Communications Director

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

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Job Description:

The office of Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner (D – Lake Oswego) seeks a talented, hardworking, experienced communications professional to join the team as Communications Director. President Wagner has served in the Oregon Senate since 2018 and served as Senate President since 2023. The Senate President’s Office leads the legislative, budget and administrative work of the Oregon Senate. The communications director plays a central role in shaping how the Senate President and the Senate Majority communicate with Oregonians, the press, and key stakeholders. This is a fast-paced, high‑visibility environment where clarity, strategy, and collaboration drive success.

The communications director is the Senate President’s chief strategist for message development, media relations, and public-facing communications. This role manages the Senate President’s communications portfolio and brand and supports broader communications needs for the Senate as an institution. The communications director works in close collaboration with the communications staff in the House Speaker’s Office, legislative caucus offices, and the Governor’s office to align on message and strategy, where appropriate, and supports individual caucus members as needed. The ideal candidate is a proactive storyteller, a disciplined strategist, and a steady hand under pressure.

This position requires excellent judgment, strong political awareness, and the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will have experience working in confidential political environments and will have a demonstrated track record of working with the press, including pitching stories to reporters, responding to incoming inquiries, and managing communications in a crisis.

This is a full-time continuing position and reports to the Chief of Staff.  This position is hybrid. The work of the communications director takes place in the Capitol in Salem during legislative sessions and interim legislative days, with flexibility for remote work the rest of the year as business needs allow.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE DEMONSTRATED RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES.

Knowledge of:

• The current news media landscape, both in Oregon and nationally
• Online trends, social media platforms, and social media metrics
• Member districts and priorities
• Legislative and electoral processes
• Current events, bills, and laws

Skill in:

• Successfully shaping an external narrative through close work with reporters and other members of the news media
• Managing crisis communications
• Written and verbal communication
• Editing and proofreading
• Organization and planning
• Graphic design

Ability to: 

• Manage brand perception
• Pay close attention to detail
• Present complex policies in an easy-to-understand manner
• Think both critically and creatively
• Work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines

To review the position description in its entirety, please click here.

HOW TO QUALIFY:

Your application must demonstrate:

Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of related experience.

*An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered

Please attach a resume and cover letter that clearly states your experience and how it is applicable to this position.  Applications received without both documents may not be reviewed.

TO APPLY:

• IF YOU ARE NOT A STATE EMPLOYEE: To apply for this position, follow the "Apply" link and complete the application and questions online. If this is your first time applying in our new system, Workday, you will need to create a new user profile. You can drag and drop your resume into Workday and it will read and generate your Work History.
• CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Log in to Workday using the Career app on your Home Page. Prior to clicking “Apply,” update your employee profile to reflect your education, skills and job history (including your current job).
• Attach your current resume and cover letter. Applications submitted without both documents may not be reviewed.
• Please monitor your Workday account, as all communication will be sent to you through this system. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.
• This announcement closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

• The Capitol Building is undergoing extensive renovation and construction projects which may limit accessibility to employees. This will require Legislative employees to work both from home and within the building as the construction project dictates. While working from home, personal, stable, and high-speed internet access will be required to perform the functions of this position. There may be occasions that require employees scheduled to be working from home to report to the Capitol building. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable notice. However, employees may be required to report to the building on short notice. The Capitol building is located at 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.
• Oregon state government provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235. If you are requesting veterans' preference, you may receive an additional questionnaire in your Workday account. In order to ensure your privacy, we are asking that you complete the Veterans’ Questionnaire and attach your qualifying military documents at that time. This questionnaire will be sent to your Workday account after you submit your application. We ask that you complete the questionnaire promptly; extensions may be granted if necessary and reasonable. For questions about documentation, please visit Veterans Resources or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
• The salary in this job posting reflects the base salary without contributions to the Public Employees 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.
• The work experience and/or education section of your application must be completed and clearly demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired skills described above.  Applications submitted without this information may not be reviewed.
• Work Authorization: The Oregon State Legislature does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. The Oregon State Legislature is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.
• An offer including salary will not be extended until an equal pay analysis is completed pursuant to ORS 652.220 and 659A.357.  An equal pay analysis will be conducted utilizing the education and work experience section of the legislative application.
• If you have questions regarding this recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Aimee Steketee, Human Resource Analyst, at aimee.steketee@oregonlegislature.gov or (503) 986-1373.
• The Oregon State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.