Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
Director of Strategic Communications
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Job Title:
Director of Strategic Communications
Reports to:
Executive Director
Salary Range:
$130,000-150,000
Benefits:
Health, Vision, & Dental Insurance, Retirement Contributions, PTO & Paid Holidays
Classification:
Salaried, Exempt
Status:
Full-Time (1.0 FTE), Regular w/ Benefits
Location:
Portland, OR
Job Summary
About the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) The Northwest Tribes have long recognized the need to exercise control over the design and development of health care delivery systems in their local communities. To this end, they formed the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (also referred to as NPAIHB or "the Board") in 1972.
Guided by a vision of "Health and Wellness for the Seventh Generation," NPAIHB is a 501(c)3 designated (non‑profit) organization and Tribal organization, P.L. 93-638, under the Indian Self‑Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) serving the 43 federally recognized Tribes in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington (Northwest Tribes). Tribes become voting members of the Board through resolutions passed by their governing body. Each Member Tribe designates a delegate to serve on the NPAIHB Board of Directors.
Led by our Board of Directors, NPAIHB's mission is to "eliminate health disparities and improve the quality of life of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) by supporting Northwest Tribes in their delivery of culturally appropriate, high‑quality health programs and services." We have a staff of over 120 professionals dedicated to advancing Tribal health for the 7th generation in the Pacific Northwest.
The NPAIHB's Strategic Plan 2025‑2030 can be found here.
Position Summary The Director of Strategic Communication (DSC) is a senior leader responsible for the overall management, delivery, and strategic direction of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board's (NPAIHB) internal and external communications (print, digital, and design). The DSC works in service to the 43 federally recognized tribes of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by strengthening NPAIHB's development of accurate, up‑to‑date, and culturally grounded health and organizational information. In partnership with the Executive Director, the DSC oversees the organization's creative direction, communications strategy, and public relations strategy. As part of NPAIHB's Management Team, the DSC works to meet organizational goals in alignment with NPAIHB's 2025‑2030 Strategic Plan, ensures operational efficiency and fiscal compliance, and fosters a positive and productive work environment. Part communications strategist, part creative director, key responsibilities for this role include team leadership, visual communication design, interactive design, technical writing (including copywriting and editing), brand management, media relations, strategic planning, financial management, and performance oversight.
The DSC reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the Management Team.
This position is based at NPAIHB's offices in Portland, Oregon; the option of teleworking may be available with approval from the Executive Director. Local travel and/or overnight travel outside of the area is required approximately 20% of the time.
Essential Functions Communications Excellence and Success Across NPAIHB
Carries out communications priorities throughout the year, as directed by Northwest Tribes, and through the NPAIHB Strategic Planning process and/or annual federal and state policy priorities
Oversees, in collaboration with the Executive Director, the planning, implementation, and evaluation of NPAIHB's communication strategy including creative, media relations, crisis communications, and branding based on the needs and priorities of Northwest Tribes
Works with NPAIHB staff to interpret and communicate accurate, up‑to‑date health and organization‑wide information into materials and resources for Northwest Tribes. Information may include health promotion and prevention education, policy, and/or data
Supports NPAIHB Divisions to achieve communication performance deliverables and objectives set forth in contracts with Tribes and funding partners and in the NPAIHB 2025‑2030 Strategic Plan
Manages the Communication Department as the central resource for all NPAIHB's print, digital, and design work (based grant deliverables) including for NPAIHB's Clinical Support Services Division, the Environmental Public Health Division, the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center Division, Legislative and Governmental Affairs (Indian Health policy), and Administration (internal NPAIHB operations)
Ensures NPAIHB achieves communications related performance deliverables and objectives set forth in the NPAIHB 2025‑2030 Strategic Plan
Oversees NPAIHB's multi‑channel communications, ensuring that all platforms are up‑to‑date and aligned with the organization's mission, values, and programmatic and policy goals
Serves as NPAIHB's primary points of contact for the press, working closely with the Executive Director and the Communication's Department, to coordinate timely response to media inquiries and requests
Reviews, approves, and at times directly drafts press collateral and internal messaging, including press releases, talking points, and in‑office administrative communications, ensuring alignment with the organization's values, mission, and goals
Supports, along with the Communication Department, editing and copywriting across NPAIHB
Monitors and reports on the Communication Department's accomplishments, workload trends, and unmet needs; ensures the Communications Department is service oriented toward all NPAIHB staff
Stays updated on industry trends and incorporate new ideas into creative strategies
Partners with the Director of Operations and Information Technology (IT) on strengthening and monitoring NPAIHB's cybersecurity and data protection standards
Upholds the principles of Tribal Data Sovereignty
Establishes and maintains relationships with Northwest Tribes, federal and state partners, and tribal, national, and state media outlets
Strengthens the field of tribal public health, tribal environmental public health, and Indian Health policy in partnership with Northwest Tribes.
