Communications Administrator (Program Administrator 3)

Schedule: Full-time

Serves as an unclassified employee pursuant to Section 124.11 (A) (9) O.R.C.

Acts on behalf of the Superintendent (e.g., provides program direction for staff; administers statewide agency programs; ensures compliance with state and federal program requirements in matters related to communications and stakeholder engagement): Provides oversight of communications, public relations, community engagement, and internal and external communications across all divisions of ODBES including the Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD) and the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB); assumes full responsibility and authority for communications-related functions in the Superintendent’s absence.

Provides regular direction to division administrators and other staff members, including communications personnel, to ensure agency-wide communication strategies are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with ODBES's mission and strategic plan priorities; conducts staff meetings to discuss and execute policies and procedures, promoting coordination and alignment of communications services across all divisions.

Develops, revises, and implements communication programs, policies, and campaigns to strengthen ODBES’s public profile: Prepares and directs preparation of correspondence, reports, policy statements, legislative drafts; develops public-facing materials such as press releases, newsletters, and digital content in multiple accessible formats (e.g., ASL, captioned video, braille-ready files); provides information on programs and policies to private organizations, government officials and general public;; leads crisis communication planning and response.

Designs and executes strategies to increase awareness of ODBES including OSSB, OSD, the Early Learning Services (ELS), and Statewide Services and Outreach (SSO) among legislators, families, alumni, education partners, and community organizations: Oversees social media, website content, and digital platforms to ensure consistent and accessible messaging; builds and maintains relationships with media partners, advocacy groups, and statewide networks.

Orients and trains communications staff; identifies ongoing training and development needs especially in inclusive communication practices, accessible technology, and interpreting standards; supervises personnel in support of public information functions.

Performs other related duties as assigned: Represents ODBES at meetings and conferences with state, federal and community agencies; speaks for administrator on policy matters related to communications, public engagement, language access, and interpreting services; oversees budget preparation and administration for the communications office.

5 yrs. trg. or 5 yrs. exp. in business administration, management or public administration.

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in business administration, management or public administration; 36 mos. trg. or 36 mos. exp. in supervisory, administrative &/or managerial position.

-Or completion of undergraduate core program for academic field of study commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on File; 36 mos. trg. or 36 mos. exp. in supervisory, administrative, managerial &/or staff position involving planning, research &/or policy/procedure development.

-Or 1 yr. exp. as Program Administrator 2, 63123.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Strong preference will be given to candidates who have achieved an Intermediate or higher rating on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI).

Candidates must demonstrate a willingness to acquire American Sign Language (ASL) skills if not already proficient.

Job Skills: Program Management, Communications, Education, Marketing, Public Relations, Technical Writing, Attention to Detail, Creativity, Organizing and Planning, Proofreading, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication, Written Communication