Public Information Officer 2- 20067769

BWC’s core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across BWC departments. Most positions perform work on-site at one of BWC’s seven offices across the state. BWC offers flex-time work schedules that allow an employee to start the day as early as 7:00am or as late as 8:30am. Flex-time schedules are based on operational need and require supervisor approval.

What You'll Be Doing:
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Communications, this position leads the development, planning, execution, and evaluation of strategic marketing and communications initiatives for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The role supports agency-wide priorities and provides comprehensive communications oversight to multiple divisions, including Employer Services, Special Investigations, Finance, and Investments. This position is responsible for managing cross-platform messaging, media relations, executive communications, stakeholder outreach, and the creation of high-quality content that informs, engages, and supports BWC’s diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Marketing

• Develops, implements, and manages integrated communications and marketing strategies across BWC divisions.
• Creates and executes communication plans supporting agency initiatives, programs, and operational priorities.

• Ensures internal and external messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligned with BWC’s mission and values.

Content Creation & Distribution

• Produces a wide range of communications materials, including brochures, handouts, news releases, talking points, website/online content, Hub articles, training materials, PowerPoints, video scripts, GovDelivery messages, and social media content.
• Leads development and publication of the BWC Annual Report.

• Produces, writes, edits, and coordinates video projects.

Media Relations & Public Information

• Writes and disseminates press releases announcing agency updates, news, Board of Directors meetings, and rate changes.
• Provides direct media relations support to the Chief of Communications; responds to media inquiries and coordinates media requests across divisions.
• Communicates BWC policies and procedures to news media and association groups.
• Plans and coordinates media events, press conferences, and public announcements.

Executive Communications

• Writes speeches, talking points, stories, and articles for the Administrator/CEO and executive leadership.
• Supports communications needs for speaking engagements, press opportunities, special initiatives, and major agency events.

Stakeholder Outreach & Engagement

• Leads outreach to external stakeholders including employers, injured workers, trade associations, labor unions, chambers of commerce, and government entities.
• Oversees development of social media strategy and alignment with broader agency communications.
• Designs and monitors outreach metrics and reporting tools.

Project & Event Leadership

• Leads communications, design, and outreach teams in developing informational materials and campaigns.
• Participates in agency-wide events and special projects such as the Fallen Workers Memorial, Ohio Safety Congress, and the One Agency Celebration.
• Ensures all communications projects are well-planned, timely, and impactful.

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervises assigned staff, providing guidance, direction, workload management, performance oversight, and hiring support.

Consultation & Agency Representation

• Advises the Chief of Communications on public relations strategies, media inquiries, marketing campaigns, and best practices across traditional and digital media.
• Represents BWC Communications in multi-agency communication groups and statewide initiatives.

• Supports strategic placement of advertisements and public education campaigns.

Additional Duties

• Produces special written communications as needed.
• Evaluates public information processes and supports administrative functions related to publications and services.
• Travels to conferences and seminars to remain current on communications technologies, trends, and strategies.

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.

To Qualify, You Must Clearly Demonstrate:
Required Experience and/or Education:

• 36 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 AND 12 mos. exp. in public multi-media techniques & relations in field of journalism or communication AND valid driver's license.

• Or 12 mos. exp. as Public Information Officer 1, 64421 AND valid driver's license.

• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
  
  Job Skills: Communications

Major Worker Characteristics:
Knowledge of Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC), Divisional & Departmental policies & standard operating procedures*; public & human relations; journalism; communications; multi-media techniques; budgeting.
Skill in PC, typing, BWC software (e.g. Microsoft Office products) *.
Ability to deal with many variables & determine specific actions; prepare & deliver speeches to specialized audiences & general public; use proper research methods in gathering data; write &/or edit articles for publication; handle sensitive inquiries from & contacts with government officials, media contacts & members of the general public.

(*) developed after employment

EEO & ADA Statement:
The State of Ohio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees due to protected classes as defined in applicable federal law, state law, and any effective executive order.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment opportunities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. To request reasonable accommodations related to disability, pregnancy, or religion, please contact the ADA mailbox BWCADA@bwc.ohio.gov.

Salary Information:
Hourly wage is expected to be paid at step 1 of the pay range associated with the position for candidates who are new employees of the state. Current employees of the state will be placed in the appropriate step based on any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code. Movement to the next step of the pay range (a roughly 4% increase) will occur after six months, assuming job performance is acceptable. Thereafter, an employee will advance one step in the pay range every year until the highest step of the pay range is reached. There may also be possible cost of living adjustments (COLA) and longevity supplements begin after five (5) years of state service.

Transportation:
Position may require travel; therefore, persons occupying this position must be able to provide own transportation &/or legally operate a state-owned vehicle.

Educational Transcripts:
For any educational achievements to be considered during the screening process, you must at least attach an unofficial transcript that details the coursework you have completed.

All applicants must submit an Ohio Civil Service Application using the online Ohio Hiring Management System. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Background Check:
Prior to an offer of employment, the final applicant will be required to sign a background check authorization form and undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a 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.

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.