Deputy Communications Director (CM2)

Initial Posting Date:

10/14/2026

Application Deadline:

11/04/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$7,537 - $11,657

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Deputy Communications Director (CM2)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The Communications Unit guides the ODHS brand and helps people in Oregon connect with human services so they can reach their potential. We tell meaningful stories, create equitable and useful experiences, and build bridges with Tribal Nations, people who use our services, providers, community partners, ODHS employees, other state agencies and elected officials.

Opportunity awaits! Help people in Oregon discover, understand and access the services that support their lives.

ODHS is seeking a Deputy Communications Director (CM2) to serve as one of two Deputy Communications Directors. We are looking for a strategic, innovative leader who brings a marketing mindset, a deep understanding of customer needs, and a passion for making government services easier to find, understand and use.

In this role, you will help shape how ODHS connects with the people it serves. You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for audience engagement, digital strategy, creative content and design, outreach and media relations. You will use 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 we serve.

You will partner with agency leaders to establish strategic priorities, align resources with organizational goals, manage complex and highly visible issues, and measure the impact of your team’s work. You will champion creative approaches that put people at the center of how ODHS delivers information and connects individuals and families with essential services.

You will also seek and use feedback from people who use ODHS services and community partners to identify opportunities, test new approaches and make the experience of engaging with government clear, simple and accessible.

You will also strengthen team practices, develop staff and provide coverage for the Communications Director when needed.

Learn More About the Position

Want to learn more about the Deputy Communications Director position and get your questions answered? Join us for an information session on October 22, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. p.m. Pacific Time.

Join the ZoomGov information session

Meeting ID: 165 886 0133

Passcode: 643423

Join by phone: 669-254-5252 or 646-828-7666

Summary of Duties

As the Deputy Communications Director, you will:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Essential Attributes

The most competitive candidates will demonstrate:

• 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.

Attention all candidates! A cover letter and resume are required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Please upload a resume and complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Working Conditions

• Work hours may vary from day to day or week to week based on agency needs.

• Work involves changing priorities and complex, sensitive or politically visible issues.

• Frequent contact with the public, community partners, ODHS leadership and the Governor’s Office is required.

• Extensive use of a computer, phone, smartphone and other technology is required.

• Occasional local and in-state travel is required. A valid driver’s license or alternate transportation is needed.

• Evening or weekend work may be required during emergencies. When necessary, this position must be available by phone at any hour to provide communications advice and support to agency leaders.

• The position must follow all applicable security protocols and procedures.

.Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

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.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

General Information

• This is a ​permanent​, ​full-time​ position and is ​a Management Service, Supervisory position and is not represented by a union. ​

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is ​Crystal Marion​. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

• Email: ​CRYSTAL.R.MARION@odhs.oregon.gov​

• Phone (call or text): 503-752-0398

About Us

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative.

We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars.

After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move?

Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background.

If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between.

Oregon “flies with her own wings.”