WORKING AT THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

At the Oregon Department of Energy, we're helping shape the state's energy future. Our team is dedicated to keeping Oregon on the leading edge of renewable energy and efficiency while supporting energy innovation, investment, equity, and resilience. From helping Oregonians save energy at home; to overseeing the state's interests in the world's largest environmental cleanup at the Hanford nuclear site in Washington, our work is challenging, rewarding, and diverse. We work with developers and communities on proposed energy facilities, with schools and manufacturers looking to save energy and money, and with other agencies and stakeholders on meeting the challenges of climate change. Oregon is one of the most energy-efficient states in the country, routinely landing near the top of annual national rankings. ODOE is committed to helping Oregon remain an energy leader, and that starts with hiring engaged team members ready to deliver for all Oregonians.

The Director’s Office supports the agency mission by providing leadership and policy direction to the five operating divisions of the agency; establishing statewide policy and departmental goals; providing leadership in planning for Oregon’s energy needs; overseeing the development and execution of legislation; maintaining regulatory integrity that gives the highest priority to public health and safety and environmental protection; and working closely with the Governor, legislative leaders, state and federal agency heads, and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to ensure Oregon’s interests are reflected in regional and national energy and nuclear waste policy.

The position is in the Communications Section, which is responsible for the agency’s public outreach, education, and information programs and the agency’s websites, social media, podcast, publications, and other communications tools and products.

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our positions and hope you will join us on our path to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an agency that embraces social equity through our values, strategic planning, and actions. Leaning into our equity priorities means we continually examine what we do, the impact we have, and our progress toward weaving social equity into who we are.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

You will be developing and implementing internal and external communication plans, providing public information through written, audio, and visual collateral, developing educational materials, creating program materials and data visualizations, and assisting in outreach and other communication efforts.

For a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities for this position, please review the position description by clicking here.

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule. The incumbent will be expected to be physically at the central workplace located at 550 Capitol St. NE in Salem, Oregon, at least eight times per year. This generally includes attendance at pre-scheduled in-person all-staff meetings. The position may also be required to work at the central workplace on a more frequent basis with advance notice, as needed.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

You will be a member of a diverse team built on collaboration and support.

We offer full medical, vision, and dental benefits with paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year.

This is a full-time, classified service position that is not represented by a union.

Note: This position will receive a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 6.55% which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The effective date of the increase is January 1, 2025, for February 1, 2025, paychecks.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs

-OR-

• Five years experience directly related to the position; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.

The most successful candidate will also have the following skills, experience, and background:

• Experience writing, editing, and designing graphics, educational materials, brochures, press releases, speeches, and reports.
• Ability to use a variety of communications mediums, including social media, podcasts, blogs, videos, data visualization software, and infographics.
• Experience communicating with a wide variety of audiences to share and simplify complex policy issues and technical information.
• Previous experience using web builders/design platforms and creating website content.
• Experience designing and implementing public outreach and engagement processes, including outreach materials and event coordination/participation.

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe they meet all the desired attributes. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We strongly encourage candidates to apply, even those who might not believe they possess every one of the desired attributes. Applicants who most closely exhibit the desired attributes will be invited to continue in the application process.