About OPB
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit media organization serving communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Powered by the generous support of our members, OPB connects people through trusted journalism that is freely accessible to everyone. Guided by public service, we deliver in-depth, fact-driven news coverage and varied programming, including politics, science and the environment, arts and culture, history and more. OPB shares stories and programs wherever people seek them: on opb.org, OPB Radio and TV, the OPB News app, social media, streaming video, podcasts, our daily “First Look” and other email newsletters, and at in-person events and experiences.
OPB is facing an unprecedented need and opportunity to expand the depth and reach of our service for audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest. With an existing network of influence and partners embedded in communities across the region, OPB is building an infrastructure to elevate a strong journalism ecosystem. OPB is respected for its strong brand, loyal membership base and contributions to a compelling mission at a critical moment.
We are focusing on three areas: expanding our journalism service across Oregon and southwest Washington to lift more voices and serve more communities, strengthening our digital presence to bring OPB stories to people wherever they are, and creating meaningful in-person experiences to bring us together. These are enormously difficult times to listen across our national divides and here at home. But the stakes have never been higher.
The Opportunity
As OPB’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications, you will lead the effort to tell the story of OPB’s impact in compelling and innovative ways and create awareness of OPB and KMHD across new generations and audiences in the PNW. You are the steward of OPB’s voice and brand and have the opportunity to reinvigorate both. As a key member of our senior leadership team, you are responsible for shaping and leading our cohesive marketing, communications, and branding strategy across the organization. This role elevates OPB’s visibility in communities across the Pacific Northwest by overseeing integrated marketing and communications functions, including organization messaging, public relations, and executive visibility.
The VP Marketing & Communications reports to the CEO and serves as a strategic partner on the senior leadership team. This leader brings expertise in marketing, communications and media, as well as creative energy and operational discipline. The role demands strong cross-functional collaboration, proficiency in powerful multiplatform media communication strategies, innate understanding of opportunities to amplify OPB and KMHD’s impact, rapid response instincts and deep knowledge of the news industry.
The VP is a strategic and visionary leader with an innovative spirit and sharp instincts for telling OPB’s own dynamic story across our platforms. This senior position will define and uphold our brand voice and identity across OPB as well as the jazz station KMHD, which OPB operates in partnership with Mt. Hood Community College.
Based in Portland, Oregon, the VP Marketing & Communications will be on-site at OPB headquarters most of the week, working closely with the CEO, senior leaders, as well as the marketing and comms staff and teams across the organization.
Position Details and Responsibilities:
This leader is an exceptional communicator with stakeholders inside and outside OPB, and a creative thinker who thrives in a collaborative environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic marketing and brand leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that elevates OPB’s and KMHD’s visibility in communities across the Pacific Northwest, including overseeing organization-wide marketing, communications, creative services and public relations.
- Ensure consistent, compelling messaging that is aligned with OPB’s strategy across channels and stakeholders internally and externally.
- Shape the narrative and visual identity of the organization, drive growth of public awareness through innovative integrated marketing campaigns and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
- Oversee the development of brand campaigns across TV, radio, digital, social, print and experiential platforms.
- Work closely with OPB’s research team to inform marketing strategy, audience strategy and brand differentiation.
- Monitor:
- Brand reputation
- Key metrics around brand awareness, sentiment tracking and engagement
- Emerging trends in the industry
- Corporate Communications and Public Relations
- Serve as strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team for internal and external communications, helping to shape tone of messaging and distribution strategy.
- Elevate OPB’s profile through thought leadership, industry visibility, awards, media engagement, and speaking platforms.
- Oversee development and distribution of key corporate communications including press releases, leadership messaging, crisis responses, and corporate milestones.
- Lead reputation management strategy.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and integration of marketing and communications efforts, developing messaging and coordinating dissemination across teams’ channels.
- Develop internal communications strategy to increase staff and board awareness, understanding, and support for OPB’s priorities.
- Marketing Operations & Analytics
- Establish measurements (OKRs) for marketing performance and impact; report outcomes and insights to leadership.
- Set strategy for and oversee marketing technology stack, vendor relationships, and agency partnerships to optimize reach and efficiency.
- Develop and oversee annual marketing budget aligned to business goals and priorities.
- Team Development & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead and grow a high-performing marketing and communications team.
- Consistently embody OPB’s values while building and maintaining strong relationships across the organization.
- Partner closely with our Programming & Audience, Content and Development teams.
Working Conditions
Working conditions are generally within the typical office environment, with some travel and some work required on evenings, weekends and holidays.
Reports to:
President and CEO
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in marketing, communications, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in marketing and communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Extensive experience establishing successful marketing and communications strategies.
- Proven success in building and leading integrated marketing teams and strategies.
- Demonstrated expertise in digital marketing and cross-platform storytelling.
- Outstanding verbal, written, and visual communication skills; executive presence.
- Track record of successfully overseeing internal communications, including developing messaging for staff, internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellence in crisis communication and reputation management.
- Experience in budget planning and performance tracking.
- Enthusiasm for the mission and values of OPB.
Preferred Position Requirements:
- Experience in the media industry and news organizations.
- A strong network of media and marketing industry contacts.
- Experience with nonprofits in a professional or volunteer capacity.
Additional Information
- This position reports to the President and CEO and is benefits-eligible
- The probable hiring range for this exempt position is between $175,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on qualifications.
To Apply:
URL Media is leading the search for this position. Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered, and email talent@url-media.com with any questions or nominations.
In your cover letter, please address how your experience has prepared you to tell OPB’s brand story in a way that expands and deepens our connections to the communities we serve.
