Communications Manager

Base Pay Range

Initial Posting Date: 12/19/2025

Final date to receive applications: 01/04/2026

Agency: Parks and Recreation Department

Salary Range: $7,353 - $11,373

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Communications Manager

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs.

The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.

As a Permanent, Full‑time Communications Manager 2, you will lead and execute a comprehensive strategic communications strategy that supports Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s mission, enhance public engagement, and ensure consistent brand representation as part of a communications, policy and external relations team. You will oversee staff responsible for internal and external communications, including brand management, merchandise, marketing, graphic design, public information, media relations, social media, signage coordination, and general communications efforts.

You will manage a creative and strategic team, ensuring high‑quality, timely, and impactful messaging across all platforms.

In this role you will coordinate and implement all aspects of the organization’s communications strategy, ensuring consistent brand messaging across internal and external platforms. This includes leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for marketing, design, public information, and digital engagement. You will collaborate with agency leadership, other managers, and community partners to manage, develop, and administer strategies and activities that communicate the agency’s mission, strategic priorities, goals, ongoing operations, services, and programs to diverse internal and external audiences.

Additionally, you will engage frequently with the public, specific user groups, and key stakeholders, gathering feedback and insights to inform strategic improvement plans. Based on this input, you will identify opportunities for enhancement and lead the implementation of changes that elevate the agency’s communications efforts.

Requirements regarding location: this position is located in Salem and has the potential for hybrid‑remote work; however, travel expenses to Salem for required in‑person duties are not reimbursed. Frequent travel (approximately 20%) to state park locations within Oregon may be required and qualify for reimbursement.

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

• Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience.
• Three years of related experience and a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.

• To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills for a range of media, public affairs and marketing purposes.
• Experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with leadership, staff, reporters and editors, and other internal and external partners.
• Experience using technology and software related to design, publication, communication, and social media to create and deliver written and visual content to inform, respond, explain, and persuade.
• Experience in collaboration with internal staff, external partners and building a strong team.
• Experience training, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating the work of others.
• Experience and skill with media relations, including public speaking, responding to requests,…