Deputy Communications Director (CM2)

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

2d•$90,444 - $139,884•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is seeking a Deputy Communications Director (CM2) to serve as one of two Deputy Communications Directors. This role requires a strategic, innovative leader with a marketing mindset, a deep understanding of customer needs, and a passion for making government services easier to find, understand, and use. The Deputy Communications Director will help shape how ODHS connects with the people it serves by leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for audience engagement, digital strategy, creative content and design, outreach, and media relations. The role involves using customer insights, emerging trends, and performance data to develop strategies that strengthen awareness of ODHS services, improve the customer experience, and build meaningful connections with the communities served. The position also requires partnering with agency leaders to establish strategic priorities, align resources with organizational goals, manage complex issues, and measure team impact. A key aspect of the role is championing creative approaches that prioritize the needs of the people ODHS serves and seeking feedback to improve the clarity, simplicity, and accessibility of government engagement. Additionally, the Deputy Communications Director will strengthen team practices, develop staff, and provide coverage for the Communications Director when needed.

Requirements

A valid driver’s license or alternate transportation is needed.
Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR three years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Demonstrated experience translating organizational priorities into effective communications campaigns and public engagement strategies for a large or highly visible organization.
Ability to identify and understand diverse audiences and use research, data and feedback to develop, implement and evaluate campaigns and strategies.
Demonstrated ability to develop, test and improve creative, audience-centered approaches using digital platforms, social media, multimedia storytelling, design and emerging technologies. Ability to look beyond traditional government practices, experiment with new approaches, and improve how people engage with information and services.
Demonstrated ability to advise leaders on strategic priorities, sensitive and high-profile issues, reputational risks, and effective engagement strategies including during emergencies or crises.
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop staff, establish clear expectations, delegate effectively and hold staff accountable while creating a psychologically safe environment where people can ask questions, raise concerns, and contribute new ideas.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands, allocate resources, and deliver quality outcomes in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Ability to adjust plans and resources as needs change and refine approaches based on feedback and results.
Demonstrated ability to practice cultural humility, build collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations and diverse communities, and use community input to shape accessible and culturally responsive communications strategies and materials.
Cover letter and resume are required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.
Detailed work and education history.

Responsibilities

Plan, launch, and oversee digital and traditional marketing campaigns (SEO, SEM, social media, email and content) that help people in Oregon discover, understand and access ODHS services, tailored to the needs, experiences and preferences of diverse audiences, including the public, ODHS employees, legislators, community partners and Tribal Nations.
Use analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as return on investment (ROI), engagement rates and conversion metrics, to identify barriers, understand audience needs and inform strategies that make interactions with ODHS more relevant, useful and effective.
Guide the use of web, social media, multimedia, design, storytelling and emerging platforms to increase awareness, improve engagement and make complex government services and information easier to navigate.
Supervise and mentor staff, set clear expectations, delegate effectively and foster a collaborative, psychologically safe environment where employees can contribute ideas, develop their skills and deliver high-quality work.
Champion clear, plain-language and accessible information that reflects the experiences of the people ODHS serves.
Advise agency leaders on audience engagement, emerging issues, reputation, media relations and effective responses to complex or high-profile situations, including emergencies.
Review and approve public-facing materials, including media responses, news releases, talking points and other content.
Improve workflows, standards and resource management to ensure timely, effective and high-quality work. Oversee vendor contracts as applicable.