Communications Strategist

Oregon Department of Human Services

. Serve as the agency’s senior-level strategic communications expert for Oregon’s road usage charge program and HB 3991 implementation .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeSalem • Oregon • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $6,581 - $10,105 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications, public affairs, and community engagement, with a strong focus on developing and implementing effective communication strategies and campaigns. Proven ability to manage media relations and build partnerships across various sectors.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic CommunicationsPublic AffairsCommunity EngagementMarketing Campaign ManagementEffective Verbal And Written Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Public RelationsCommunications PlanningMedia RelationsStorytellingEvent OrganizationNews Release WritingDigital Communication Materials DevelopmentConsultant Contract ManagementCampaign EvaluationOutreach Strategy Development

Soft Skills

LeadershipCollaborationInterpersonal CommunicationProblem SolvingAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid U.S. Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Road Usage Charge ProgramHB 3991 ImplementationPublic Information CampaignsStatewide Marketing EffortsGovernment RelationsCommunity PartnershipsPaid Media Campaigns

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the agency’s senior-level strategic communications expert for Oregon’s road usage charge program and HB 3991 implementation
Plan and develop public affairs and public information/education campaigns
Inform the public about who needs to pay the road usage charge and how to pay it
Help set program policy and provide strategic communication counsel to management
Create and manage strategic communications for the Governor’s Office, legislature, and federal, state, and local officials
Represent ODOT at meetings, public groups, and with the media
Develop and implement communication strategies and long-range plans
Plan and lead statewide marketing and outreach efforts
Establish communication policies, procedures, and standards
Evaluate and prepare reports and recommendations
Develop, procure, and manage consultant contracts for public marketing and education campaigns
Build and maintain partnerships with governments, community organizations, private-sector partners, state agencies, and news media
Respond to media inquiries and guide leadership
Develop and supervise digital and physical communication materials
Work outside traditional hours and travel statewide as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Eight years of experience directly related to the position, with five years at the professional level; OR
Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field and five years of professional-level experience in public relations or public affairs
Valid U.S. driver's license and acceptable driving record
Experience managing marketing and paid media campaigns
Knowledge of strategic communications and effective communications planning
Effective verbal and written communications, including storytelling
Proven experience organizing community engagement events
Experience writing news releases, giving on-air interviews, and pitching stories to media
Application materials must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer
Cover letter limited to no more than two pages and addressed to Kevin Glenn, Communications Director
Completion of application questionnaire
Must be able to work in the U.S.; employer does not offer visa sponsorship
Final candidates subject to criminal background, driving license, LEDS, and/or education verification checks as applicable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work/life balance
11 paid holidays a year
Flexible work schedules
Paid leave
Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity
Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range
Salary range increases by 6.95% for participating or eligible PERS members
Potential veteran or Oregon National Guard preference
Hybrid work options