Work Location

Riffe Tower 18
77 South High Street18th Floor
Columbus43215-6108

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus
Compensation$30.22 - $37.75

Schedule

Full-time
Classified IndicatorUnclassified
UnionExempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Communications
Technical SkillsMarketing, Social Media Management, Visual Design, Communications, Public Relations, Public Works, Web Design
Professional SkillsCollaboration, Creativity, Innovation, Presenting, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication, Written Communication
Agency Overview

Who We Are:

The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) was created initially in 1987 to administer the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) which was soon joined by the Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP). These programs, which run concurrently, are solicited, scored, and selected by the 19 District Integrating Committees according to each district’s schedule. In 2000, the OPWC became responsible for the administration of the Clean Ohio Conservation Green Space Program in which applications are solicited, scored, and selected by the 19 Natural Resources Assistance Councils (NRACs).

The legislatively appointed twelve-member Commission provides oversight to the director and adopts the bylaws governing the conduct of OPWC’s business. The Commission’s nine member staff works with the district committees to ensure that the programs are administered in a fair and objective manner. On a daily basis staff maintain ongoing contact with local communities and provide technical assistance through each project's completion.

What We Do:

The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) improves lives by funding infrastructure and greenspace projects that are important to your community. Projects can range from improved roads and bridges to safe drinking water and greenspace conservation projects. Our programs support quality of life, ensure health and safety, and drive the economy. Our funds make local government projects more affordable, create jobs, conserve and protect properties, and replace aging and failing infrastructure.

It is OPWC’s mission to deliver its statutory programs with the greatest efficiency and highest customer satisfaction while maintaining a high level of transparency and accountability to Ohio’s taxpayers.

What You'll Do as the OPWC Communications & Engagement Specialist:
  • Advance Our Public Voice: Build and execute a multi-platform strategy across social media, e-newsletters, annual reports, and our website to promote Ohio’s infrastructure and Clean Ohio programs
  • Create Engaging Multimedia: Turn technical funding data into compelling visual stories using video, photography, graphic design, and feature articles highlighting local community projects
  • Lead Public & Media Outreach: Draft press releases, produce training materials (e.g., YouTube, LinkedIn), and assist leadership with media and public inquiries
  • Connect with Stakeholders: Attend district workshops, site visits, and statewide events to represent OPWC and collaborate with statewide Public Information Officer networks
  • Support Core Operations: Maintain public GIS mapping data, pull programmatic reports, and provide backup support for internal financial administration
Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

  • Medical Coverage
  • Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
  • Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
  • Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
  • Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
  • Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS)& Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Outstanding Writing & Editing: Proven ability to convey highly technical public infrastructure or environmental policy information clearly, accurately, and compellingly.
  • Multi-Platform Digital Production: Demonstrated experience managing social media, email marketing platforms, website content management systems (CMS), and digital communication tools.
  • Creative Technical Skills: Proficient in graphic design, digital layout, photography, and video/audio production.
  • Strategic Editorial Judgment: Ability to proactively select the right message, timing, visual channel, and platform for maximum public engagement and impact.
  • Collaboration & Adaptability: Self-directed and highly organized, with the diplomatic, interpersonal skills needed to work across disciplines with diverse local government stakeholders.

    *OPWC will only consider applications with updated resume attached.

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with local or state government processes, public sector funding mechanisms, regional planning, or economic development.

Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment:

  • Completion of an undergraduate core program in journalism, communications, public relations, public administration, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in professional communications, multi-media content development, public relations, or public sector outreach (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment & Travel:

  • Travel Requirements: Occasional travel throughout Ohio's districts is required to attend district public works integrating committee meetings, local subdivision workshops, statewide conferences, and outdoor project site visits.
ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

State of Ohio

About State of Ohio

Employment with the State of Ohio is more than ‘just a job’ – it is a privilege to serve our families, friends and neighbors who rely on us throughout our great state. We are a team of dedicated public servants committed to high performance, innovative thinking, and delivering excellent and efficient services. Our goal is to recruit and retain the best talent for our positions, because when we have the best talent, we get the best results for our community. We are #TeamOhio.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Unknown
Year Founded
Unknown
Website
ohio.gov
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