Strategic Initiatives Manager

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior advisor of Strategic Initiatives, the Strategic Initiatives Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the state to advance the Secretary of State’s initiatives. This role coordinates statewide efforts to strengthen partnerships, support civic engagement programs, and promote election and business initiatives.

The Strategic Initiatives Manager represents the Secretary of State’s office at meetings with community organizations, assists in planning and executing events, and ensures effective communication with external partners. Additionally, the role involves drafting communications, preparing reports, and cross-training on all civic engagement programs to enhance public awareness and participation.

This position requires strong interpersonal, communication, and event planning skills to successfully engage with diverse audiences and foster collaboration in support of the office’s strategic goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Conduct and coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen relationships between the Secretary of State’s office and external partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the state.
• Serve as a primary point of contact, maintaining constant communication with stakeholders.

Program & Initiative Development

• Develop and cultivate election and business initiatives in alignment with the office’s strategic goals.
• Support and promote civic engagement programs, such as:
• Protecting Our Protectors
• Grads Vote
• Youth at the Booth
• Annual Conference
• Cross-train on all civic engagement programs to ensure comprehensive awareness and support.

Event Planning & Representation

• Represent the Secretary of State’s office at community organization meetings and other external engagements.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of internal and external events.
• Ensure events align with strategic goals and foster engagement with key audiences.

Communication & Reporting

• Draft communications related to strategic initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and civic programs.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on daily activities and outreach efforts.
• Provide updates and insights to the Senior Advisor of Strategic Initiatives on initiative progress.

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)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Community Engagement & Outreach Strategies – Best practices for building relationships with stakeholders and engaging diverse audiences.
• Event Planning & Coordination – Processes for organizing and executing internal and external events.
• Public Relations & Communications – Effective communication techniques for interacting with stakeholders, community organizations, and the public.
• Government Structure & Processes – Understanding the role of the Secretary of State’s office and its initiatives related to elections and business development.
• Civic Engagement Programs – Awareness of initiatives such as Protecting Our Protectors, Grads Vote, Youth at the Booth, and the Annual Conference.

Skills in:

• Verbal & Written Communication – Ability to clearly convey information through reports, presentations, emails, and public speaking.
• Networking & Relationship Building – Establishing and maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders across the state.
• Event Planning & Logistics – Organizing, coordinating, and executing events that align with the office’s strategic goals.
• Multitasking & Time Management – Managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships effectively.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Addressing challenges, identifying solutions, and adapting outreach strategies as needed.

Ability to:

• Develop & Maintain Stakeholder Relationships – Engage with external partners, community leaders, and organizations to promote the office’s initiatives.
• Draft & Edit Communications – Create reports, emails, and promotional materials related to strategic initiatives.
• Represent the Office Professionally – Attend meetings, events, and engagements as an official representative of the Secretary of State’s office.
• Analyze & Report on Program Impact – Gather data, assess outreach effectiveness, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Work Independently & Collaboratively – Operate autonomously while coordinating with internal teams and external partners.

This position is Unclassified per ORC 124.11 (A) (30)

Background check and drug screening required prior to employment

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.