Communications & Events Specialist - Public Information Officer 1

Ohio Department of Administrative Services • Columbus, OH

4d • $29

About The Position

Assists and advises the Communications Director and DVS leadership on issues affecting Ohio’s veteran community; represents the Department at meetings, public engagements, and statewide outreach events; and supports constituent services, and interagency collaboration to advance the Department’s mission.

Requirements

• 30 mos. exp. in field of journalism or communication dealing in public multi-media techniques & relations, public speaking, news writing, reporting & editing or technical report translation & communication dealing in public meetings; valid driver's license.
• Or completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communication; 6 mos. exp. in public multi-media techniques & relations in field of journalism or communication; valid driver's license.
• Or 12 mos. exp. as Public Information Specialist, 64420; valid driver's license.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
• Job Skills: Communications

Nice To Haves

• Experience building media relationships and responding to media inquiries/public records requests.
• Experience producing multimedia content (video strategy, photography, web editing).
• Government or public‑sector experience; knowledge of Ohio’s veteran services network and benefits programs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct news releases, talking points, and public‑facing publications; ensure clear, consistent messaging across channels.
• Draft, edit, and proof speeches, press releases, newsletters, web copy, and related materials for executive leadership; prepare briefings, directives, and reports for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate media relations: respond to media inquiries, prepare background materials, develop proactive pitches, and support public records responses in collaboration with legal and program staff.
• Create and manage social media content and calendars; monitor engagement; and align messaging with agency priorities and outreach campaigns.
• Serve as ombudsman for sensitive and confidential constituent affairs; evaluate issues and coordinate referrals to appropriate programs or agencies; provide guidance on veteran benefits and resources.
• Assist State of Ohio Senators and Representatives with veteran‑related questions and problem resolution; ensure timely, accurate responses and case follow-through.
• Draft detailed correspondence to constituents, stakeholders, and partners to ensure clear, timely communication.
• Act as liaison between DVS and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, state agencies, and County Veterans Service Offices regarding compensation, pension, education, and burial benefits.
• Transmit departmental decisions and directives; maintain strong relationships with federal, state, county, and community partners.
• Lead coordination of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and other special events; including program analysis and execution, communications materials, event logistics, status reports, and budget maintenance; recommend improvements to the Communications Director.
• Utilize Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere) for layout, graphics, photography/video editing, and multimedia content, support event collateral and digital outreach.
• Use Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams/SharePoint) for document creation, reporting, presentations, and cross‑team collaboration.
• Maintain and update web content and digital platforms to ensure accuracy, timeliness, accessibility, and brand consistency.
• Develop and administer special programs, projects, and veterans’ initiatives as assigned, track outcomes and report results to leadership.

Benefits

• Starting Hourly Pay: $29.34
• Incredible Medical Coverage begins the 1st of the month following your Start Date
• Generous Benefits Package Including Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and Personal Leave
• Retirement/pension, deferred compensation, credit union benefits available
• View our full benefits package on https://careers.ohio.gov/why-work-for-state-of-ohio

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees