Communications Administrator (Program Administrator 3)

On July 4, 2023, Governor DeWine signed into law Ohio House Bill 33 (H.B. 33), which created the Ohio Deaf Blind Education Services (ODBES) agency. ODBES is one agency with multiple divisions including the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB), the Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD), Statewide Services and Outreach (SSO), and the Early Learning Services (ELS). ODBES operates under the control and supervision of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). DEW appoints a superintendent to provide support for deaf and blind education services including supervising the state school for the deaf and the state school for the blind. H.B. 33 abolished the individual superintendent positions for both state schools and transfers their powers and duties to the current superintendent, Dr. Lou Maynus, for ODBES.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Starting Pay and Wage Progression - In accordance with standard State of Ohio practices, new employees are typically hired at Step 1 of the designated pay range, unless otherwise specified by applicable laws, administrative rules (ORC/OAC), or collective bargaining agreements; Employees who demonstrate successful performance are generally eligible for advancement to the next step in the pay range after six months, with additional step increases occurring annually thereafter, pending continued satisfactory performance.

The State of Ohio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age (40 years or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment-related decisions about an individual.

The Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Kimberly Basil at or .

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to submit a urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to an appointment. The State will decline to extend a final offer of employment to any applicant with a verified positive test result. Also, an applicant with a positive test result will not be considered for a position with the State of Ohio for a period of one year.

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.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period

Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year

Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave

Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)

Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

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