Communications & Event Manager

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

12h

About The Position

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. Applicants must clearly indicate how they meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants are also encouraged to document any experience, education, and/or training related to the job duties of the position applying for. You must clearly identify how you meet the minimum qualifications throughout your application and in your supplemental question responses. Background Information: The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration. The final applicant selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis before appointment to test for illegal drug use. An applicant with a positive test will not be offered employment. Our Vision: To be the premier resource for public facilities construction. Our Mission: To lead collaboration with our partners in the planning, design, and construction of public facilities through quality service, expertise, and knowledge sharing. Our Goals: To build quality facilities that promote excellence. To facilitate projects that are well planned, on time, and on budget. To embrace innovation and encourage continuous growth. To cultivate partnerships for success. To learn more about us, check out our OFCC website ! What You'll Do: Internal & External Communications Draft, edit, and distribute a wide range of communications, including press releases, event briefings, newsletters, email updates, social media posts, website content, fact sheets, talking points, and staff memos. Develop and maintain consistent messaging, brand voice, and visual standards across all OFCC materials. Review content updates for the OFCC website and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube) to highlight projects, programs, and achievements. Oversee production and distribution of GovDelivery messages (RFQs, bid opportunities, training announcements, etc.). Event Coordination & Management Plan, coordinate, and execute OFCC events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, stakeholder meetings, and public outreach events. Develop event-specific communications (executive briefings, invitations, programs, press materials, follow-up thank-you notes, and post-event recaps). Capture event content (photos, short videos, quotes) for use on social media, the website, and future materials. Media Relations & Spokesperson Serve as the primary media spokesperson for OFCC, handling press inquiries, preparing statements, and coordinating interviews (print, radio, TV, digital). Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and media outlets covering education, construction, and state government. Monitor media coverage, assist in preparing media clips/reports, and advise leadership on media strategy and responses. Additional Responsibilities Collaborate with internal teams (Planning, Procurement, Legal, etc.) and external partners (school districts, A/E firms, contractors) to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent messaging. Assist in developing and tracking communications metrics (engagement, reach, sentiment) to evaluate effectiveness. Participate in strategic planning for the Public Affairs & Communications team. 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. Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, or event management (public sector or construction-related experience strongly preferred). Proven ability to write clearly and concisely across multiple formats. Strong media relations skills and comfort serving as a spokesperson. Experience in planning and executing professional events with multiple stakeholders. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, social media platforms, email marketing tools (e.g., GovDelivery), and basic graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite a plus). Excellent organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of Ohio government processes, education policy, or the construction industry is a plus. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and 2–3 writing samples (press release, newsletter, or speech excerpt preferred) as part of their application. 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. Who We Are: The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) oversees capital projects undertaken by state agencies and state-supported institutions of higher education; manages Ohio's school facility programs which provide support for the construction and renovation of public K-12 schools; and administers the funding for community-based cultural and sports facilities projects. The Commission sets uniform rules, procedures, and standardized documents for state construction under Chapter 153. The legislature established the Commission in 2012 with the merger of the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) and the former Office of State Architect. In 2013, the Commission undertook oversight of the cultural facilities grants program. In 2017, the legislature further folded all OSFC duties and responsibilities into the Commission, thereby consolidating guidance and oversight for its various programs into one entity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, or event management (public sector or construction-related experience strongly preferred).
• Proven ability to write clearly and concisely across multiple formats.
• Strong media relations skills and comfort serving as a spokesperson.
• Experience in planning and executing professional events with multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, social media platforms, email marketing tools (e.g., GovDelivery), and basic graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite a plus).
• Excellent organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Ohio government processes, education policy, or the construction industry is a plus.
• Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and 2–3 writing samples (press release, newsletter, or speech excerpt preferred) as part of their application.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit, and distribute a wide range of communications, including press releases, event briefings, newsletters, email updates, social media posts, website content, fact sheets, talking points, and staff memos.
• Develop and maintain consistent messaging, brand voice, and visual standards across all OFCC materials.
• Review content updates for the OFCC website and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube) to highlight projects, programs, and achievements.
• Oversee production and distribution of GovDelivery messages (RFQs, bid opportunities, training announcements, etc.).
• Plan, coordinate, and execute OFCC events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, stakeholder meetings, and public outreach events.
• Develop event-specific communications (executive briefings, invitations, programs, press materials, follow-up thank-you notes, and post-event recaps).
• Capture event content (photos, short videos, quotes) for use on social media, the website, and future materials.
• Serve as the primary media spokesperson for OFCC, handling press inquiries, preparing statements, and coordinating interviews (print, radio, TV, digital).
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and media outlets covering education, construction, and state government.
• Monitor media coverage, assist in preparing media clips/reports, and advise leadership on media strategy and responses.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Planning, Procurement, Legal, etc.) and external partners (school districts, A/E firms, contractors) to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent messaging.
• Assist in developing and tracking communications metrics (engagement, reach, sentiment) to evaluate effectiveness.
• Participate in strategic planning for the Public Affairs & Communications team.

Benefits

• 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 )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level