Senior Public Relations Specialist (4736-02) at Hamilton County Government

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Jun, 26

Salary

29.28

Posted On

24 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Public Relations, Communications Strategy, Media Relations, Executive Communications, Crisis Communications, Digital Communications, Content Strategy, Risk Assessment, Messaging Strategy, Press Releases, Media Advisories, Talking Points, Multimedia Content, Emergency Response, Public Information, Social Media

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Job Title: Senior Public Relations Specialist Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Your Benefits of Working for Hamilton County! * Starting Pay: $29.28 an hour * Generous Paid Time Off: 11 Paid Holidays, three weeks of vacation in the first year, immediately accruing paid sick time, and paid parental leave. * Ohio Public Employee Retirement System which includes 14% Employer Contribution and a defined benefit option. * Highly Competitive and Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, HRA, Dental, Vision, Employer-Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility, Free On-Site Parking, Wellness Incentives, robust Employee Assistance Program, access to Free Medical and Rx through Marathon Health, plus expansive Behavioral and Mental Health Resources, and More! We serve the residents of Hamilton County in more ways than you may realize! As a Senior Public Relations Specialist at Hamilton County, you serve as a lead subject-matter expert for high-impact, high-visibility communications affecting multiple departments, County leadership, and the public. You plan, advise on, and deliver complex digital, media, and executive-level communications related to major County initiatives, sensitive issues, and crisis or emergency events. You perform this work by leading high-risk and high-profile communications projects, advising Commissioners, the County Administrator, and Directors on messaging strategy, producing and overseeing sophisticated multimedia content, and ensuring timely, accurate, and effective public information during routine operations and critical incidents. Your work requires advanced professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate under pressure, including outside normal business hours, to protect public trust and the County’s reputation Summary of Job Duties: * Leads the development and execution of communications strategies for major County initiatives, multi-department projects, and high profile or sensitive issues. * Serves as a senior advisor to Commissioners, the County Administrator, Department Directors, and executive leadership on messaging approach, audience impact, risk considerations, and timing of communications. * Independently drafts and coordinates executive-level communications including press releases, media advisories, executive statements, talking points, presentations, and scripted messaging for high-visibility County initiatives and events. * Leads or plays a primary role in developing and delivering communications during emergencies, crisis events, and sensitive or high-risk situations impacting public safety, County operations, finances, or public trust. * Provides afterhours and on-call communications support as required, including drafting and disseminating time-sensitive internal and external communications. * Leads countywide digital communications initiatives and standards by overseeing complex content strategies across platforms including websites, social media, and mass communications systems. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communication, or a closely related field. * Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, communications, media relations, or a closely related field. * Or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting on a year-for-year basis for the education and experience requirements above. * Valid driver’s license issued by the state of residency. Work Location and Hours: * 138 E.Court St. Cincinnati, Oh. 45202 * 40 Hour Work Week, generally between core hours of 7:30-5:30 Deadline to Apply: April 6, 2026 Be part of our Team! We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a second-chance employer and a recovery friendly workplace.

Responsibilities

This role involves leading high-risk and high-profile communications projects, serving as a lead subject-matter expert for complex digital, media, and executive-level communications affecting multiple departments and the public. The specialist advises County leadership on messaging strategy and ensures timely, accurate public information during routine operations and critical incidents.