Deputy Communications Director

Oregon Department of Human Services

. Serve as one of two Deputy Communications Directors for the Oregon Department of Human Services .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeSalem • Oregon • United StatesLead💰 $7,537 - $11,657 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement effective communications strategies, utilizing digital platforms and data analytics to enhance audience engagement and improve customer experience. Proven ability to advise on strategic priorities and manage high-profile issues while fostering a collaborative and psychologically safe work environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Digital Marketing CampaignsAudience Engagement StrategiesTeam Leadership and SupervisionData Analytics and Performance MetricsCrisis Communication Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

SEOSEMSocial Media ManagementContent DevelopmentMultimedia StorytellingCreative DesignCampaign EvaluationStrategic CommunicationResource AllocationPublic Engagement

Soft Skills

Coaching and DevelopmentCollaborationCultural HumilityEffective DelegationPsychological Safety

Tools & Technologies

Analytics ToolsDigital PlatformsEmail Marketing SoftwareContent Management SystemsSocial Media Tools

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsCommunity EngagementGovernment CommunicationCrisis ManagementOrganizational Priorities

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as one of two Deputy Communications Directors for the Oregon Department of Human Services
Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for audience engagement, digital strategy, creative content and design, outreach and media relations
Plan, launch, and oversee digital and traditional marketing campaigns, including SEO, SEM, social media, email and content
Use customer insights, emerging trends and performance data to develop strategies that strengthen awareness of ODHS services and improve customer experience
Partner with agency leaders to establish strategic priorities, align resources with organizational goals, manage complex and highly visible issues, and measure team impact
Seek and use feedback from service users and community partners to identify opportunities, test approaches and improve government engagement
Strengthen team practices, develop staff and provide coverage for the Communications Director when needed
Use analytics tools to track KPIs, ROI, engagement rates and conversion metrics
Guide web, social media, multimedia, design, storytelling and emerging platforms
Supervise and mentor staff, set expectations, delegate effectively and foster a collaborative, psychologically safe environment
Champion clear, plain-language and accessible information
Advise agency leaders on audience engagement, emerging issues, reputation, media relations and responses to complex or high-profile situations, including emergencies
Review and approve media responses, news releases, talking points and other public-facing content
Improve workflows, standards and resource management; oversee vendor contracts as applicable
Maintain frequent contact with the public, community partners, ODHS leadership and the Governor’s Office
Provide communications advice and support by phone at any hour when necessary during emergencies

Requirements

What you’ll need

A valid driver’s license or alternate transportation is needed
Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR three years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field
Demonstrated experience translating organizational priorities into effective communications campaigns and public engagement strategies for a large or highly visible organization
Ability to identify and understand diverse audiences and use research, data and feedback to develop, implement and evaluate campaigns and strategies
Demonstrated ability to develop, test and improve creative, audience-centered approaches using digital platforms, social media, multimedia storytelling, design and emerging technologies
Demonstrated ability to advise leaders on strategic priorities, sensitive and high-profile issues, reputational risks, and effective engagement strategies including during emergencies or crises
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop staff, establish clear expectations, delegate effectively and hold staff accountable while creating a psychologically safe environment
Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands, allocate resources, and deliver quality outcomes in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
Demonstrated ability to practice cultural humility, build collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations and diverse communities, and use community input to shape accessible and culturally responsive communications strategies and materials
Cover letter and resume are required
Must complete the work history profile and provide detailed work and education history
Must be authorized to work in the United States; ODHS does not offer visa sponsorship
Must pass criminal history and background check if selected as a finalist
Must follow applicable security protocols and procedures

Benefits

Comp & perks

ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning
Cost of Living Adjustments
Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range)
Amazing benefits package
Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference for eligible candidates