Communications & Engagement Specialist

Ohio Public Works Commission; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 86,538,000 - 108,169,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio Public Works Commission in Columbus, Ohio seeks a Communications & Engagement Specialist to advance the public voice of infrastructure funding. You will build a multi-platform strategy across social media, newsletters, annual reports, and our website to highlight Clean Ohio programs and local projects.

You will create engaging multimedia, lead media outreach, and collaborate with district and statewide partners. Strong writing, editorial judgment, and project management are essential.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Advance Our Public Voice: Build and execute a multi-platform strategy across social media, e-newsletters, annual reports, and our website.
• Create Engaging Multimedia: Produce visual stories using video, photography, design, and articles.
• Lead Public & Media Outreach: Draft press releases and create training materials, assist leadership with inquiries.
• Connect with Stakeholders: Represent OPWC at district events and networks.
• Support Core Operations: Maintain public GIS mapping data and pull programmatic reports.

Skills

Outstanding writing & editing

Multi-platform digital production

Creative technical skills

Strategic editorial judgment

Collaboration & adaptability

Education

Undergraduate core program in journalism/ Communications/ PR

Tools

Marketing

Social Media Management

Visual Design

Web Design

Job description

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.

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.

Organization

Ohio Public Works Commission

Work Location

Riffe Tower 18

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$30.22 - $37.75

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

Exempt from Union

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

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).

Who We Are:

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.