Director, Strategic Communications

STRS Ohio, STRS

STRS Ohio is seeking a Director, Strategic Communications to join the Executive/ Communications and Public Affairs team.

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 a 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:

$162,830 - $207,609

Work Schedule:

8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday (Onsite)

General Summary:

Under the direction of the chief communication officer, leads communications staff and oversees the development, coordination and delivery of materials and special projects for members, employers, board members, media, associates and other key stakeholders. Plans, directs and facilitates State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) messaging and communication programs, applying creativity, sound judgment and initiative to ensure communications are accurate, effective and appropriate. Oversee the development and production of STRS Ohio publications, collaborates with Member Services on communication policies and strategies and support social media activities. In partnership with the manager, Visual Communications, directs member-focused communications and leads special projects assigned by the chief communication officer.

Summary of Responsibilities:

- Partner with the chief communication officer, senior staff and State Teachers Retirement Board to develop and deliver public relations strategies and communications programs that position STRS Ohio as a trusted provider of financial security.
- Provide visionary managerial direction and performance management for team, with a strong emphasis on professional growth and succession planning in alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
- Establish and maintain quality standards for the appearance, content, accuracy, consistency and usability of STRS Ohio communications across print, digital and other channels.
- Provide strategic counsel on public relations and communication issues and help develop and annually update long-range communication plans, strategies and timetables for key audiences.
- Direct market research, including surveys and focus groups and use findings to develop strategic messaging, marketing plans and measures of communication effectiveness.
- Plan, write, edit, proofread and execute communications, publications, reports, executive materials, campaigns and key messages for members, associates and other audiences.
- Collaborate with internal clients, executive staff, designers and print production associates to develop materials, coordinate approvals and mailing logistics, verify information and keep projects on schedule.
- Support social media strategy and execution by reviewing content, aligning posts with member communication initiatives and strategic goals, and assisting with posting and monitoring as needed.
- Support media relations, coordinate news monitoring and assist with content and design for member and employer websites and the associate intranet.
- Direct and lead responses to member and stakeholder inquiries while ensuring messaging is clear, coordinated and aligned across the organization.
- Assist in developing annual department budget and tracking spending.
- Present to the State Teachers Retirement Board as necessary.

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, English, political science, communications or public relations required.
- At least 10 years’ experience in communications required; knowledge of the public pension or public agencies preferred.
- Supervisory experience required.
- Exceptional writing and communication skills, with proven accomplishments across publications, speeches, presentations, web, video and social media.
- Ability to develop integrated, cost-effective communication solutions that address business challenges and improve quality, service, cost and speed.
- Ability to conduct research, analyze trends, stay current on industry issues and make sound recommendations to management.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex, legalistic subject matter into clear, accurate and understandable terms.
- Ability to work with and preserve confidential information required.
- Superior interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior-level leadership and elected officials.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully, meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
- Ability to effectively manage creative teams and processes.
- Commitment to transparency, trust building and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven ability to operate Microsoft Office programs and standard office equipment with familiarity in leading edge communication tools and platforms required.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment while meeting deadlines with minimal direct supervision required.
- Excellent work record of attendance, punctuality and the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet business needs. Occasional evening, weekend and non-regular work hours may be required.

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.