Director of communications

We are seeking a creative and collaborative executive level team member to develop and enact internal and external communications for the OPD. You will be responsible for identifying and recommending communication strategies that ensure consistent and positive brand image across internal and external channels to support our agency’s goals, mission, vision and values. You will work both independently and collaboratively, and the role will require you to routinely pivot and innovate. You will manage media relations, web content, social media strategy, and press releases. You will serve as an agency spokesperson, lead efforts to build and manage relationships with the media. You will supervise a Public Information Officer 1 and an Administrative Professional 4. You will report to the Director of Legal and Public Affairs Division, and serve in an advisory capacity to them, the agency’s two Assistant Directors, and the State Public Defender.

We are looking for candidates with technical expertise in all aspects of communications and public affairs, and at least five years of demonstrated experience in implementing or managing strategic communication initiatives while creatively using limited resources. We are further seeking expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing complex projects, working in a team environment, proactively building professional relationships with stakeholders, ability to be innovative and creative in communication work, and successfully supporting communication efforts in a government agency.

Your job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Manage media relations, including social media.
  • Build and nurture relationships with media representatives.
  • Develop internal expectations for media communications.
  • Help to manage public perception of the work we do, including informing the public of community events, arguments, office developments, and service work.
  • Create and post videos and social media content.
• Craft compelling content
  • Build comprehensive communications plans for compliance publications, big projects, rollouts, budget, and more.
  • Independently draft messaging on indigent defense and operations for Director and Assistant Directors (press releases, speeches, videos, web content, memos).
• Help plan and promote agency events
  • Assist with advertising for trainings and events.
  • Assist with recruitment messaging and strategy.
  • Lead internal communications to highlight work.
• Serve as liaison to and communicate with key stakeholders
• Serve as supervisor
  • Assign, review, and approve work for content and accuracy.
  • Prioritize and approve work schedules and itineraries; Approve bi-weekly time and requests for leave and travel expenses.
  • Identify training needs and provide or arrange training opportunities.
  • Coach and develop staff – hold team and one-on-one meetings, set meaningful goals, provide support, and complete timely performance evaluations.
    
    

When you submit your application, please upload a Resume and a Cover Letter indicating how you are best qualified for this position and why you feel you are the best fit at the Ohio Public Defender’s Office.

The Director of Communications (Deputy Director 2) position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s E-2 Pay Range 42. Target compensation for this position is $100,000 - $115,000.

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HCM at 614-466-5394 or [email protected].

Job Skills: Communications; Executive Leadership; Creativity; Collaboration; Decision Making; Establishing Relationships; Strategic Thinking. Technical expertise in communications and public affairs. Preferred qualifications: At least five years of experience in implementing or managing strategic communication initiatives.

Organization

Public Defender Commission

Agency Contact Name and Information

Josh Barton, [email protected]

Unposting Date

Nov 2, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$37,211 - $130,957

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Communications

Technical Skills

Communications, Executive Leadership

Professional Skills

Collaboration, Creativity, Decision Making, Establishing Relationships, Strategic Thinking

Agency Overview

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

Our Mission:Advocating. Fighting. Helping.

Our Vision: A Fair Justice System.

Our Values : Compassion. Dignity. Equity. Integrity. Service. Community.

We are committed to building a work environment where all team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public in our pursuit of fairness and justice for all people.

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