Serves as a Member of the NPAIHB Management Team*
Provides organizational leadership, problem‑solving, planning, advocacy, teamwork, and critical communications to NPAIHB staff
Creates and maintains a culture of professional excellence, integrity, and rigor
Builds, in partnership with the Management Team, organizational strategies and policies to make efficient use of all human and financial resources, integrate programs services, and uphold the fiduciary responsibility of NPAIHB
Provides updates to the Executive Director and/or Board of Directors and its Committees as requested by the Executive Director or the Director of Programs and Development
Represents the NPAIHB at tribal, state, and national meetings, conferences, events, and workgroups
Assists with special projects assigned by the Executive Director or designee
*Upon completion of Probationary period (see "Qualifications")
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises four (4) Communications staff
Leads the Communication Department in quality improvement initiatives to strengthen programs and services, maximize performance, and meet the needs and priorities of Member Tribes and Delegates
Promotes collaboration and learning between all NPAIHB Division projects, partners, and funding agencies to meet grant and organizational goals and objectives
Evaluates staff performance and ensures that individual employee development plans result in a Communications Department which is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish their jobs and meet NPAIHB's strategic goals
Ensures that the Communication Department staff comply with organizational policies and applicable laws, rules, regulations, and standards
Provides direction, consultation, and support to the Communication Department staff regarding issues related to the implementation of programs, policies and procedures, priorities, and/or personnel concerns
Receives, resolves, and reports to Executive Director any concerns or complaints related to the Communications Department services or staff
Upholds the principles of Tribal Data Sovereignty
Works in collaboration Executive Director and Human Resources on staff hiring and staff disciplinary procedures, as needed.
Administrative and Reporting Functions
Oversees the Communication Department budget
Oversees the Communication Department preparation and submission of all communications related grant, project or activity reports and/or updates
Works in partnership with NPAIHB Divisions to review all communications related grant, project or activity reports and/or updates
Leads Management Team in preparing organization annual reports for internal or external use
Oversees project management of Communication Department requests
Drafts and/or reviews project‑related external contracts.
Other Duties
Oversees submission of Communication Department articles for publication and external communication
Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.
Standards of Conduct
Act in service to the Tribes and Tribal communities we serve
Uphold the Mission, Values, and Vision of the NPAIHB
Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with all NPAIHB information and documentation
Consistently exhibit professional behavior and a high degree of personal and professional integrity and impartiality appropriate to the responsible and confidential nature of the position
Exercise good judgment and initiative in performance of duties and responsibilities
Demonstrate high emotional intelligence in the performance of all duties and responsibilities
Orientation toward learning, innovation, service, and the building of second‑line leadership
Commitment to building an organizational culture which centers NPAIHB's service to Northwest Tribes, promotes professional excellence, and builds an environment where employees grow and thrive
Commitment to build an inclusive workplace across a range of identities and experiences, including (but not limited to) geography, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, class, language, disability, religion, spiritual practices, and immigration status
See diversity as a strength, and equity as a baseline
Work in a cooperative manner with all levels of management and with all NPAIHB staff
Effectively plan, organize workload, and schedule time to meet workload demands
Use reasonable judgment to consistently display professional work attire during normal business hours, and/or dress appropriately for the workday, space, or event in lieu of a formal dress code
Be present, available, and responsive for meetings and calls during regular working hours
Commit to sharing knowledge and building expertise by participating in all virtual spaces in our workplace with cameras on
Show consideration by communicating effectively and building collective understanding
Recognize that relationships are the cornerstone of NPAIHB's work by treating all NPAIHB delegates/alternates, partners, staff, and American Indian/Alaska Native people with dignity and respect
Participate in all NPAIHB events and activities.
