Strategic Communications Leader — Deputy Director

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

COLA adjustments

Salary progression

Employee resource groups

Excellent benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The State of Oregon, through its ODHS Communications Unit, seeks a Deputy Communications Director to lead audience engagement, digital strategy and media relations. This role oversees a multidisciplinary team, aligns resources with agency goals, and partners with leaders to deliver clear, accessible government communications.

We value equity, customer-centric design, and data-driven performance to enhance public service delivery and trust.

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership to translate priorities into campaigns for a large organization.
• Campaign development using research, data, and feedback to engage audiences.
• Innovative, audience-centered approaches with digital platforms and storytelling.
• Executive counsel to leaders on priorities, risks and crisis responses.
• Staff leadership, coaching and cultivating a psychologically safe team.
• Operational leadership to manage resources and adapt plans in fast-paced env.

Responsibilities

• Plan, launch, and oversee marketing campaigns targeting diverse audiences.
• Track KPIs like ROI and engagement to inform strategies.
• Guide use of web, social media, multimedia, and design to raise awareness.
• Supervise staff, set expectations, delegate and mentor.
• Advise on clear, accessible information reflecting user experiences.
• Advise leaders on audience engagement and crisis communications.
• Review and approve media responses, news releases, and talking points.
• Improve workflows and manage vendor contracts as needed.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Campaign development

Innovation and creativity

Executive counsel

Staff leadership

Operational leadership

Equity and engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The State of Oregon, through its ODHS Communications Unit, seeks a Deputy Communications Director to lead audience engagement, digital strategy and media relations. This role oversees a multidisciplinary team, aligns resources with agency goals, and partners with leaders to deliver clear, accessible government communications.

We value equity, customer-centric design, and data-driven performance to enhance public service delivery and trust.