Communications Strategist

Public Affairs Specialist 3 – Communications Strategist

Initial Posting Date: 09/15/2026 Final date to receive applications: 10/06/2026 Agency:
Department of Transportation Salary Range: $6,581 - $10,105 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Communications Strategist

Job Description:

Oregon Department of Transportation Communications Section Salem

In this role, you will serve as the agency’s senior level strategic communications expert for Oregon’s road usage charge (RUC) program and the legislative effort (HB 3991) to make this program required for electric and hybrid vehicles starting in July 2027. You will plan and develop public affairs and public information/education campaigns to inform the public on who needs to pay the road usage charge and how to pay it.

You’ll also help set program policy, provide strategic communication counsel to management, create and manage strategic communications for the Governor’s Office, legislature, federal, state and local officials around the implementation of the road usage charge and represent ODOT at meetings, to public groups and the media. We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive.

• Develop and implement communication strategies and long-range plans that advance goals and priorities of the agency and Oregon’s road usage charge program.
• Plan and lead statewide marketing and outreach efforts to launch and increase awareness of agency programs.
• Establish new communication policies, procedures and standards.
• Evaluate and prepare reports and recommendations to agency and program staff.
• Develop, procure and manage consultant contracts for public marketing and education campaigns.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local governments, community organizations, private sector partners, other state agencies and news media.
• Respond to media inquiries and provide guidance to leadership.
• Develop and supervise the creation of digital and physical communication materials.
• May require working outside of traditional work hours and traveling statewide.
• Hybrid work options available – frequency of hybrid work will be based on business needs.

To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email ODOTRecruitmentgon.gov.

Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer. Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials.

Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying. The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level. OR A bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field AND five years of professional level experience in public relations or public affairs.

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We…