Communication Specialist

Overview
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners. More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.

Position Details

Classification Title: Human Resources & Organizational Development

Rank: N - No Rank

Working Title: Communication Specialist

Department: 600300 - HRC Human Resource Center

Position Number: D92766

Representation: UU - Unclassified/Unrepresented

Renewable: Renewable

End date, if applicable

Position FTE: 1.0

Tenure Status: N - not applicable

Position Summary
The Communication Specialist will ensure an equity- and accessibility-oriented approach to all website communications. This position will report to the Training & Employee Development Manager in Human Resources.

At this time, applications are

strictly limited to current PSU employees . External applications will not be considered during this initial review phase.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant area plus 2 to 4 years of professional experience.

Ability to persuade others and to adjust communication style to suit the audience to effectively communicate with people at all levels of an organization.

Excellent writing skills, including conveying all necessary points concisely.

Excellent critical thinking, judgment and decision-making ability, including the ability to weigh short- and long-term costs and benefits of a potential action.

Effective at managing own time.

Ability to work well under pressure and to handle conflict with the highest professionalism.

Strong project management skills.

High level of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience updating web content

Experience complying with digital accessibility regulations

Experience in a large, complex organization

Experience in an environment with a unionized workforce

Experience in higher education and public sector

Experience in successfully building and leading a team

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.

Work Days/Hours
Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm. Up to one day a week remote, after training period and with the approval of the supervisor.

Total Compensation & Benefits
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be

$55,020 – $58,000

but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes

95% premium paid healthcare ;

a generous retirement

and vacation package; and

reduced tuition rates

for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Please visit our

total compensation calculator

to see the full value of our benefits package.

Application Instructions
Please submit your cover letter, resume and names, phone numbers and emails for three professional references. References will only be contacted if you are a finalist for this position.

Additional Information
At this time, applications are

strictly limited to current PSU employees . External applications will not be considered during this initial review phase.

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No

Background Check
Background Check Required: Yes

Contacts
Please email Sean Duffy at duffy4@pdx.edu

Search Details
Posting Close Date: 06/10/2026

Projected Close Date for Posting: Closes

Application screening begins

Quick Link:

https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/49869

Supplemental Questions

* Are you currently a PSU employee?

Yes

No

* Do you have a Bachelor\'s Degree?

Yes

No

* How did you first find out about this position?

PSU Website

Indeed.com

HERCJobs

Urban League of Portland

Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

Oregon Employment Department

Social Media

Person Referral

Career Builder

Glass Door

Other - Please describe in the next Question

If you selected Other, please describe. (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Professional References

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