Communications Manager (Communications Manager 2)
State of Oregon, Salem, OR, United States
Overview
Position Title: Communications Manager (Communications Manager 2) Initial Posting Date: 04/06/2026 Application Deadline: 04/19/2026 Agency: Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Salary Range: $7,537 - $11,657. Position Type: Employee. Job Description
Are you interested in applying your communications leadership skills to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals, and while collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We celebrate and appreciate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, or physical or mental disability in the administration of our programs and activities. Visit DEQ’s Civil Rights and Environmental Justice page. What you will do
You will manage the Agency’s Office of Communications and Outreach section, including developing program goals and objectives, monitoring progress, prioritizing and scheduling work, and hiring, managing, leading, and coaching staff to fulfill the objectives and goals of the Office of Communications and Outreach. You will direct DEQ’s statewide communication and outreach efforts, including design and implementation of public information and education programs, internal and external communication and websites, and content management of the agency’s internal document management and storage platform. You will oversee media relations and internal/external branding efforts, act as a spokesperson for DEQ, and serve as the principal advisor to the director and executive team on communication and outreach. You will represent the agency before the commission, the Governor’s Office, local governments, tribal governments, interested parties, and local and national media. You will be expected to develop proficiency in proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen.
Competencies Demonstrated
Ensuring staff are supported and have the tools, learning, and equipment necessary to perform their duties. Coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff; providing leadership, guidance, and feedback; encouraging skill development and career growth. Setting clear work objectives, goals, and expectations for staff; evaluating performance and addressing performance in a timely manner. Building team cohesion; encouraging collaboration and ensuring staff are cross-trained. Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: 6 years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience or 3 years of related experience and a Bachelor’s degree. Desired Attributes/Skills
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives experience. Experience communicating about public policy and process with public boards, committees, councils, and/or commissions. Supervisory management of a communications section and team. Familiarity with a wide range of communication tools (press releases, email lists, web and social media, community engagement). Ability to work with news media on diverse topics, proactively and reactively. Experience translating complex technical information for broad audiences. Experience in crisis and emergency communications. Experience leading strategic communication planning and messaging efforts. Experience briefing and preparing executive leadership for high-profile environments. Experience representing an agency in meetings with government officials and media, including high-profile or contentious situations. Experience building and fostering inclusive teams and culture of belonging; coaching and mentoring direct reports with inclusivity and kindness. Public sector supervisory management experience; familiarity with labor unions in government settings. Relationship-building across diverse teams with professionalism and cultural sensitivity. Experience in strategic planning, change management, and process improvement. Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Experience managing human, financial, and informational resources to support the organization’s mission. Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance 11 paid holidays Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave options Optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) membership Optional deferred compensation Potential PSLF loan forgiveness Professional growth opportunities and meaningful work Hybrid work options where applicable Working Conditions
Full-time supervisory position based out of Portland headquarters; hybrid work may be possible. Some travel on state business, occasional evenings, weekends, or overnight stays, and extended hours during legislative sessions or emergencies. On-call during crisis or sensitive situations. How to Apply
Complete the application in full. External Applicants: Click Apply and submit your application. External resources and support are available via the candidate job aid and Workday resources. Internal Applicants: Apply through your Workday account; refer to the knowledge article for steps to apply. Additional Information
Veterans information and candidate preference points for eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers. Equal Pay Analysis: Oregon follows pay equity laws; salary reflects whether candidate is PERS qualifying. Work Authorization: DEQ is an E-Verify employer; visa sponsorship is not offered. Questions/Help
For recruitment questions or ADA accommodation requests, contact DEQ’s Recruitment Team at jobs@deq.oregon.gov or 503-229-5107. TTY: 1-800-735-2900.
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Position Title: Communications Manager (Communications Manager 2) Initial Posting Date: 04/06/2026 Application Deadline: 04/19/2026 Agency: Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Salary Range: $7,537 - $11,657. Position Type: Employee. Job Description
Are you interested in applying your communications leadership skills to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals, and while collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We celebrate and appreciate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, or physical or mental disability in the administration of our programs and activities. Visit DEQ’s Civil Rights and Environmental Justice page. What you will do
You will manage the Agency’s Office of Communications and Outreach section, including developing program goals and objectives, monitoring progress, prioritizing and scheduling work, and hiring, managing, leading, and coaching staff to fulfill the objectives and goals of the Office of Communications and Outreach. You will direct DEQ’s statewide communication and outreach efforts, including design and implementation of public information and education programs, internal and external communication and websites, and content management of the agency’s internal document management and storage platform. You will oversee media relations and internal/external branding efforts, act as a spokesperson for DEQ, and serve as the principal advisor to the director and executive team on communication and outreach. You will represent the agency before the commission, the Governor’s Office, local governments, tribal governments, interested parties, and local and national media. You will be expected to develop proficiency in proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen.
Competencies Demonstrated
Ensuring staff are supported and have the tools, learning, and equipment necessary to perform their duties. Coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff; providing leadership, guidance, and feedback; encouraging skill development and career growth. Setting clear work objectives, goals, and expectations for staff; evaluating performance and addressing performance in a timely manner. Building team cohesion; encouraging collaboration and ensuring staff are cross-trained. Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: 6 years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience or 3 years of related experience and a Bachelor’s degree. Desired Attributes/Skills
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives experience. Experience communicating about public policy and process with public boards, committees, councils, and/or commissions. Supervisory management of a communications section and team. Familiarity with a wide range of communication tools (press releases, email lists, web and social media, community engagement). Ability to work with news media on diverse topics, proactively and reactively. Experience translating complex technical information for broad audiences. Experience in crisis and emergency communications. Experience leading strategic communication planning and messaging efforts. Experience briefing and preparing executive leadership for high-profile environments. Experience representing an agency in meetings with government officials and media, including high-profile or contentious situations. Experience building and fostering inclusive teams and culture of belonging; coaching and mentoring direct reports with inclusivity and kindness. Public sector supervisory management experience; familiarity with labor unions in government settings. Relationship-building across diverse teams with professionalism and cultural sensitivity. Experience in strategic planning, change management, and process improvement. Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Experience managing human, financial, and informational resources to support the organization’s mission. Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance 11 paid holidays Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave options Optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) membership Optional deferred compensation Potential PSLF loan forgiveness Professional growth opportunities and meaningful work Hybrid work options where applicable Working Conditions
Full-time supervisory position based out of Portland headquarters; hybrid work may be possible. Some travel on state business, occasional evenings, weekends, or overnight stays, and extended hours during legislative sessions or emergencies. On-call during crisis or sensitive situations. How to Apply
Complete the application in full. External Applicants: Click Apply and submit your application. External resources and support are available via the candidate job aid and Workday resources. Internal Applicants: Apply through your Workday account; refer to the knowledge article for steps to apply. Additional Information
Veterans information and candidate preference points for eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers. Equal Pay Analysis: Oregon follows pay equity laws; salary reflects whether candidate is PERS qualifying. Work Authorization: DEQ is an E-Verify employer; visa sponsorship is not offered. Questions/Help
For recruitment questions or ADA accommodation requests, contact DEQ’s Recruitment Team at jobs@deq.oregon.gov or 503-229-5107. TTY: 1-800-735-2900.
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