Communications Manager

COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Northwest Human Services is a non‑profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970. We are a mission focused organization providing compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services for those in our community who need it most - uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers. As a Community Health Center we value a culture of belonging, diverse perspectives, and life experiences.

Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work‑life harmony.

Northwest Human Services (NWHS) is seeking a strategic and creative Communications Manager to lead and execute organization‑wide communications that amplify our mission, services, and impact. This role is responsible for shaping and delivering clear, consistent, and compelling messaging that engages patients, employees, partners, media, and the broader community.

Job Status:
Full‑Time | Exempt

Location:

681 Center St. NE, Salem, Oregon

Reports to:

Chief Operations Officer

The Communications Manager develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy that supports organizational priorities, strengthens brand awareness, expands patient access, and advances health equity for underserved and resilient populations. Working closely with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams, this position manages marketing, media relations, digital presence, and internal communications to ensure NWHS’s story is told with clarity, accuracy, and purpose.

• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive, mission‑aligned communications strategy.
• Provide strategic counsel on media relations, crisis communications, reputation management, advocacy, and policy‑related messaging.
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging that reflects NWHS’s values, services, and community impact.

• Create and oversee high‑quality, culturally responsive content across multiple formats (print, digital, social, video).
• Ensure all communications align with NWHS branding, voice, and accessibility standards.
• Conduct brand audits and maintain communication and brand guidelines.
• Produce key publications such as newsletters, annual reports, and promotional materials.
• Coordinate branded materials and vendor‑produced assets.

• Manage and grow NWHS’s digital platforms, including website and social media channels.
• Monitor analytics and performance metrics to drive engagement and continuous improvement.
• Respond to online inquiries, reviews, and interactions in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure website accuracy, usability, SEO optimization, and content updates.

• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and journalists; pitch stories and respond to media inquiries.
• Draft press releases, op‑eds, and thought leadership content highlighting NWHS programs and impact.
• Serve as primary crisis communications support within the incident command structure.
• Prepare and train leadership and staff for media engagement as needed.

• Support community outreach initiatives, public appearances, and partnership communications.
• Assist with planning and promotion of agency‑wide events, health fairs, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns.
• Develop speeches, presentations, and outreach materials for leadership and staff.
• Capture photography and visual content for communications use.

• Lead internal communications efforts to keep staff informed and engaged.
• Partner with HR to support recruitment and employer branding campaigns.
• Provide training to staff on communications processes, brand standards, and messaging.

• Track and report on key performance indicators related to digital engagement, media coverage, and community reach.
• Analyze campaign effectiveness and return on investment.
• Present regular updates and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

• Bachelor’s degree in…