Change & Engagement Team Communications Specialist (Rotational Opportunity - State Employees Only)

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

10d•$6,581 - $10,105•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Driver & Motor Vehicle (DMV) Services Division, Innovation and Planning Service Group (IAP) / Change & Engagement Team (CET) Section in Salem is seeking a Change & Engagement Team Communications Specialist. This role is a rotational opportunity open only to current State of Oregon employees in permanent positions and in good standing. The specialist will help shape how DMV communicates with employees, customers, and partners by developing communication strategies that encourage the adoption of new technologies, services, and initiatives. The goal is to improve access to services, advance transparency, and build trust through clear, timely, and effective communication. This position will design and execute strategic public affairs and public information plans aligned with DMV’s strategic action plans and the Governor’s goals. It offers a chance to make a visible impact on projects that enhance customer experience and help employees navigate change. This is a rewarding and meaningful role for individuals who enjoy strategic communication, collaboration, and solving complex communication challenges. The opportunity is scheduled to last until 12/31/26, but the duration may change based on business needs. ODOT provides a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. They encourage applications from all backgrounds and abilities.

Requirements

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.
Valid US driver license and an acceptable driving record.
Must be a current State of Oregon employee in a permanent position and in good standing (limited duration and temporary employees not eligible).
Must have manager’s approval before applying for this assignment.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
Experience with a wide range of writing techniques to inform and persuade different audiences with various levels of comprehension.
Experience with media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral and visual media.
Extensive knowledge with theories, principles and techniques of organizational and interpersonal communication.
Knowledge in statistical analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

Plan long-range communications, public education and outreach strategies.
Supervise the writing and production of publications about agency programs.
Research, write and edit internal and external messages including social media posts, news articles, web content and talking points for employees.
Create content for the intranet and internet.
Create and execute change and communication strategies that may include user experience testing, customer journey mapping, social media kits, partner media kits and toolboxes, internal communication guides, listservs, newsletters, surveys and focus groups.
Advise on and create key messages for executive leaders, managers, and customer-facing staff to encourage strategic initiatives, public affairs issues, and projects.
Develop and oversee an ongoing DMV engagement strategy to reinforce internal and external communication, public awareness, and customer feedback loops to support DMV strategic planning.
Serve as a communications resource during legislative sessions and consult with management and create presentations for legislative committees and the executive branch.
Provide ongoing assistance for executive branch and legislative branch communications, including advising and preparing weekly, monthly and periodic reports to documenting the progress on DMV key performance metrics, change initiatives, and key strategies.
Advise and contribute to DMV websites strategies and information architecture to make sure customers and partners can easily find the information they need.