Communications Strategist

State of Oregon; Oregon (WI); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Transportation seeks a senior communications strategist to lead public affairs for the road usage charge program and related legislative efforts. You will shape messaging, coordinate government and media relationships, and guide campaigns informing Oregonians about payment requirements and program benefits.

Responsibilities include developing long-range communication plans, managing marketing and outreach statewide, and advising leadership on policy and communications

Qualifications

• Eight years of related experience with five at the professional level.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral or social science, or related field with five years of professional level experience in public relations or public affairs.
• Valid U.S. driver license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication strategies and long-range plans for the agency and Oregon's road usage charge program.
• Plan and lead statewide marketing and outreach efforts to launch and increase awareness of agency programs.
• Establish new communication policies, procedures and standards.
• Evaluate and prepare reports and recommendations to agency and program staff.
• Develop, procure and manage consultant contracts for public marketing and education campaigns.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local governments, community organizations, private sector partners, other state agencies and news media.
• Respond to media inquiries and provide guidance to leadership.
• Develop and supervise the creation of digital and physical communication materials.
• May require working outside of traditional work hours and traveling statewide.

Skills

Marketing campaigns

Strategic communications

Verbal communications

Written communications

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Public Affairs Specialist 3 – Communications Strategist

Initial Posting Date: 09/15/2026 Application Deadline: 10/06/2026 Agency: Department of Transportation Salary Range: $6,581 - $10,105 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Communications Strategist

Job Description: Oregon Department of Transportation Communications Section Salem

The role:

In this role, you will serve as the agency’s senior level strategic communications expert for Oregon’s road usage charge (RUC) program and the legislative effort (HB 3991) to make this program required for electric and hybrid vehicles starting in July 2027. You will plan and develop public affairs and public information/education campaigns to inform the public on who needs to pay the road usage charge and how to pay it. You’ll also help set program policy, provide strategic communication counsel to management, create and manage strategic communications for the Governor’s Office, legislature, federal, state and local officials around the implementation of the road usage charge and represent ODOT at meetings, to public groups and the media. We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive.

A day in the life:

• Develop and implement communication strategies and long-range plans that advance goals and priorities of the agency and Oregon’s road usage charge program.
• Plan and lead statewide marketing and outreach efforts to launch and increase awareness of agency programs.
• Establish new communication policies, procedures and standards.
• Evaluate and prepare reports and recommendations to agency and program staff.
• Develop, procure and manage consultant contracts for public marketing and education campaigns.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local governments, community organizations, private sector partners, other state agencies and news media.
• Respond to media inquiries and provide guidance to leadership.
• Develop and supervise the creation of digital and physical communication materials.
• May require working outside of traditional work hours and traveling statewide.
• Hybrid work options available – frequency of hybrid work will be based on business needs.

To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s in it for you:

Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer. Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying. The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum qualifications:

Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level. OR A 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.

Special Qualifications:

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What we’d like to see:

• 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.

Additional information:

We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension]. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process. We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies. We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position. You will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affluent Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.

Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process.

For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT).

This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700.

Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Oregon is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”