Senior Writer and Director of Communications

Job no: 536626
Work type: Officer of Administration
Location: Portland, OR
Categories: Child Development, Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Journalism/Communication, English, Psychology

Department: Ballmer Institute
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $95,000 - $110,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
Compensation Band: OS-OA09-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

May 22, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure consideration, complete applications must include the following along with the online application:
1. A current resume/CV.
2. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted until you are notified.
3. A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
4. Please submit two to three writing samples that best reflect your experience writing for complex or institutional audiences. Redacted or anonymized samples are acceptable; brief contextual notes may be included.

For questions regarding this position or to request a copy of the full position description, please email [email protected].

Position Summary

The Senior Writer & Director of Communications is a strategic, creative, and highly skilled communications leader responsible for shaping and amplifying the voice, narrative, and public presence of the Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health. This role oversees content strategy and brand messaging and ensures clear, compelling, and mission aligned storytelling across internal and external audiences.

The Director serves as the chief communications partner to the Executive Director and senior leadership team-crafting speeches, remarks, statements, reports, proposals, and editorial pieces-and manages the institute's overall communications strategy, editorial planning, media engagement, and digital presence. The role blends high-level strategic thinking with hands-on writing excellence to advance the institute's mission, partnerships, and national visibility.

The Director oversees a growing communications team and provides leadership in setting vision, strategy, and priorities for the team. The Director also provides coaching, guidance, and performance management, while allocating resources and building team capacity to support the institute's strategic goals.

Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, public relations, marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Five years of professional writing experience, with responsibility for producing high-quality written content for diverse audiences.
• Three years of experience supervising staff and/or students.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans.

Professional Competencies
• Skill in long-form, feature, or narrative writing.
• Skill in writing or contributing to philanthropic proposals, donor communications, or case-making materials.
• Skill in supporting executive leadership through high-visibility writing such as speeches, remarks, talking points, and major announcements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across units and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage confidential or sensitive matters with discretion.
• Ability to supervise and mentor communications staff.
• Ability to align communications initiatives with institutional goals, key initiatives, and leadership priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff.
• Proficiency in digital publishing platforms, web content management systems, social media tools, project management software, and Office 365 applications.

Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• Experience in higher education communications and/or a large, complex organization.
• Expertise in media relations and brand journalism.
• Experience managing content strategy and multichannel storytelling initiatives.
• Proven record of innovation and metrics-based decision making.

FLSA Exempt:

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

Advertised: May 8, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: