Internal Communications Coordinator

Salary:$70,304.00 - $82,721.60

Location: 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Benefits:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Internal Communications Coordinator plays a key role in planning, developing, and delivering clear, timely, and engaging internal communications that support COTA's employees and organizational priorities. This position partners across divisions to translate complex information into accessible, relevant content for a diverse workforce operating in a variety of environments.

This position serves as a primary contributor to COTA's internal communications ecosystem, including The Loop, COTA's employee intranet and centralized hub for news, resources, and organizational updates, while also supporting broader internal storytelling, leadership communications, employee engagement campaigns, and internal marketing initiatives. This role requires strong writing skills, sound editorial judgment, relationship-building capabilities, and a data-informed approach to measuring communication effectiveness.

Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Draft, write, and edit internal communications, including news stories, announcements, leadership messages, memos, talking points, FAQs, and campaign materials.
• Work with departments across the organization to gather information and help ensure messages are accurate, timely, and aligned with COTA's priorities.
• Assist in carrying out internal communication plans and initiatives that support employee awareness and engagement.
• Attend events, meetings, and employee activities to gather content and identify potential stories that highlight COTA's culture and workforce.
• Track internal communications metrics and share findings to help improve content and distribution.
• Apply established internal communications best practices based on guidance, data, and employee feedback.
• Record and edit video messages from leadership and employees to support internal communication needs.
• Create, post, update, and maintain approved content for The Loop, COTA's employee intranet.
• Suggest story ideas based on awareness of agency activities, milestones, and employee achievements.
• Work with division liaisons to help keep intranet content accurate, relevant, and engaging.
• Maintain photo libraries and shared intranet assets, ensuring they stay organized and up to date.
• Participate in operator training sessions and support efforts to increase employee use of The Loop.
• Monitor intranet and communications analytics and report observations that may support improvements.
• Provide coordination support for internal marketing materials, campaigns, and other collaborative projects.
• Schedule and assist with logistics for leadership video series and executive communication efforts.
• Support annual internal campaigns with Human Resources, including but not limited to open enrollment, biometric screenings, and the United Way giving campaign.
• Assist in preparing and distributing sensitive internal communications in partnership with leadership and Human Resources.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Requires a bachelor degree in communication, public relations, journalism or related field and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communication, public affairs or media relations. At least three (3) years' experience in creative communication with ability to utilize SharePoint and coordinate production of internal video preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status