Communications Strategist

About the role

The Office of Marketing and Communications’ mission is to help the University grow and prosper by increasing public awareness and preference for Portland State University. Specifically, the office leads integrated marketing communication plans that support the University’s strategic goals and enhance its brand image.

The Communications Strategist is a key role within Portland State University’s centrally coordinated marketing and communications model. This position serves as an embedded strategic partner to assigned colleges, schools, or major units while reporting centrally to University Communications. The Communications Strategist is responsible for developing and executing thoughtful, data‑informed communication strategies that advance PSU’s academic priorities, enrollment and engagement goals, and overall reputation. Working closely with academic leaders, faculty, and staff, the strategist translates complex initiatives and achievements into clear, compelling stories that align with PSU’s brand, message pillars, and institutional priorities. This role requires a collaborative, strategic thinker who can balance local context with campus‑wide alignment, and who thrives in a complex, decentralized environment undergoing transformation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field.
• 2 years professional experience in communications, journalism or public relations.
• Demonstrable portfolio of successful communications projects.
• Strong verbal and writing skills.
• Fluency in digital and social media.

Preferred qualifications

• Professional media experience.
• Professional public relations experience in education, government, nonprofit or private sector.
• Experience in strategic and crisis communications.
• Professional experience includes digital and social media.

Key cultural competencies

• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm; occasional evenings or weekends on an emergent basis.

Pay

The starting annual salary for this position will be between $61,899 and $68,778, but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon factors such as years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, internal equity, and the budget of the hiring department, with approval from HR.

Benefits

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium‑paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for the employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. See the total compensation calculator for the full value of the benefits package.

Additional information

This position is open to PSU employees only. A background check is required. This is a full‑time (1.0 FTE), fixed‑term position (Position Number D90545) with a proposed start date of 12/01/2026.