Communications Manager

Communications Manager

Position: Communications Manager

Reports to: Communications and Brand Lead

Compensation: Competitive starting salary $97,500 $124,900 commensurate with skills and experience. Full Pay Range: $97,500 - $152,200

Employment Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible, position is open until filled

Close Date: 9/14/26

Office Location: Portland Metro Area, Oregon, USA

About Energy Trust of Oregon: Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy development. We serve Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista, and SW Washington customers of NW Natural. Year over year Energy Trust is recognized as one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon.

Our Vision: Clean, affordable energy for everyone.

Our Commitment to Diversity: We recognize the lack of diversity in our industry, and we actively seek to address it with our hiring and retention practices as well as our values. We believe every person and their lived experience is integral to building a vibrant culture and delivering effective services to all customers we serve. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience to apply.

Our Location: Energy Trust provides for a range of work location options, including remote, hybrid and in-office work. This position will represent Energy Trust in public settings and potentially at community events. We are open to candidates who live throughout Oregon and Washington.

The Communications Manager would be expected to report to the office on a quarterly basis, at minimum.

What You'll Do:

Stakeholder Communications Leadership and Delivery (approximately 70% of responsibilities)

• Under direction of the Marketing and Communications Lead, manage stakeholder-facing communications and manage staff responsible for the development and delivery of communication products for regulators, utilities, community partners, policymakers, industry organizations and other external stakeholders.
• As an individual contributor, develop, write, edit and deliver high-quality stakeholder communications, including reports, presentations, strategic communications plans, briefing materials, key messages, talking points, speeches, public-facing materials and executive communications.
• Independently research, analyze and synthesize complex technical, policy, regulatory and organizational information into clear and accurate communications tailored to stakeholder audiences.
• Build subject matter expertise across a broad range of energy-specific business, policy and program topics and rapidly translate new information into effective communications products with minimal direction.
• As assigned, provide strategic communications counsel to leaders, project teams and subject matter experts regarding stakeholder engagement, messaging, communications approaches and risk mitigation.
• As assigned, develop and execute communications strategies and plans that support organizational priorities, stakeholder understanding and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage a high volume of concurrent communications projects and requests, balancing competing priorities, shifting deadlines and emerging organizational needs.
• Respond effectively to unplanned, time-sensitive and high-profile communications needs, exercising sound judgment and maintaining quality under pressure.
• Ensure stakeholder communications are accurate, clear, audience-appropriate and aligned with organizational objectives, policies and messaging standards.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with leaders, subject matter experts and cross-functional teams to gather information, clarify priorities and deliver effective communications products.
• Identify communications risks, gaps and opportunities and proactively recommend solutions.
• Guide and review stakeholder communications produced by the communications team while ensuring consistency, quality and strategic alignment.

Internal Communications (approximately 10% of responsibilities)

• Guide and manage the team in developing and delivering internal communications activities that help employees understand organizational purpose, programs, priorities and value; communications activities include all staff meetings, a monthly internal newsletter, trainings and orientations, and email and Microsoft Teams communications.
• Advise Human Resources and organizational leaders to develop and deliver employee communications as needed to support staff awareness and engagement.

Team Management and Leadership (approximately 20% of responsibilities)

• Supervise, coach and develop a team of communications specialists, providing clear direction, feedback, prioritization support and professional development opportunities.
• Review and provide substantive editorial and strategic feedback on communications products produced by team members.
• Establish team priorities, allocate resources and adjust workloads to ensure timely delivery of stakeholder communications and organizational priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, responsiveness, collaboration and high performance while maintaining strong service to internal clients and external stakeholders.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position supervises a team of communications staff and manages professional services contracts.