Chief Communication Officer

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio•Columbus, OH

12d•Onsite

About The Position

STRS Ohio is seeking a Chief Communication Officer to join the Executive/ Communications and Public Affairs team. At STRS Ohio, our mission is to serve and support those who dedicate their lives to education. As Chief Communication Officer, you will play a vital role in strengthening trust, transparency, and engagement with our members, retirees, and the broader community. We are seeking a leader who is passionate about making a difference and elevating the voices of those we serve. Established in 1920 and serving Ohio’s educators, STRS Ohio is one of the nation’s largest retirement systems, serving nearly 550,000 active, inactive, and retired public-school teachers, and university faculty members, managing approximately $96.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, in assets and paying more than $7 billion in benefits annually. STRS Ohio provides competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package including on-site parking, educational assistance, subsidized medical insurance, fully paid dental and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and on-site fitness center. At STRS Ohio, you can experience rewarding work in a professional, business casual work environment. We welcome, celebrate, and promote respect for everyone. We are continually seeking bright and talented individuals to join our team.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field required.
Fifteen years’ progressive experience in communications, with demonstrated success in high-profile, high-scrutiny environment (public sector or pension systems an added plus) required.
Advanced knowledge of crisis communication, reputation management and change management principles.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration or communication preferred.
Experience working with statewide officeholders or other elected officials preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute an integrated communication and media strategy (both proactive and reactive) aligned with STRS Ohio’s Mission, Vision and organizational goals, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and trust-building.
Stakeholder Segmentation: Design tailored communication plans for distinct audiences; members, retirees, legislators, advocacy groups and the public, ensuring relevance and clarity.
Digital & Social Media Strategy: Lead the development of a robust digital and social media program, leveraging analytics to optimize engagement and sentiment across platforms.
Crisis Communication: Maintain and continuously improve crisis communication plans and procedures to ensure timely, accurate and empathetic messaging during critical events.
News Media Relationships: develop and maintain professional relationships with national and Ohio news media that cover STRS Ohio, including Statehouse bureau reporters, editorial page editors and news media throughout Ohio where STRS Ohio may have events and activities. Understand financial trade media outlets that cover pension systems.