Deputy Communications Director (CM2)

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.

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.

Preferred

• Strategic leadership: Demonstrated experience translating organizational priorities into effective communications campaigns and public engagement strategies for a large or highly visible organization.
• Campaign Development: Ability to identify and understand diverse audiences and use research, data and feedback to develop, implement and evaluate campaigns and strategies.
• Innovation and creativity: 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.
• Executive counsel and judgment: Demonstrated ability to advise leaders on strategic priorities, sensitive and high-profile issues, reputational risks, and effective engagement strategies including during emergencies or crises.
• Staff leadership and development: 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.
• Operational leadership and adaptability: 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.
• Equity and community engagement: 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.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.