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STRS Ohio is seeking a Chief Communication Officer to join the Executive/ Communications and Public Affairs team. At STRS Ohio, our mission is to serve and support those who dedicate their lives to education. As Chief Communication Officer, you will play a vital role in strengthening trust, transparency, and engagement with our members, retirees, and the broader community. We are seeking a leader who is passionate about making a difference and elevating the voices of those we serve.
Established in 1920 and serving Ohio’s educators, STRS Ohio is one of the nation’s largest retirement systems, serving nearly 550,000 active, inactive, and retired public-school teachers, and university faculty members, managing approximately $96.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, 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, subsidized medical insurance, fully paid dental and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and on-site fitness center. At STRS Ohio, you can experience rewarding work in a professional, business casual work environment. We welcome, celebrate, and promote respect for everyone. We are continually seeking bright and talented individuals to join our team.
Compensation:
$209,886 – $267,605
Work Schedule:
8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday (Onsite)
General Summary:
Under the direction of the executive director, lead State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) comprehensive communication and public affairs strategy to strengthen trust, transparency and engagement with members, retirees, legislators and other stakeholders. This role requires a visionary leader who can proactively manage reputation, drive strategic messaging and execute innovative communication initiatives across traditional, digital and social platforms. Serve as the system’s primary spokesperson and a key advisor to senior leadership during periods of heightened scrutiny and organizational change.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute an integrated communication and media strategy (both proactive and reactive) aligned with STRS Ohio’s Mission, Vision and organizational goals, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and trust-building.
- Stakeholder Segmentation: Design tailored communication plans for distinct audiences; members, retirees, legislators, advocacy groups and the public, ensuring relevance and clarity.
- Digital & Social Media Strategy: Lead the development of a robust digital and social media program, leveraging analytics to optimize engagement and sentiment across platforms.
- Crisis Communication: Maintain and continuously improve crisis communication plans and procedures to ensure timely, accurate and empathetic messaging during critical events.
- News Media Relationships: develop and maintain professional relationships with national and Ohio news media that cover STRS Ohio, including Statehouse bureau reporters, editorial page editors and news media throughout Ohio where STRS Ohio may have events and activities. Understand financial trade media outlets that cover pension systems.
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.
Summary of Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field required.
- Master’s degree in business administration or communication preferred.
- Fifteen years’ progressive experience in communications, with demonstrated success in high-profile, high-scrutiny environment (public sector or pension systems an added plus) required.
- Experience working with statewide officeholders or other elected officials preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of crisis communication, reputation management and change management principles.
If you are committed to serving others and ready to make a lasting impact to Ohio’s educators, we invite you to apply and join our team.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Statement
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment-related decisions about an individual.
Visa/Sponsorship
To be offered a position with STRS Ohio, you must be either a U.S. citizen or possess proper legal authorization to work in the U.S. for the type of job you are seeking. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
ADA Statement
STRS Ohio is committed to ensuring access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodations across all its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Posting Drug-Free Workplace Statement
The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is a drug-free workplace. The use of recreational marijuana and non-medical cannabis is strictly prohibited.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing
All final candidates tentatively selected for employment will be required to undergo a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. This screening includes testing for illegal substances, including marijuana. A positive test result will disqualify the applicant from employment unless valid medical documentation is provided for legally prescribed medications or a physician’s recommendation for medical marijuana.
Pre-Employment Background Investigation
The final candidate selected for this position will be subject to a criminal background check. STRS Ohio will conduct an individualized assessment of any prior criminal convictions before making a determination regarding employment eligibility.
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