Senior Communications Associate

A national leader in rural philanthropy, The Ford Family Foundation is a private foundation benefiting communities in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, Calif. In 1957, Kenneth W. Ford & Hallie

E. Ford established a then-modest foundation to give back to the timber communities of southwest Oregon. It grew in size, scope, and geography to become The Ford Family Foundation in 1996, with its main office in Roseburg, Oregon. One of the three largest grantmaking foundations in Oregon, The Ford Family Foundation has assets of $1.2 billion, an annual budget of approximately $55 million, a nine-member Board of Directors and 52 employees located in two office locations and in rural communities throughout Oregon.

The Ford Family Foundation believes strong rural communities are built through informed, connected, and engaged people. The Senior Communications Associate advances the Foundation's mission, voice, and visibility through the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of integrated communications strategies that strengthen engagement with key audiences and elevate stories from rural communities.

Reporting to the Communications Director, this role serves as the Foundation's primary lead for social media strategy and digital engagement while contributing to communications planning, digital storytelling, content development, and brand stewardship.

Working closely with program, policy, learning, and leadership teams, the Senior Communications Associate develops compelling communications that highlight rural communities, Foundation investments, partnerships, research, and policy priorities. The position serves as a trusted communications partner, proactively identifying opportunities to elevate stories and strengthen engagement while advancing Foundation priorities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional who combines deep social media expertise, exceptional storytelling skills, sound judgment, and strategic thinking with the ability to independently manage complex communications initiatives while collaborating effectively across the organization.

This is an exempt position, and the annual salary range is $87,000-$92,000, depending on experience.

Our excellent benefit package includes:

• paid time off and holidays
• health and dental insurance
• health savings account
• generous retirement plan
• matching gifts program
• access to an employee assistance program
• professional development opportunities
• rejuvenation leave
• and more

Performance and compensation are reviewed at least annually.

This position is based in Roseburg, Oregon, and follows a hybrid work model with a minimum of three days per week in the office. Residency within 40 miles of Roseburg is required. A generous relocation package is available for candidates who need to relocate to meet the residency requirement.

The ideal Senior Communications Associate is a strategic and creative communications professional who combines strong judgment with exceptional storytelling, digital engagement, and audience-development skills. They are comfortable balancing long-term planning with day-to-day execution and thrive in environments that require initiative, adaptability, and collaboration.

They are a trusted partner and relationship-builder who communicates clearly, works effectively across teams, and can translate complex ideas into engaging, accessible communications. They are highly organized, accountable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while delivering high-quality work with limited day-to-day direction.

Above all, they are mission-driven and energized by the opportunity to elevate rural voices, strengthen communities, and advance meaningful outcomes through thoughtful, effective communications. They demonstrate humility, curiosity, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit while advancing the Foundation's mission and values in their daily work.

• Lead the Foundation's social media planning, implementation, and ongoing management across platforms, ensuring content supports organizational priorities, audience engagement goals, and brand standards.
• Develop and maintain social media editorial calendars, content plans, and campaign strategies that elevate Foundation priorities and rural community voices.
• Create, edit, and publish compelling written, visual, and multimedia content tailored to platform-specific audiences and…