Job Description

We are seeking a creative and collaborative executive level team member to develop and enact internal and external communications for the OPD. You will be responsible for identifying and recommending communication strategies that ensure consistent and positive brand image across internal and external channels to support our agency’s goals, mission, vision and values. You will work both independently and collaboratively, and the role will require you to routinely pivot and innovate. You will manage media relations, web content, social media strategy, and press releases. You will serve as an agency spokesperson, lead efforts to build and manage relationships with the media. You will supervise a Public Information Officer 1 and an Administrative Professional 4. You will report to the Director of Legal and Public Affairs Division, and serve in an advisory capacity to them, the agency’s two Assistant Directors, and the State Public Defender.

We are looking for candidates with technical expertise in all aspects of communications and public affairs, and at least five years of demonstrated experience in implementing or managing strategic communication initiatives while creatively using limited resources. We are further seeking expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing complex projects, working in a team environment, proactively building professional relationships with stakeholders, ability to be innovative and creative in communication work, and successfully supporting communication efforts in a government agency.

Your job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Manage media relations, including social media.

  • Build and nurture relationships with media representatives.

  • Develop internal expectations for media communications.

  • Help to manage public perception of the work we do, including informing the public of community events, arguments, office developments, and service work.

  • Create and post videos and social media content.

• Craft compelling content

  • Build comprehensive communications plans for compliance publications, big projects, rollouts, budget, and more.

  • Independently draft messaging on indigent defense and operations for Director and Assistant Directors (press releases, speeches, videos, web content, memos).

• Help plan and promote agency events

  • Assist with advertising for trainings and events.

  • Assist with recruitment messaging and strategy.

  • Lead internal communications to highlight work.

• Serve as liaison to and communicate with key stakeholders

• Serve as supervisor

  • Assign, review, and approve work for content and accuracy.

  • Prioritize and approve work schedules and itineraries; Approve bi-weekly time and requests for leave and travel expenses.

  • Identify training needs and provide or arrange training opportunities.

  • Coach and develop staff – hold team and one-on-one meetings, set meaningful goals, provide support, and complete timely performance evaluations.

When you submit your application, please upload a Resume and a Cover Letter indicating how you are best qualified for this position and why you feel you are the best fit at the Ohio Public Defender’s Office.

The Director of Communications (Deputy Director 2) position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s E-2 Pay Range 42. Target compensation for this position is $100,000 - $115,000.

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HCM at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.

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.

Job Skills: Communications; Executive Leadership; Creativity; Collaboration; Decision Making; Establishing Relationships; Strategic Thinking. Technical expertise in communications and public affairs. Preferred qualifications: At least five years of experience in implementing or managing strategic communication initiatives.

Intentional omission of relevant information, falsification, or misrepresentation of information on the application will disqualify the applicant. In addition, such intentional acts are grounds for immediate termination of an employee.

Final candidates selected for this position will be required to undergo a drug test. An applicant with a positive test result will not be offered employment. Final candidates selected for this position will also be required to undergo a criminal background check and state income tax check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

This position serves at the pleasure and discretion of the State Public Defender. This position serves in a fiduciary relationship to the State Public Defender and will have an unclassified status per Ohio Revised Code 124.11 (A) (9).

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.

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.

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