Qualifications Education Minimum education required:
Bachelor's degree in a creative field (e.g. art, fine arts, graphic design, writing), communications, public relations or a related field OR a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. NPAIHB reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.
Experience
Minimum experience required:
Ten (10) or more years in a creative field, marketing, communications or related field, in a leadership or management role
Ten (10) or more years of experience with executive and project management
Ten (10) or more years of professional experience as part of a creative design team (print, digital, web)
Additional experience preferred:
Direct experience working with Northwest Tribes
Experience in the planning, organization, implementation, and follow‑up of health‑related campaigns, resources, and materials
Vendor/contractor management
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Seasoned communications generalist and skilled communicator who can strategize, plan, and delegate effectively
Expertise in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs
Excellent understanding of visual communication and design principles
Proven record of using communication strategies to successfully influence key audiences and help shape and/or change opinions on issues of importance to the organization(s) they have represented
Demonstrated expertise developing culturally informed communications for health; direct experience developing communications for a Tribe(s) preferred
Demonstrated experience building a Communication Department or growing a team which can effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities with ease and excellence
Experience in developing and managing a communication strategy for incidents and/or urgent issues that potentially attract negative media attention
Strong technical writing skills, including editorial and copywriting, and the ability to produce polished professional writing under a deadline
Must be sensitive to cross‑cultural differences, and able to work effectively within their context
Ability to work with minimal supervision, exercise initiative, and make independent decisions and recommendations
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
Ability to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner
Ability to make professional oral presentations in settings at the national, regional, and community levels, as well as in Tribal settings
Ability to travel occasionally (approximately 20% of the time).
Probationary Period External applicants must agree to serve a minimum six‑month probationary period during which time their employment can be terminated at will. For the purpose of evaluating job performance, internal applicants must agree to serve a minimum six‑month probationary period when job duties change significantly.
Worksite Location NPAIHB generally requires employees to work in its main office, located in Portland, OR. Under certain circumstances, however, the NPAIHB may allow employees to work from home, on a case‑by‑case basis. The Executive Director, the employee's direct supervisor, or the employee may suggest teleworking as a possible work arrangement. NPAIHB considers circumstances such as, but not limited to, whether the employee is organized, has proven their ability to work independently, has completed their probationary period, and has a good work record, ...
Telework is not an entitlement, ...
Work Conditions Physical Demands
This position:
Frequently involves sedentary work ...
Occasionally involves light work ...
Physical Requirements This position:
Consistently requires the ability to receive detailed information ...
Constantly requires working with fingers ...
Typical Environmental Conditions
The worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions ...
Travel Requirements Local travel and/or overnight travel outside of the area is required (approximately 20% of the time).
Disclaimer ....
Except as provided by ...
How to Apply To apply for the Director for Strategic Communications position, submit your application here after reading the information below. To complete the application, you will need to upload the following:
Cover Letter
Your Resume
Portfolio of Your Past Work
1 to 2 professional writing samples ...
A multimedia sample ...
A creative brief or sample of a brief strategic communications plan.
If you are selected for an interview, you will also be requested to participate in an in‑person writing exercise.
Please note that NPAIHB is entrusted ...
