Digital Communications Specialist

Description Organizational Background A national leader in rural philanthropy, The Ford Family Foundation is a private foundation benefiting communities in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, Calif. In 1957, Kenneth W. Ford & Hallie E. Ford established a then-modest foundation to give back to the timber communities of southwest Oregon. It grew in size, scope, and geography to become The Ford Family Foundation in 1996, with its main office in Roseburg, Oregon. One of the three largest grantmaking foundations in Oregon, The Ford Family Foundation has assets of $1.2 billion, an annual budget of approximately $55 million, a nine-member Board of Directors and 52 employees located in two office locations and in rural communities throughout Oregon. Purpose/The Opportunity The Ford Family Foundation believes strong rural communities are built through informed, connected, and engaged people. The Digital Communications Specialist advances the Foundation's mission, voice, and visibility by creating and managing digital content that strengthens engagement with key audiences and elevates stories from rural communities. Reporting to the Communications Director, this role develops and publishes content across social media, website, email, and emerging digital channels while collaborating with program, policy, learning, and leadership teams to highlight the Foundation's investments, partnerships, research, and impact. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller, writer, and digital communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment, manages multiple priorities effectively, and uses creativity, sound judgment, and audience insights to advance the Foundation's communications goals. This is a non-exempt position, and the hourly wage is $31.73-$33.75 per hour, depending on experience. Our excellent benefit package includes paid time off and holidays, health and dental insurance, health savings account, generous retirement plan, matching gifts program, access to an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, rejuvenation leave, and more. Performance and compensation are reviewed at least annually. This position is hybrid with a minimum of three days a week in the office. Residency within 40 miles of Roseburg is required. Deadline to submit applications, along with a thoughtful and engaging letter of interest, is Friday, September 18th, 2026 @ 5:00 PM. Please note that the application deadline is subject to change. The position may close sooner than the deadline listed based on the number of applicants. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Employee Profile The ideal Digital Communications Specialist is a creative, collaborative, and highly organized professional who combines sound judgment with a talent for compelling storytelling. They excel at managing multiple priorities, adapting to changing needs, and delivering high-quality work with attention to detail. They are a strong relationship-builder who communicates clearly, works effectively across teams, and approaches their work with curiosity, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, they bring initiative, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Above all, they are mission-driven and energized by the opportunity to elevate rural voices and strengthen communities through thoughtful, effective communications. They demonstrate humility, kindness, and a collaborative spirit, while advancing the Foundation's mission and values in their daily work. Requirements Essential Duties and Responsibilities Digital Content Development Create, edit, publish, and maintain content across the Foundation's digital platforms, including social media, website properties, email communications, and other emerging channels in alignment with approved communication strategies. Manage the Foundation's digital channels, including social media content planning, scheduling, publishing, and audience engagement, to strengthen visibility, foster meaningful relationships, and support organizational communications goals. Manage routine website updates and enhancements to ensure content remains current, accessible, accurate, and aligned with Foundation priorities. Collaborate with program, policy, learning, and leadership teams to identify, develop, and publish stories that demonstrate the Foundation's mission, investments, partnerships, and impact. Apply accessibility, user experience, search optimization, and digital communications best practices to content development and publications. Audience Engagement & Brand Stewardship Support implementation of the Foundation's communications strategy by ensuring content aligns with approved messaging, brand standards, tone, and voice. Assist in promoting Foundation events, reports, publications, initiatives, and partnerships through coordinated digital communications efforts. Collaborate with external vendors, contractors, and creative partners as needed to support digital communications projects and deliverables. Analytics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement Track and monitor digital communications metrics across social media, website, email, and other channels. Identify trends, emerging platforms, audience insights, and opportunities to strengthen the Foundation's digital presence. Utilize analytics and reporting tools to evaluate content performance and inform recommendations for future communications activities. Provide recommendations to the Communications Director regarding content improvements, audience engagement strategies, and digital communications practices. Organizational Collaboration Develop and maintain strong working relationships across Foundation departments to ensure communications efforts effectively support organizational priorities. Participate in cross-functional teams and communications planning processes. Contribute to a positive, respectful, and productive work environment that reflects the Foundation's values and commitment to collaboration. Participate in Foundation meetings, trainings, retreats, and professional development opportunities. Other duties as assigned. Foundation-Wide Expectations These expectations define the core behaviors and mindsets that help employees advance the Foundation’s mission and strengthen impact. Mission Alignment: Demonstrates a Mission-first orientation by grounding decisions and daily work in the Foundation’s core values, community impact, and desired outcomes, with a focus on organizational effectiveness and results. Initiative and Problem Solving: Identifies needs or challenges proactively, takes appropriate action within one’s sphere of control, and brings forward practical recommendations. Collaboration: Builds relationships and effectively collaborates to maximize progress toward strategic outcomes. Performance and Accountability: Delivers high-quality work, takes ownership of results, and pursues excellence in service to the Mission above all. Learning and Adaptability: Actively seeks feedback, remains open to new ideas, adapts to changing needs, and applies learning to drive continuous improvement. Required/Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, digital media, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in digital communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related communications work. Demonstrated experience creating, editing, and managing content across multiple digital platforms. Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor content for diverse audiences. Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to exercise sound judgment. Proficiency with website content management systems, social media platforms, and common communications technologies. Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach, high degree of personal integrity, and commitment to the Foundation's mission. Approximately 10% travel within Oregon and Siskiyou County, California may be required. Must have, or be able to attain before starting the job, a valid Oregon driver's license. Experience creating content for nonprofit or philanthropic organizations preferred. Physical Demands of Job Duties and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear. This position is fairly active and requires long periods of standing, sitting, keyboarding, and occasional driving. The employee rarely lifts or moves items over 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a normal office environment with some exposure to the outside environment. This position is rarely exposed to dust, odors, water, fumes, and noise. Work is always performed in a safety-conscious manner. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. It is the policy of The Ford Family Foundation to treat applicants and employees without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr