Public Information Officer 1 - 20080907

Organization

Commerce
Agency Contact Name and Information: Katy Zappia, katy.zappia@com.ohio.gov or (614) 995-7009
Unposting Date

Jul 21, 2026, 3:59:00 AM
Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus
Compensation: Pay range 11, Step 1: $30.22/hour
Schedule

Full-time
Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Union: Exempt from Union
Primary Job Skill

Communications
Technical Skills: Business, Customer Service, Operational Support
Professional Skills: Creativity, Listening, Responsiveness, Strategic Thinking
The Mission of the Ohio Department of Commerce is promoting prosperity by protecting what matters most.
As the state’s chief regulator, the Department of Commerce impacts Ohioans every day. We are motivated by our mission to promote prosperity for businesses and licensees by protecting what matters most to the residents of our state. We ensure compliance through proactive outreach, education, and customer-focused service.
Commerce is comprised of nine operating divisions and one standalone program that span a variety of industries including real estate, liquor, banking, securities, firefighting, construction and skilled trades, and cannabis. Through exceptional compliance practices and oversight, Commerce has a direct role in protecting Ohioans.
Making an IMPACT for the customer:
Inclusive
Motivated
Proactive
Accountable
Customer-Focused
Teamwork
The Division of Administration provides overall leadership and administrative support for all Divisions. The Division includes the Office of Director, Communications, Fiscal, Human Resources, IT, Legal and Legislative Affairs.
The Division of Administration is seeking candidates to fill a Public Information Officer 1 (PIO 1) position within Communications. The PIO 1 will perform the following job duties under the Communications Director which include but are not limited to:
Plans, directs, and administers all public information within assigned divisions, including news releases and social media content.
Responds to media inquiries and public records requests and develops proactive pitches with media based on division initiatives.
Helps create video strategy, content, programs, and materials such as brochures, pamphlets, and other publications. Serves as resource person for information on agency programs and activities, as well as first edits on speeches for Director and Superintendents.
Handles sensitive and confidential contacts and inquiries from the industry, business representatives and the public.
Plays a key role in identifying and developing content to share internally with employees, such as articles that highlight the agency’s work, for inclusion in the agency’s weekly internal newsletter and intranet.
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)
*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.
Qualifications

30 months of experience in journalism or communication dealing with public multimedia techniques and relations, public speaking, news writing, reporting and editing or technical report translation and communication dealing with public meetings; valid driver’s license.
Or completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communication; 6 months of experience in public multimedia techniques and relations in the field of journalism or communication; 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.
Job Skills: Communications
Applications must clearly indicate how the applicant meets the minimum qualification for the position. If you meet minimum qualification due to educational achievement, please submit a copy of your unofficial transcript(s) with your application. All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by information provided in the work experience and/or education sections on your civil service application. Please do not use “see resume” as a substitution for the completed application; assumptions will not be made.
Application Status: You can check the status of your application online by signing into your profile. Careers to which you’ve applied will be listed. The application status is shown to the right of the position title and application submission details.
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.
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
on-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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