Communications Director
About the role
The Oregon House Speaker’s Office seeks an experienced communications professional to join the team as Communications Director. The individual in this position will lead the Speaker’s Office's efforts to communicate externally and internally about the priorities of the Oregon House, including legislative and budget priorities that reflect Oregonians’ values.
Responsibilities
Develop an innovative communications strategy to engage Oregonians as active participants in their democracy and inform them of the work of the legislature through:
Strategic Communications Planning – Working with the Speaker and Chief of Staff to develop a communications plan for the legislative session and interim
External Communications – Crafting external messaging, talking points, press releases, media Q&As, speeches, opinion pieces, and other materials for the Speaker.
Engaging other legislators in their communications around key legislative priorities.
Media Relations -- Creating press strategies, managing outreach to the media, developing relationships with reporters, and being responsive to their inquiries.
Content – Creating timely, compelling content to tell policy stories across a variety of channels and mediums.
Translating complex policy information into real world, accessible language.
Internal Communications – Working with the Speaker, Chief of Staff, and fellow staff to ensure that the Capitol community is kept up-to-date on key developments.
Social Media – Managing and optimizing the Speaker’s online presence and social media platforms, creating and publishing compelling timely content to facilitate transparency and foster engagement.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) to nine (9) years of experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered.
Qualifications
Knowledge of: Basic principles of journalism
Basic graphic design
Oregon’s political landscape
The legislative process
Current news events
Skills
Ability to create content that is clear, well-written, and in the Speaker’s voice
Write for diverse audiences and be comfortable navigating the ideological diversity within the legislature
Navigate a variety of outreach channels and learn new software
Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, under tight or shifting deadlines, while staying organized and on top of things
Work collaboratively with communications staff in other leadership offices as well as with the Speaker’s Office team
Exercise independent professional judgment with a high degree of confidentiality
Benefits
The salary in this job posting reflects the base salary without contributions to the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Employees eligible for PERS will have their salary increased by 6.95% and 6% will automatically be subject to a mandatory employee contribution to PERS.
Pay
$7,122 - $10,683
Schedule
Full time at the State Capitol in Salem during sessions of the Oregon Legislature, with more flexibility for working outside the Capitol during interim months.