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Strategic Communications
Reports to:
Executive Director
Salary Range:
$130,000-150,000
Benefits:
Health, Vision, & Dental Insurance, Retirement Contributions, PTO & Paid Holidays
Classification:
Salaried, Exempt
Status:
Full-Time (1.0 FTE), Regular w/ Benefits
Location:
Portland, OR
Job Summary
About the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) The Northwest Tribes have long recognized the need to exercise control over the design and development of health care delivery systems in their local communities. To this end, they formed the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (also referred to as NPAIHB or "the Board") in 1972.
Guided by a vision of "Health and Wellness for the Seventh Generation," NPAIHB is a 501(c)3 designated (non‑profit) organization and Tribal organization, P.L. 93-638, under the Indian Self‑Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) serving the 43 federally recognized Tribes in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington (Northwest Tribes). Tribes become voting members of the Board through resolutions passed by their governing body. Each Member Tribe designates a delegate to serve on the NPAIHB Board of Directors.
Led by our Board of Directors, NPAIHB's mission is to "eliminate health disparities and improve the quality of life of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) by supporting Northwest Tribes in their delivery of culturally appropriate, high‑quality health programs and services." We have a staff of over 120 professionals dedicated to advancing Tribal health for the 7th generation in the Pacific Northwest.
The NPAIHB's Strategic Plan 2025‑2030 can be found here.
Position Summary The Director of Strategic Communication (DSC) is a senior leader responsible for the overall management, delivery, and strategic direction of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board's (NPAIHB) internal and external communications (print, digital, and design). The DSC works in service to the 43 federally recognized tribes of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by strengthening NPAIHB's development of accurate, up‑to‑date, and culturally grounded health and organizational information. In partnership with the Executive Director, the DSC oversees the organization's creative direction, communications strategy, and public relations strategy. As part of NPAIHB's Management Team, the DSC works to meet organizational goals in alignment with NPAIHB's 2025‑2030 Strategic Plan, ensures operational efficiency and fiscal compliance, and fosters a positive and productive work environment. Part communications strategist, part creative director, key responsibilities for this role include team leadership, visual communication design, interactive design, technical writing (including copywriting and editing), brand management, media relations, strategic planning, financial management, and performance oversight.
The DSC reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the Management Team.
This position is based at NPAIHB's offices in Portland, Oregon; the option of teleworking may be available with approval from the Executive Director. Local travel and/or overnight travel outside of the area is required approximately 20% of the time.
Essential Functions Communications Excellence and Success Across NPAIHB
Carries out communications priorities throughout the year, as directed by Northwest Tribes, and through the NPAIHB Strategic Planning process and/or annual federal and state policy priorities
Oversees, in collaboration with the Executive Director, the planning, implementation, and evaluation of NPAIHB's communication strategy including creative, media relations, crisis communications, and branding based on the needs and priorities of Northwest Tribes
Works with NPAIHB staff to interpret and communicate accurate, up‑to‑date health and organization‑wide information into materials and resources for Northwest Tribes. Information may include health promotion and prevention education, policy, and/or data
Supports NPAIHB Divisions to achieve communication performance deliverables and objectives set forth in contracts with Tribes and funding partners and in the NPAIHB 2025‑2030 Strategic Plan
Manages the Communication Department as the central resource for all NPAIHB's print, digital, and design work (based grant deliverables) including for NPAIHB's Clinical Support Services Division, the Environmental Public Health Division, the Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center Division, Legislative and Governmental Affairs (Indian Health policy), and Administration (internal NPAIHB operations)
Ensures NPAIHB achieves communications related performance deliverables and objectives set forth in the NPAIHB 2025‑2030 Strategic Plan
Oversees NPAIHB's multi‑channel communications, ensuring that all platforms are up‑to‑date and aligned with the organization's mission, values, and programmatic and policy goals
Serves as NPAIHB's primary points of contact for the press, working closely with the Executive Director and the Communication's Department, to coordinate timely response to media inquiries and requests
Reviews, approves, and at times directly drafts press collateral and internal messaging, including press releases, talking points, and in‑office administrative communications, ensuring alignment with the organization's values, mission, and goals
Supports, along with the Communication Department, editing and copywriting across NPAIHB
Monitors and reports on the Communication Department's accomplishments, workload trends, and unmet needs; ensures the Communications Department is service oriented toward all NPAIHB staff
Stays updated on industry trends and incorporate new ideas into creative strategies
Partners with the Director of Operations and Information Technology (IT) on strengthening and monitoring NPAIHB's cybersecurity and data protection standards
Upholds the principles of Tribal Data Sovereignty
Establishes and maintains relationships with Northwest Tribes, federal and state partners, and tribal, national, and state media outlets
Strengthens the field of tribal public health, tribal environmental public health, and Indian Health policy in partnership with Northwest Tribes.
