Strategic Communications Lead

Strategic Communications Lead

Oregon State University

Department: Sea Grant (RSG)

Appointment Type: Professional Faculty

Job Location: Corvallis

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $56,179 – $95,594

Job Summary:

The Oregon Sea Grant is seeking a Strategic Communications Lead. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, professional faculty position.

Oregon Sea Grant (ORSG ) seeks a strategic communications lead to enhance the awareness of, access to, engagement with, and support of ORSG and its programs for internal and external audiences. In this role, the incumbent will be responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive communications program. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on content development to ensure ORSG marketing and communications effectively achieve program goals. This role reports to the Oregon Sea Grant Director and is in regular communication, and works collaboratively, with, the leadership team and program staff to develop and implement short- and long-range marketing and science communication plans and campaigns that advance program priorities and engage a diversity of audiences. This position oversees and directly contributes to the creation, writing, editing, and production of engaging content for Oregon Sea Grant, ensuring effective distribution across print and digital platforms.

Oregon Sea Grant, based at Oregon State University (OSU ) since 1971, is one of 34 Sea Grant College Programs established by Congress as a partnership between universities and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA ). Through an integrated program of research, extension and education, our mission is to spark discovery, understanding, and collaboration to foster healthy and resilient coastal communities and ecosystems” (seagrant.oregonstate.edu). Oregon Sea Grant has three primary programmatic areas. Our Research & Scholars program offers grant opportunities and supports competitive, peer-reviewed research projects led by ocean and coastal scientists from Oregon. It also provides undergraduate and graduate fellowships, internships, and scholarships. Our Extension & Engagement program works with coastal communities on important social, economic and environmental issues such as aquaculture, coastal hazards, commercial fisheries, invasive species, marine renewable energy, recreational boating, and water resources. Our Education program provides hands-on marine science education through the Hatfield Visitor Center, the Oregon Coast STEM Hub, youth and family programs such as summer camps, and student, teacher, and public events.

Oregon Sea Grant has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian’s awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources. 

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee  with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

https://bestplace4workingparents.com/policies/ 

Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU . 

Key Responsibilities

45% – Strategic Planning and Leadership 

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for ORSG’s communications program, including developing, implementing and evaluating communications-focused strategic initiatives and objectives in collaboration with ORSG leadership and program personnel.
• Lead development and implementation of creative, innovative, cross-platform integrated marketing strategies and campaigns, including monitoring performance and impact.
• Collaborate with OSU University Relations and Marketing, OSU Extension and Engagement Communications and Marketing and other university units to promote ORSG’s research, extension and engagement, education and outreach to diverse audiences and align marketing strategies, messages and content.
• Oversee digital platforms managed by the program, including the ORSG website and social media.
• Ensure created content and messaging are scientifically accurate, culturally inclusive, socially cognizant and compliant with university and NOAA brand and style guidelines and accessibility requirements.

30% – Product and Content Development 

• In consultation with ORSG program personnel as well as program-supported researchers and scholars, develop, or oversee development of, content for print and digital products and the ORSG website and social media.
• Design and implement effective outreach and development campaigns for ORSG in collaboration with ORSG , OSU , and/or OSU Foundation personnel.
• Represent, and provide support for others to represent, ORSG at public events.
• Oversee, generate, and contribute to the production of items such as publications, photographs, videos, fact sheets, impact stories, reports, infographics, posters, conference proceedings, banners and program marketing materials.
• Develop, or oversee development, and manage production of ORSG branded materials, products and giveaways.
• Design, implement, and recommend evaluation strategies for ORSG -led events and campaigns, focused on impacts and outcomes.

15% – Management and Supervision 

• Hire and supervise professional and student employees, freelancers and contracted services that provide web development, social media content and management, multimedia content and digital marketing communications.
• Manage allocated communications budgets.

5% – Professional Development and Service 

• Engage in opportunities to build knowledge and skills in areas relevant to position duties. This includes building skills to effectively use emerging digital technologies and to advance equity and inclusion through communications and marketing work.
• Serve and advance the profession through active membership, leadership and participation in relevant professional organizations, communities of practice, workshops, meetings and award and recognition programs.
• Provide service to ORSG and OSU by working on program, university, regional and national committees and projects.
• Support special projects of the National Sea Grant Office and the Sea Grant Association and participate in the national Sea Grant Communicators Network.

5% – Other duties as assigned 

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years of professional experience in communications, marketing, technical writing, or related field.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills.
• Experience developing content for a broad and diverse audience.
• Experience planning and implementing communications or marketing strategies.
• Experience managing digital platforms and content within, including websites, social media, and digital marketing tools.
• Experience leading teams and managing personnel and contractors, budgets, projects and workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and manage and complete multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Experience working effectively and cooperatively with colleagues across programs and levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability and interest in adapting to changes and advances in marketing and communication trends, tools and technologies.
• Demonstrated commitment to value, engage and include a variety of internal and external audiences and communities (including OSU and Sea Grant program colleagues, co-workers, researchers, students, participants, partners and community members) that hold a range of different cultural and political perspectives and values.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. 

What We Would Like You to Have

• Advanced degree, continuing education or certification in a scientific discipline or topics relevant to position duties.
• Strong evidence of the ability to develop, implement and evaluate integrated, creative communications and marketing strategies and campaigns in support of organization goals and priorities.
• Professional experience in communication of science and its societal relevance to general audiences.
• Experience in a university, government agency, scientific or non-profit organization.
• Experience collaborating with distributed or decentralized teams to support enterprise-level goals or priorities.
• Experience in graphic design, photography or videography.
• Familiarity with digital accessibility requirements.
• Proficient or fluent in a second language (especially Spanish).

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Work is primarily on-site at the Oregon Sea Grant offices on the OSU campus in Corvallis, OR. Remote work may be possible, as agreed on between the employee and supervisor.

Occasional evening and weekend work and some in-state or regional travel related to event and program support may be required. Travel to the HMSC Visitor Center in Newport, OR, as needed.

May require occasional out-of-state travel for national program meetings or work outdoors related to program delivery. 

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 13, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Other Document 1: Please provide links to three pieces of content (written, visual or digital) you were responsible for creating. Briefly describe the audience(s) for these, the process you used to develop them, how each was part of an overall communications strategy, and how you evaluated their success.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact: Jessi Kershner at Jessi.Kershner@oregonstate.edu 
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

The recommended range for initial offers is $70,950 – $78,400.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.