Chief Communications Officer

Chief Communications Officer

About the Ohio Department of Aging

The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is a cabinet-level agency within the executive branch of the Ohio state government. The director of ODA is a member of the Governor's cabinet, serving as principal advisor and advocate for 2.8 million older adults and their families. Through services, supports, and activities that cover a wide spectrum of issues, ODA strives to achieve its mission to foster sound public policy, research, and initiatives that benefit older Ohioans.

ODA is the federally designated agency responsible for developing and administering multi-year state plans that advocate for, and provide assistance to, older Ohioans and their families. In addition to the centralized functions, the agency designates and contracts with community providers and a network of 12 Area Agencies on Aging, who manage a wide array of federal and state-funded supportive services. These services assist older adults to live as independently as possible; promote healthy aging and active community involvement; and support family members in their vital care giving role.

To promote the agency’s vision of Ohio – the best place to age in the nation, ODA actively collaborates with consumers, stakeholders from key associations, government, and the public. The independent Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Board of Executives of Long-Term Services and Supports are also located within ODA.

Core values:

• Promote Independence - Provide resources that foster independence and autonomy throughout the lifespan.
• Empower Communities - Deliver sustainable, relevant solutions that empower communities to act within the best interest of their elders.
• Challenge Ageism - Promote new perspectives of aging that challenge the traditional declinist narrative.
• Advocate for Excellence - Advocate with and for Ohio’s elders to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
• Engage in Innovation - Engage the aging network by staying innovative, flexible, and attentive to the evolving needs of our partners and stakeholders.

About the Role

ODA is looking for a dynamic leader to join the Executive Leadership Team as head of the agency’s Communications Division. The Chief Communications Officer has responsibility for the leadership and management of the budget, operations, policy-making, and strategic direction of the Communications Division.

The job duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• Supervising a team of communications, design, and marketing professionals;
• Managing multi-million-dollar communications projects;
• Establishing and driving a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with the vision, mission, and key priorities of the department and administration;
• Creating and implementing a crisis communications plan;
• Leading the creation of content, design, and messaging that will favorably build the department’s brand across all media platforms (digital and traditional);
• Representing the agency on all communication matters, while providing strategic counsel to senior leadership;
• Building strong relationships with stakeholder groups, including federal, state, and local agencies, elected officials, community partners, journalists, providers, and consumers;
• Designing compelling annual reports and specialized documents for the administration, legislature, regulators, researchers, public, and others;
• Monitoring progress and executing in a timely manner; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

At the end of the first year in this position, indicators of success include:

• Professional and inclusive environment among staff and peers.
• Establishment and implementation of a successful multi-channel, strategic communications and marketing plan.
• Creation of a crisis communications plan.
• Development of clear and captivating targeted communications for diverse audiences.
• Launch of an effective stakeholder engagement strategy.
• Measurement of progress and evaluation of the communications strategy.

Ideal Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field is required, with an advanced degree desirable.
• Management experience, with a steady increase in responsibilities, preferably within the health and human services industry.
• Skilled in crisis communications and fast response strategies.
• Knowledgeable in communications, marketing, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficient in managing large-scale, complex projects and budgets.

Perks

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field is required, with an advanced degree desirable.
• Management experience, with a steady increase in responsibilities, preferably within the health and human services industry.
• Skilled in crisis communications and fast response strategies.
• Knowledgeable in communications, marketing, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficient in managing large-scale, complex projects and budgets.

Travel Statement

Travel is required, as needed. The selected candidate must be able to provide their own transportation or must have a valid driver's license in order to operate a state vehicle.

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.