GREATER OHIO JOB OPPORTUNITY – COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST – JUNE 15, 2009

Greater Ohio, the state’s smart growth organization, promotes – through research, public education and grassroots advocacy – public policy to grow Ohio’s economy and improve the state’s quality of life through intelligent land use. Toward this end, Greater Ohio works to advance policies and programs that revitalize urban and metropolitan areas, strengthen regional cooperation, and protect Ohio’s natural resources. We are non-partisan, non-profit, and foundation-funded. We currently have an opening for a Communications Specialist.

Job Duties:

Develops and maintains relationships with media outlets throughout Ohio to promote Greater Ohio’s programs and policies; coordinates and assists in conducting public relations efforts through various media; serves as primary media contact and resource for individuals and groups seeking information from Greater Ohio; reviews media coverage; forms short and long-term media strategies for Greater Ohio.

Plans and directs all copy for educational material for Greater Ohio; creates and disseminates educational material to the public and partners to promote Greater Ohio’s programs; works with the media to establish Greater Ohio as a leader in smart growth and reinforces our brand and strategic priorities; manages the design and on-going maintenance of Greater Ohio’s website and blog.

Advises and consults with staff regarding public relations strategies; serves as resource person for information on positive public presentation of Greater Ohio’s programs and activities; performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills:

Excellent writing ability is a must as well as a proven ability to write press releases, newsletters, blog entries and business correspondence; k nowledge of public relations, journalism, and communications techniques; expertise with viral media and knowledge of Creative Suites and Dreamweaver; ability and desire to work in a team-based environment. Knowledge of a range of smart growth issues is a plus, as is a personal commitment to sustainable development.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communications and 2 - 3 years experience in media communication techniques and relations, including news writing, reporting, technical report translation.

Pay is dependent on experience, and will be in the range of other non-profits based in Columbus.  Hours are expected to be full time, and benefits are offered.  Travel is minimal.  Please respond with resume, no more than three writing samples and cover letter by July 1 st to Dawn Larzelere, Policy Director of Greater Ohio at dlarzelere@greaterohio.org.