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. 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.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a portfolio, communications work samples, and/or examples of social media content calendars, campaign plans, or similar materials that demonstrate their experience and approach.

We recognize that many applicants use tools, including AI, to support their application materials. While these tools can be helpful, we encourage you to submit a letter of interest that reflects your authentic voice and perspective. We are most interested in hearing directly from you. Thoughtful, genuine submissions are more valuable to us than polished perfection.

Please note that the Final date to receive applications is subject to change. The position may close sooner than the deadline listed based on the number of applicants.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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,…