Communications & Events Specialist - Public Information Officer 1
State of Ohio, Columbus, OH, United States
Overview
Job Description - Communications & Events Specialist - Public Information Officer 1 (260002DK) Organizational details and basic information are provided by the agency below. The role supports communications, outreach, and constituent services for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS). Organization
Agency Contact Name and Information: Jason Spaulding / Jason.Spaulding@dvs.ohio.gov Unposting Date
Unposting Date: Apr 6, 2026, 10:59:00 PM Work Location
Riffe Tower 07 77 South High Street 7th Floor Columbus 43215 Primary Location
United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus Compensation: $29.34 Schedule
Full-time Union: Exempt from Union Primary Job Skill
Communications Technical Skills: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Customer Service, Graphic Arts, Veteran Services Professional Skills: Collaboration, Creativity, Organizing and Planning, Public Speaking, Written Communication
Agency Overview: The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) hasthe declared mission of "empowering veterans and their families to thrive through commitment, compassion, & community". Founded in 2008, ODVS serves veterans through programs, events, resources, and outreach that honor veterans. For more information, see the ODVS annual report (2025). What’s In It For You
Starting Hourly Pay: $29.34 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 Full benefits package: view at careers.ohio.gov
Position Summary
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; supports constituent services, and fosters interagency collaboration to advance the Department’s mission. Essential Duties
Strategic Communications & Public Information 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 with legal and program staff. Create and manage social media content and calendars; monitor engagement; align messaging with agency priorities and outreach campaigns. Community & Constituent Relations 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. Interagency & Program Liaison 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. Event & Program Leadership 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. Digital, Design & Tools Utilize
Adobe Creative Cloud
(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. Projects & Initiatives Develop and administer special programs, projects, and veterans’ initiatives as assigned; track outcomes and report results to leadership. Benefits
Note: The State of Ohio offers a variety of benefits, including medical coverage, retirement options, time off, and development opportunities. Refer to the full benefits package for details. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications 30 months of experience in journalism or communication dealing with public multimedia techniques & relations, public speaking, news writing, reporting & editing or technical report translation & communication dealing with public meetings; valid driver’s license. Or completed undergraduate core program in journalism or communication with 6 months of relevant experience; valid driver’s license. Or 12 months of experience as Public Information Specialist, 64420; valid driver’s license. Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above. Preferred Qualifications 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. Job Skills:
Communications Supplemental Information
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New hires must participate in the State of Ohio Direct Deposit of Paycheck Program. The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and ADA Services provider. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services does not discriminate in employment or services based on race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or military status. Please inform HR of any accommodation needs for interviews. ADA Statement: Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State. The State is committed to access and reasonable accommodation under the ADA and other laws. Drug-Free Workplace: Ohio prohibits marijuana use; position may be subject to Drug-Free Workplace Policy requirements.
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Job Description - Communications & Events Specialist - Public Information Officer 1 (260002DK) Organizational details and basic information are provided by the agency below. The role supports communications, outreach, and constituent services for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS). Organization
Agency Contact Name and Information: Jason Spaulding / Jason.Spaulding@dvs.ohio.gov Unposting Date
Unposting Date: Apr 6, 2026, 10:59:00 PM Work Location
Riffe Tower 07 77 South High Street 7th Floor Columbus 43215 Primary Location
United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus Compensation: $29.34 Schedule
Full-time Union: Exempt from Union Primary Job Skill
Communications Technical Skills: Digital Marketing, Marketing, Customer Service, Graphic Arts, Veteran Services Professional Skills: Collaboration, Creativity, Organizing and Planning, Public Speaking, Written Communication
Agency Overview: The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) hasthe declared mission of "empowering veterans and their families to thrive through commitment, compassion, & community". Founded in 2008, ODVS serves veterans through programs, events, resources, and outreach that honor veterans. For more information, see the ODVS annual report (2025). What’s In It For You
Starting Hourly Pay: $29.34 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 Full benefits package: view at careers.ohio.gov
Position Summary
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; supports constituent services, and fosters interagency collaboration to advance the Department’s mission. Essential Duties
Strategic Communications & Public Information 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 with legal and program staff. Create and manage social media content and calendars; monitor engagement; align messaging with agency priorities and outreach campaigns. Community & Constituent Relations 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. Interagency & Program Liaison 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. Event & Program Leadership 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. Digital, Design & Tools Utilize
Adobe Creative Cloud
(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. Projects & Initiatives Develop and administer special programs, projects, and veterans’ initiatives as assigned; track outcomes and report results to leadership. Benefits
Note: The State of Ohio offers a variety of benefits, including medical coverage, retirement options, time off, and development opportunities. Refer to the full benefits package for details. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications 30 months of experience in journalism or communication dealing with public multimedia techniques & relations, public speaking, news writing, reporting & editing or technical report translation & communication dealing with public meetings; valid driver’s license. Or completed undergraduate core program in journalism or communication with 6 months of relevant experience; valid driver’s license. Or 12 months of experience as Public Information Specialist, 64420; valid driver’s license. Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above. Preferred Qualifications 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. Job Skills:
Communications Supplemental Information
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New hires must participate in the State of Ohio Direct Deposit of Paycheck Program. The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and ADA Services provider. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services does not discriminate in employment or services based on race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or military status. Please inform HR of any accommodation needs for interviews. ADA Statement: Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State. The State is committed to access and reasonable accommodation under the ADA and other laws. Drug-Free Workplace: Ohio prohibits marijuana use; position may be subject to Drug-Free Workplace Policy requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr