Communications Director
About The Position
The office of Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner (D – Lake Oswego) seeks a talented, hardworking, experienced communications professional to join the team as Communications Director. President Wagner has served in the Oregon Senate since 2018 and served as Senate President since 2023. The Senate President’s Office leads the legislative, budget and administrative work of the Oregon Senate. The communications director plays a central role in shaping how the Senate President and the Senate Majority communicate with Oregonians, the press, and key stakeholders. This is a fast-paced, high‑visibility environment where clarity, strategy, and collaboration drive success. The communications director is the Senate President’s chief strategist for message development, media relations, and public-facing communications. This role manages the Senate President’s communications portfolio and brand and supports broader communications needs for the Senate as an institution. The communications director works in close collaboration with the communications staff in the House Speaker’s Office, legislative caucus offices, and the Governor’s office to align on message and strategy, where appropriate, and supports individual caucus members as needed. The ideal candidate is a proactive storyteller, a disciplined strategist, and a steady hand under pressure. This position requires excellent judgment, strong political awareness, and the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will have experience working in confidential political environments and will have a demonstrated track record of working with the press, including pitching stories to reporters, responding to incoming inquiries, and managing communications in a crisis. This is a full-time continuing position and reports to the Chief of Staff. This position is hybrid. The work of the communications director takes place in the Capitol in Salem during legislative sessions and interim legislative days, with flexibility for remote work the rest of the year as business needs allow.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of related experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered
- Knowledge of: The current news media landscape, both in Oregon and nationally
- Knowledge of: Online trends, social media platforms, and social media metrics
- Knowledge of: Member districts and priorities
- Knowledge of: Legislative and electoral processes
- Knowledge of: Current events, bills, and laws
- Skill in: Successfully shaping an external narrative through close work with reporters and other members of the news media
- Skill in: Managing crisis communications
- Skill in: Written and verbal communication
- Skill in: Editing and proofreading
- Skill in: Organization and planning
- Skill in: Graphic design
- Ability to: Manage brand perception
- Ability to: Pay close attention to detail
- Ability to: Present complex policies in an easy-to-understand manner
- Ability to: Think both critically and creatively
- Ability to: Work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
