<p>What You'll Do:</p> <p>No ag background, no problem! You'll learn all about agriculture from our top-notch experts who dedicate their lives to a cleaner, safer, better Ohio. This position directly assists the Division of Soil & Water Conservation's H2Ohio Program. H2Ohio is Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio's waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization.</p> <p>Collaboration and partnership are important. The Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio EPA, and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission each have a significant role to play including reducing nutrient runoff, creating wetlands, and improving access to clean drinking water and quality sewer systems. Find more information online!</p> <p>The Communications Office is seeking a proactive and motivated professional to manage the communication needs of the H2Ohio Program. We're looking for someone who is organized, able to work independently, and eager to contribute to an up-beat and hard-working team. We believe in a positive, collaborative and creative work environment - having fun is required!</p> <p>This position is responsible for:</p> <ul> <li>Under the direction of the Communication Director, responsible for all H2Ohio Program communication for the department </li><li>Leads agency H2Ohio communications strategy, planning, and deliverables </li><li>Serves as the H2Ohio communications administrator in Communication Director's absence </li><li>Conducts and organizes meetings with relevant divisions to review H2Ohio communications strategy and deliverables </li><li>Leads all agency H2Ohio communications efforts and correspondence, reports, and information dissemination </li><li>Acts as lead writer, planner, and executor of the H2Ohio Annual Report </li><li>Prepares and provides information to the general public, key stakeholders, private organizations, and other government officials in the form of presentations, graphics, literature, and speech writing </li><li>Contributes content to the H2Ohio website and social media platforms </li><li>Responds to inquiries from media requests and general public calls </li><li>Sets up interviews for agency Director & key leadership to fulfill media requests & communicates with state-wide media contacts </li><li>Acts as liaison for media contacts for assigned divisions & helps develop in-house media contact list and maintain relationships with various outlets </li><li>Develops & maintains ongoing communication with ODA divisions to develop stories & events to pitch to media </li><li>Writes & posts to social media; writes & distributes press releases; & transcribes & posts content to ODA website </li><li>Reviews & copy-edits public relations materials (e.g., press releases, speeches, digital materials, educational materials, social media posts, website copy) </li><li>Works with division leadership on communication materials, presentations & interviews </li><li>Creates & distributes internal ODA newsletters </li><li>Builds external relationships with ODA constituencies </li><li>Assists in planning activities that promote & protect ODA reputation </li><li>Develops, prepares, types, proofs & issues news releases to media &/or public advisory groups (e.g., statewide commodity organizations) </li><li>Develops relevant videos for ODA social media outlets, website and distribution elsewhere (e.g., enterprise ideas, gather information, interviews, video & log, write & edit or dictate editing to videographer) </li><li>Advises & consults with ODA Director & staff regarding public relations aspects (e.g., public relations strategies & projects) </li><li>Serves as resource person for information on positive public presentation of agency programs & activities </li><li>Assists in creation, organization, set-up & execution of media events </li><li>Travels to off-site events/appearances with Director & other Senior Staff </li><li>Takes pictures & creates social media posts at ODA/Director events </li><li>Responds to crisis media situations as directed </li><li>Travels to attend meetings, public information sessions, seminars &/or trainings </li><li>Provides information about agency activities to agency personnel, other agencies, & general public by responding to written inquiries, telephone calls & requests for speeches &/or presentations </li><li>Develops & presents materials for special projects &/or displays & delivers speeches & gives presentations </li></ul> <p>We Support Diversity and Inclusion:</p> <p>ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of these principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.</p> <p>What's in it for you:</p> <p>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:</p> <p>Medical Coverage</p> <ul> <li>Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan. </li></ul> <p>Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance</p> <ul> <li>Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are available the following month after your hire date. </li></ul> <p>Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance</p> <ul> <li>Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave </li><li>11 paid holidays per year </li><li>Childbirth/Adoption leave </li></ul> <p>Ohio Public Employees Retirement System</p> <ul> <li>OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of his/her salary towards his/her retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee's salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information. </li></ul> <p>Deferred Compensation</p> <ul> <li>The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information. </li></ul> <p>Maternity Benefits</p> <ul> <li>12 weeks paid childbirth leave at 70% with option to supplement to 100% </li><li>Expanded maternity health care benefits available to state employees enrolled in the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med NN (narrow network) medical plan options. Several prenatal, childbirth, and post-childbirth services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to employees utilizing network providers. </li><li>Examples of services now covered by network providers at 100% include: </li></ul> <p>o Prenatal care, including physician visits and examinations.</p> <p>o Home health care services designated as maternity care (for expectant members on bed rest).</p> <p>o Inpatient claims for all types of delivery.</p> <p>o Inpatient NICU claims, from birth through discharge.</p> <p>o Postpartum care, including office visits for follow-up, and procedures/treatments directly related to maternity.</p> <ul> <li>Medications prescribed for both antepartum and postpartum conditions (e.g., morning sickness, postpartum depression). Medical services provided by non-network providers will be processed at the applicable coinsurance, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits. </li><li>Prescription drugs that are directly related to maternity care are covered with no copay. The State of Ohio has collaborated with the prescription drug third-party administrator (OptumRx) to provide a list of covered medications that can be approved for zero copay via prior authorization from providers. </li></ul> <p>Completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communication</p> <p>AND</p> <p>12 months experience in public multi-media techniques & relations in field of journalism or communication</p> <p>AND</p> <p>Valid driver's license.</p> <p>OR</p> <p>36 months experience 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</p> <p>AND</p> <p>Valid driver's license</p> <p>OR</p> <p>12 months experience as Public Information Officer 1, 64421</p> <p>AND</p> <p>Valid driver's license</p> <p>OR</p> <p>Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above</p> <p>Preferred candidates will have experience with graphic design & public speaking, working with the media, and working with government entities.</p>