Communications Program Manager

NW Natural; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation days 23

Sick time 80 hours

10 holidays + 3 floating holidays

Parental leave 3 weeks

401K match

Job summary

NW Natural is seeking a Communications Program Manager in Portland, OR, offering a hybrid work schedule. The role leads communication strategies for major projects and guides engagement with customers, communities, and stakeholders from planning through delivery.

You will collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Engineering and Community Relations to align messaging with project goals. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 8+ years in corporate communications, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Communications or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years of experience in corporate communications or public relations.
• Proven experience with corporate reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working in a collaborative, client-service oriented team and coordinating responsibilities.
• Experience in issues management, media relations and crisis communications.

Responsibilities

• Partner with project teams and internal groups to align communications with project goals.
• Conduct situational analyses early in the lifecycle to identify risks and engagement needs.
• Develop and execute messaging, outreach and participation plans for customers and communities.
• Create communications materials such as fact sheets, presentations, talking points, FAQs and updates.
• Manage media relations and support proactive outreach tied to projects.
• Oversee external contractors, budgets and community investment activities.
• Track feedback and adjust communication strategies to meet regulatory requirements.

Skills

Writing skills

PowerPoint

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Project management

Team collaboration

Public policy

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Job description

Communications Staff; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)

Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents.

Regular FT, Exempt

Posting # 5564

About Us:

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.

In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.

NOTE

Employees based at our Headquarters are required to work on-site a minimum of two days per week. Specific in‑office days may vary by team and business needs. This hybrid schedule supports collaboration, connection, and engagement while also offering flexibility for remote work.

The Role:

The Communications Program Manager leads communication strategies for major projects, guiding stakeholder engagement, community outreach and issue management from planning through delivery. This role partners across teams to assess risks, develop messaging and outreach plans, and ensure activities align with company values, regulatory requirements and project goals while building trust with customers and communities.

Day to Day:

• Partner with project teams and internal groups such as Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Engineering and Community Relations to align communications with project goals.
• Conduct situational analyses early in the project lifecycle to identify risks, concerns and engagement needs.
• Develop and execute messaging, outreach and participation plans for customers, communities and stakeholders.
• Create communications materials such as fact sheets, presentations, talking points, FAQs and outreach updates.
• Manage media relations, including responding to inquiries and supporting proactive outreach tied to projects or initiatives.
• Oversee external contractors, budgets and community investment activities that support engagement efforts.
• Track feedback, monitor issues and adjust communication strategies to meet regulatory requirements and project needs.

Come on your first day with:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Communications or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in corporate communications environment or public relations agency.
• Proven experience with corporate reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to work on a highly collaborative, client-service oriented team, and coordinate responsibilities openly with others within the organization.
• Experience in issues management, media relations, crisis communications required.
• Proven ability to gain trust quickly and to maintain confidentiality and credibility within the company and when dealing with the media.
• Experience in the energy sector and public policymaking a plus.
• Proven experience working with digital mediums and online community engagement.
• Requires excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Experience in planning and implementing communications plans and projects; track record of meeting deadlines; ability to juggle multiple topics and projects at once; and increasing responsibility.
• Must be self‑directed, team focused and results oriented.
• Experience in the Incident Command System, or willingness to be trained/certified.
• Requires PowerPoint skills, as well as other digital platforms and project management tools.

What we offer:

Health & Wellness –

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform

Work Life Balance -

• Up to 23 Vacation Days
• 80 Hours of Sick Time
• 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• 3 weeks paid parental leave
• Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
• 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
• Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
• Wellness incentive program

Discounts -

• 20% off natural gas service
• Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
• TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
• Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless

Base salary range:

$110,250.00 - $157,100.00 per year, depending on qualifications

Annual Target Incentive:

Grade 21, 9.5% target

Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% – 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.

Deadline

9/22/26

Disclosure

We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information

NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at [e-mail] or [phone].

NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.