Job description

STRS Ohio, STRS

The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is seeking an experienced and dynamic communications professional to join its senior management team as Chief Communication Officer (CCO). Reporting directly to the executive director, the CCO will oversee and direct the activities of the Communication Services Department, with an emphasis on developing and implementing STRS Ohio’s communication strategies. The CCO will lead efforts to shape the external reputation of the retirement system through traditional and digital media, including acting as the system’s primary spokesperson and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders.

STRS Ohio is one of the nation’s leading retirement systems serving over 500,000 active, inactive and retired public school teachers and university faculty members, managing approximately $90 billion in assets and paying more than $7 billion in benefits annually.

STRS Ohio provides competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package including on-site parking, educational assistance, medical, dental, and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits, and an on-site fitness center.

STRS Ohio provides rewarding work in a professional, business casual work environment and welcomes, celebrates and promotes respect for everyone. We are continually seeking bright and talented individuals to join our team.

General Summary:
Under the direction of the executive director, oversee and direct activities of the Communication Services Department, with an emphasis on developing and implementing State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio’s (STRS Ohio) communication strategies. Develop strategic messaging and lead efforts shaping the external reputation of the retirement system through traditional and digital media, including acting as the system’s primary spokesperson. Develop, foster and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build a comprehensive communication and public affairs strategy and communication program to support STRS Ohio’s mission, vision and organizational goals, including proactive and responsive messaging across all forms of media.

• Direct the work required to achieve public understanding of STRS Ohio through media relations, video, social media, digital communications, marketing and design. Oversee the development of communication strategies, programs and relationships strengthening STRS Ohio’s reputation.

• Identify opportunities for stakeholder education, both broadly and with targeted advocacy group campaigns, to provide relevant, timely, accurate information.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for STRS Ohio.

• Develop and maintain crisis communication plans and procedures.

• Advise senior leadership on critical stakeholder issues, provide advice and counsel on emerging issues and trends. Continually research and evaluate current industry trends and practices as part of an overall public affairs and communication strategy.

• Augment the efforts of the STRS Ohio government relations staff to build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders including government officials and their staffs.

• Oversee formal and informal risk assessments; anticipate, identify and prepare responses to issues that could become controversial with members, stakeholders or the media.

• Provide leadership, managerial direction and performance management to the associates in Communication Services, with emphasis on professional growth and development. Develop succession plan for key positions within the department.

• Using quantitative and qualitative metrics, evaluate the effectiveness of communication programs and make recommendations for improvement.

• Prepare and present special projects and reports to staff and retirement board as directed.

• Supervise content and design of STRS Ohio internet sites for members and employers and intranet site for associates.

Required Skills*
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities*:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing or a related field required.

• Master’s degree in business administration or communication preferred.

• Fifteen years’ experience in the communication area required.

• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR designation) preferred.

• Knowledge of public pension environment preferred.

• Experience working with statewide officeholders or other elected officials preferred.

• Superior writing and communication skills and proven accomplishments in a variety of mediums including publications, speeches, presentations, web and video.

• Ability to develop integrated communication solutions that solve business challenges and/or help improve quality, service, cost and speed.

• Ability to work with and preserve confidential information required.

• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and communications with a wide spectrum of people, including senior-level management.

• Strong analytical skills and capacity for translating complex, legalistic subject matter into understandable terms with accuracy.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully, meeting deadline and budget constraints.

• Comprehensive working knowledge of leading-edge tools and techniques used in print, Web-based and multimedia communications.

• Ability to effectively manage creative teams and processes.

• Commitment to establishing and maintaining a standard of excellence for the organization in all types of communication.

• Proven ability to operate Microsoft Office programs and standard office equipment required.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment while meeting deadlines with minimal direct supervision required.

• Excellent work record of attendance, punctuality and the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet business needs. Occasional evening, weekend and non-regular work hours may be required.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the persons so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of associates under supervision.

Required Experience

Job Type: Full-time

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