Serves as a Member of the NPAIHB Management Team*
Provides organizational leadership, problem‑solving, planning, advocacy, teamwork, and critical communications to NPAIHB staff
Creates and maintains a culture of professional excellence, integrity, and rigor
Builds, in partnership with the Management Team, organizational strategies and policies to make efficient use of all human and financial resources, integrate programs services, and uphold the fiduciary responsibility of NPAIHB
Provides updates to the Executive Director and/or Board of Directors and its Committees as requested by the Executive Director or the Director of Programs and Development
Represents the NPAIHB at tribal, state, and national meetings, conferences, events, and workgroups
Assists with special projects assigned by the Executive Director or designee
*Upon completion of Probationary period (see "Qualifications")
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises four (4) Communications staff
Leads the Communication Department in quality improvement initiatives to strengthen programs and services, maximize performance, and meet the needs and priorities of Member Tribes and Delegates
Promotes collaboration and learning between all NPAIHB Division projects, partners, and funding agencies to meet grant and organizational goals and objectives
Evaluates staff performance and ensures that individual employee development plans result in a Communications Department which is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish their jobs and meet NPAIHB's strategic goals
Ensures that the Communication Department staff comply with organizational policies and applicable laws, rules, regulations, and standards
Provides direction, consultation, and support to the Communication Department staff regarding issues related to the implementation of programs, policies and procedures, priorities, and/or personnel concerns
Receives, resolves, and reports to Executive Director any concerns or complaints related to the Communications Department services or staff
Upholds the principles of Tribal Data Sovereignty
Works in collaboration Executive Director and Human Resources on staff hiring and staff disciplinary procedures, as needed.
Administrative and Reporting Functions
Oversees the Communication Department budget
Oversees the Communication Department preparation and submission of all communications related grant, project or activity reports and/or updates
Works in partnership with NPAIHB Divisions to review all communications related grant, project or activity reports and/or updates
Leads Management Team in preparing organization annual reports for internal or external use
Oversees project management of Communication Department requests
Drafts and/or reviews project‑related external contracts.
Other Duties
Oversees submission of Communication Department articles for publication and external communication
Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.
Standards of Conduct
Act in service to the Tribes and Tribal communities we serve
Uphold the Mission, Values, and Vision of the NPAIHB
Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with all NPAIHB information and documentation
Consistently exhibit professional behavior and a high degree of personal and professional integrity and impartiality appropriate to the responsible and confidential nature of the position
Exercise good judgment and initiative in performance of duties and responsibilities
Demonstrate high emotional intelligence in the performance of all duties and responsibilities
Orientation toward learning, innovation, service, and the building of second‑line leadership
Commitment to building an organizational culture which centers NPAIHB's service to Northwest Tribes, promotes professional excellence, and builds an environment where employees grow and thrive
Commitment to build an inclusive workplace across a range of identities and experiences, including (but not limited to) geography, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, class, language, disability, religion, spiritual practices, and immigration status
See diversity as a strength, and equity as a baseline
Work in a cooperative manner with all levels of management and with all NPAIHB staff
Effectively plan, organize workload, and schedule time to meet workload demands
Use reasonable judgment to consistently display professional work attire during normal business hours, and/or dress appropriately for the workday, space, or event in lieu of a formal dress code
Be present, available, and responsive for meetings and calls during regular working hours
Commit to sharing knowledge and building expertise by participating in all virtual spaces in our workplace with cameras on
Show consideration by communicating effectively and building collective understanding
Recognize that relationships are the cornerstone of NPAIHB's work by treating all NPAIHB delegates/alternates, partners, staff, and American Indian/Alaska Native people with dignity and respect
Participate in all NPAIHB events and activities.
