Communications Manager

$90,500 - $115,700/Yr

Energy Trust Of Oregon - Portland, OR

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Portland, OR

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

Energy Trust of Oregon is seeking a Communications Manager who will play a pivotal role in managing and delivering communications activities that enhance understanding of the organization’s purpose and role among key stakeholders and internal staff. This position is integral to meeting the organization's objectives of transparency and public accountability. The Communications Manager will oversee the Communications Team within the Communications & Customer Service (CCS) group, which is responsible for developing stakeholder-facing communications products, performing internal communications and reporting functions, managing crisis communications as needed, and supporting communications for the organization's strategic planning, multiyear planning, and budgeting processes. The successful candidate will be a highly skilled communicator, both written and verbal, with a keen attention to detail and experience in effectively conveying complex content to a variety of audiences. They will have a background in communications management, preferably within a government agency or a complex organization accountable to the public. Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related policy concepts in the Pacific Northwest is essential. The role requires strong managerial skills, resource management capabilities, and excellent critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills. The Communications Manager will thrive in a fast-paced work environment and be adept at juggling multiple competing priorities. In this role, the Communications Manager will manage the Communications Team, providing day-to-day oversight of all activities, hiring staff and interns, conducting performance reviews, and coaching and developing team members. They will advise on and deliver the organizational communications strategy related to strategic planning and budgeting, ensuring that stakeholders are engaged and informed. The position also involves overseeing public reporting and organizational transparency, leading responses to data requests, and providing communications support to senior staff, including the Executive Director. The Communications Manager will maintain awareness of current policy concepts and market trends that may impact Energy Trust's programs and services, ensuring that all communications align with the organization's objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Communications Team, providing day-to-day oversight of all activities.
• Hire staff and interns, conduct performance reviews, and coach/develop staff.
• Advise and deliver on organizational communications strategy related to strategic planning and budgeting.
• Collaborate with senior staff and colleagues to provide stakeholders with technical, program, and market information.
• Oversee public reporting and organizational transparency, ensuring delivery of standard public reports and data.
• Lead responses to data requests from stakeholders and manage staff training in reporting tools.
• Oversee internal communications to support staff awareness of organizational priorities.
• Provide communications support to the Executive Director and senior staff, including complex issues synthesis and strategy delivery.
• Manage the development, review, and delivery of stakeholder communications to ensure consistency and alignment with objectives.
• Maintain awareness of current policy concepts and market trends that may impact programs and services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, political science, or related field.
• Master's degree in public policy, public administration, or commensurate experience preferred.
• Minimum seven years of experience as a communications project manager or manager.
• Specific experience in a government relations setting is preferred.
• At least two years of experience supervising staff and/or managing a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong presentation skills, and sound judgment.
• Experience producing high-quality, accurate public communications, including speeches and reports.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Advanced user-level understanding of Microsoft Office suite, especially MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of AP style preferred.
• Experience using SharePoint preferred.

Benefits

• 401(k) with a company contribution of 6% after 90 days of employment.
• Health/dental/vision insurance.
• Employer sponsored and paid life/disability insurance.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA).
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick days.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Employee assistance program.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Flexibility to work from home and/or an office space at the Portland, OR location.