Responsibilities

• Partner with the chief communication officer, senior staff and State Teachers Retirement Board to develop and deliver public relations strategies and communications programs that position STRS Ohio as a trusted provider of financial security.
• Provide visionary managerial direction and performance management for team, with a strong emphasis on professional growth and succession planning in alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Establish and maintain quality standards for the appearance, content, accuracy, consistency and usability of STRS Ohio communications across print, digital and other channels.
• Provide strategic counsel on public relations and communication issues and help develop and annually update long-range communication plans, strategies and timetables for key audiences.
• Direct market research, including surveys and focus groups and use findings to develop strategic messaging, marketing plans and measures of communication effectiveness.
• Plan, write, edit, proofread and execute communications, publications, reports, executive materials, campaigns and key messages for members, associates and other audiences.
• Collaborate with internal clients, executive staff, designers and print production associates to develop materials, coordinate approvals and mailing logistics, verify information and keep projects on schedule.
• Support social media strategy and execution by reviewing content, aligning posts with member communication initiatives and strategic goals, and assisting with posting and monitoring as needed.
• Support media relations, coordinate news monitoring and assist with content and design for member and employer websites and the associate intranet.
• Direct and lead responses to member and stakeholder inquiries while ensuring messaging is clear, coordinated and aligned across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, political science, communications or public relations required.
• At least 10 years’ experience in communications required; knowledge of the public pension or public agencies preferred.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with proven accomplishments across publications, speeches, presentations, web, video and social media.
• Ability to develop integrated, cost-effective communication solutions that address business challenges and improve quality, service, cost and speed.
• Ability to conduct research, analyze trends, stay current on industry issues and make sound recommendations to management.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex, legalistic subject matter into clear, accurate and understandable terms.
• Ability to work with and preserve confidential information required.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior-level leadership and elected officials.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully, meeting deadlines and budget constraints.