Public Information Officer

Organization

Commerce

Agency Contact Name and Information:
Katy Zappia, katy.zappiao.gov or

Jul 21, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation:
Pay range 11, Step 1: $30.22/hour

Full-time

Work Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Union:
Exempt from Union

Communications

Technical

Skills:

Business, Customer Service, Operational Support

Professional

Skills:

Creativity, Listening, Responsiveness, Strategic Thinking

The Mission of the Ohio Department of Commerce is promoting prosperity by protecting what matters most.

As the state’s chief regulator, the Department of Commerce impacts Ohioans every day. We are motivated by our mission to promote prosperity for businesses and licensees by protecting what matters most to the residents of our state. We ensure compliance through proactive outreach, education, and customer-focused service.

Commerce is comprised of nine operating divisions and one standalone program that span a variety of industries including real estate, liquor, banking, securities, firefighting, construction and skilled trades, and cannabis. Through exceptional compliance practices and oversight, Commerce has a direct role in protecting Ohioans.

Making an IMPACT for the customer:

• Inclusive
• Motivated
• Proactive
• Accountable
• Customer-Focused
• Teamwork

The Division of Administration provides overall leadership and administrative support for all Divisions. The Division includes the Office of Director, Communications, Fiscal, Human Resources, IT, Legal and Legislative Affairs.

The Division of Administration is seeking candidates to fill a Public Information Officer 1 (PIO
1) position within Communications. The PIO 1 will perform the following job duties under the Communications Director which include but are not limited to:

• Plans, directs, and administers all public information within assigned divisions, including news releases and social media content.
• Responds to media inquiries and public records requests and develops proactive pitches with media based on division initiatives.
• Helps create video strategy, content, programs, and materials such as brochures, pamphlets, and other publications. Serves as resource person for information on agency programs and activities, as well as first edits on speeches for Director and Superintendents.
• Handles sensitive and confidential contacts and inquiries from the industry, business representatives and the public.

Plays a key role in identifying and developing content to share internally with employees, such as articles that highlight the agency’s work, for inclusion in the agency’s weekly internal newsletter and intranet.

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)

* 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.

• 30 months of experience in journalism or communication dealing with public multimedia techniques and relations, public speaking, news writing, reporting and editing or technical report translation and communication dealing with public meetings; valid driver’s license.
• Or completion of undergraduate core program in journalism or communication; 6 months of experience in public multimedia techniques and relations in the field of journalism or communication; valid driver’s license.
• Or 12 months of experience as Public Information Specialist, 64420; valid driver’s license.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
• Job
  
  Skills:
  
  Communications

Applications must clearly…