Qualifications Education Minimum education required:
Bachelor's degree in a creative field (e.g. art, fine arts, graphic design, writing), communications, public relations or a related field OR a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. NPAIHB reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.
Experience
Minimum experience required:
Ten (10) or more years in a creative field, marketing, communications or related field, in a leadership or management role
Ten (10) or more years of experience with executive and project management
Ten (10) or more years of professional experience as part of a creative design team (print, digital, web)
Additional experience preferred:
Direct experience working with Northwest Tribes
Experience in the planning, organization, implementation, and follow‑up of health‑related campaigns, resources, and materials
Vendor/contractor management
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Seasoned communications generalist and skilled communicator who can strategize, plan, and delegate effectively
Expertise in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs
Excellent understanding of visual communication and design principles
Proven record of using communication strategies to successfully influence key audiences and help shape and/or change opinions on issues of importance to the organization(s) they have represented
Demonstrated expertise developing culturally informed communications for health; direct experience developing communications for a Tribe(s) preferred
Demonstrated experience building a Communication Department or growing a team which can effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities with ease and excellence
Experience in developing and managing a communication strategy for incidents and/or urgent issues that potentially attract negative media attention
Strong technical writing skills, including editorial and copywriting, and the ability to produce polished professional writing under a deadline
Must be sensitive to cross‑cultural differences, and able to work effectively within their context
Ability to work with minimal supervision, exercise initiative, and make independent decisions and recommendations
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
Ability to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner
Ability to make professional oral presentations in settings at the national, regional, and community levels, as well as in Tribal settings
Ability to travel occasionally (approximately 20% of the time).
Probationary Period External applicants must agree to serve a minimum six‑month probationary period during which time their employment can be terminated at will. For the purpose of evaluating job performance, internal applicants must agree to serve a minimum six‑month probationary period when job duties change significantly.
Worksite Location NPAIHB generally requires employees to work in its main office, located in Portland, OR. Under certain circumstances, however, the NPAIHB may allow employees to work from home, on a case‑by‑case basis. The Executive Director, the employee's direct supervisor, or the employee may suggest teleworking as a possible work arrangement. NPAIHB considers circumstances such as, but not limited to, whether the employee is organized, has proven their ability to work independently, has completed their probationary period, and has a good work record, ...
Telework is not an entitlement, ...
Work Conditions Physical Demands
This position:
Frequently involves sedentary work ...
Occasionally involves light work ...
Physical Requirements This position:
Consistently requires the ability to receive detailed information ...
Constantly requires working with fingers ...
Typical Environmental Conditions
The worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions ...
Travel Requirements Local travel and/or overnight travel outside of the area is required (approximately 20% of the time).
Disclaimer ....
Except as provided by ...
How to Apply To apply for the Director for Strategic Communications position, submit your application here after reading the information below. To complete the application, you will need to upload the following:
Cover Letter
Your Resume
Portfolio of Your Past Work
1 to 2 professional writing samples ...
A multimedia sample ...
A creative brief or sample of a brief strategic communications plan.
If you are selected for an interview, you will also be requested to participate in an in‑person writing exercise.
Please note that NPAIHB is entrusted ...
#J-18808-Ljbffr