Communications & Engagement Specialist

State of Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 86,593,000 - 108,169,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) is seeking a Communications & Engagement Specialist to advance OPWC's public voice across social platforms, newsletters, annual reports and the website, promoting infrastructure projects and Clean Ohio programs to communities statewide.

You will create multimedia content from funded projects, draft press materials, coordinate with leadership on media inquiries, and collaborate with district offices to share timely information while supporting core

Qualifications

• Outstanding Writing & Editing: convey technical public infrastructure information clearly and compellingly.
• Multi-Platform Digital Production: manage social media, email marketing, website CMS, and digital tools.
• Creative Technical Skills: graphic design, photography, video/audio production.
• Strategic Editorial Judgment: choose messages and channels for impact.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: work across disciplines with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Advance Our Public Voice: multi-platform strategy across social media, e-newsletters, annual reports and website to promote Ohio’s infrastructure and Clean Ohio programs.
• Create Engaging Multimedia: turn funding data into visual stories using video, photography, graphic design and feature articles highlighting local projects.
• Lead Public & Media Outreach: draft press releases, training materials, and assist leadership with media inquiries.
• Connect with Stakeholders: attend district workshops and events to represent OPWC and collaborate with Public Information Officer networks.
• Support Core Operations: maintain public GIS mapping data and pull programmatic reports.

Skills

Outstanding Writing

Multi-Platform Digital Production

Creative Technical Skills

Strategic Editorial Judgment

Collaboration & Adaptability

Education

Undergraduate core program in journalism, communications, public relations or public administration

Tools

CMS (Content Management System)

Job description

Job Description - Communications & Engagement Specialist (260006EC)

Communications & Engagement Specialist ( 260006EC )

Organization

Ohio Public Works Commission

Agency Contact Name and Information : [e-mail]

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Work Location

Riffe Tower 18 77 South High Street 18th Floor Columbus 43215-6108

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation : $30.22 - $37.75

Schedule

Full-time

Union : Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Communications

Technical Skills : Marketing, Social Media Management, Visual Design, Communications, Public Relations, Public Works, Web Design

Professional Skills : Collaboration, 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).

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 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.