• Job Description

  Req#: 4995818
  
  

  Before you apply, we ask that you watch the following video to learn more about our organization and recruitment process: CLICK HERE.

  
  Additionally and in order to properly assess you as a candidate for the role, please complete the application as thoroughly as possible. This may include attaching a resume and other applicable documentation that demonstrates your qualifications.

  
  

  
  

  Lead the voice of Oregon’s largest affordable housing provider.

  
  

  Home Forward is seeking a visionary, values-driven Communications Director to define how our agency is seen, heard, and understood—both locally and nationally. This is more than a communications role. It’s an opportunity to shape the public narrative on housing, influence systems-level change, and champion the lived experiences of thousands of residents and staff. As Oregon’s largest provider of affordable housing, Home Forward plays a critical role in our region’s housing landscape. The Communications Director will lead the development and execution of integrated strategies that are innovative, inclusive, and aligned with our mission of advancing racial and social justice through housing.

  
  

  About the Role
  Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with executive leadership, the Communications Director is responsible for how Home Forward shows up—across platforms, communities, and conversations. This leader will guide the organization’s communications strategy, build and protect our brand, and influence the experience of our employees and the public. This includes leading a talented team, engaging media, implementing emerging communication technologies, and helping Home Forward tell a stronger, smarter, and more just story.

  
  

  Key Responsibilities

  • Define and shape public perception of Home Forward, its values, and the people and communities we serve.
  • Influence local and national housing narratives through strategic storytelling and proactive media engagement.
  • Design and implement technology-driven solutions to expand access, responsiveness, and data-informed messaging.
  • Lead internal culture-building communications that foster connection, belonging, and clarity for hundreds of staff members.
  • Respond to and manage crisis communications with transparency and trust, maintaining public confidence and staff support.
  • Drive innovation in how we communicate—using tools like AI, data visualization, and search optimization to elevate our mission.
  • Strengthen our brand by ensuring all messaging is aligned, inclusive, and reflective of our equity commitments.

  
  

  What We’re Looking For
  We are seeking a communications leader who brings:

  • Deep commitment to equity, racial justice, and housing as a human right
  • Strategic communication expertise in high-impact, public-facing roles
  • Experience in organizational storytelling and brand development
  • Strong leadership and collaboration skills to guide teams and advise executives
  • Creativity and innovation in applying new tools, platforms, and engagement strategies
  • Comfort navigating complexity in a mission-driven, quasi-governmental environment

  
  

  To see the full job description, CLICK HERE .

  
  

  This posting will close on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. This is a regular, full time position with compensation beginning at $150,962.40 annually.

  
  Recruitment Process
  Home Forward is conducting an active recruitment both internally and externally. We plan to screen and engage applicants as follows:

  • Minimum qualifications review
  • Written supplemental evaluation
  • Panel interview with stakeholders
  • Final hiring interview with Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer

  
  

  Home Forward provides wonderful and competitive benefits, including (please see the benefits tab for full details):

  • Generous medical, dental, vision, prescription, and mental health benefits. Employees only need to cover 11% of the cost regardless of plan option !

  • Employer Sponsored Time: We have a standard work week of 37.5 hours, and Home Forward provides 2.5 hours of paid time for you to use throughout the week to create work-life balance while maintaining pay at a 40 hours a week.

  • PSLF Covered Employer We are a participant in the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) plan. This means that by serving your community with Home Forward, your loans could be forgiven.

  • Long-Term Savings & Retirement is important for financial wellness and closing the wealth gap. We contribute 12% into each employee’s PERS/OPSRP pension plan as well as contributing a $750 match to your deferred compensation/457b plan each year .

  • 16 Paid Holidays! - Over three weeks in paid holidays, which includes 4-days of organizational rest .

  • Home Office & Internet Stipends We are a hybrid organization and set-up our folks for success! Each new employee will receive a $250 home office set-up stipend, and $150 annually there-after. Plus, we contribute to your internet expenses too.

  
  

  This is a great opportunity to make an impact in your community, and establish a great career with an organization that cares about its employees. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+ people, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding the best candidate that aligns with our organization, and that ideal candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of our described qualifications.
  
  This is a hybrid position with on-site work located at:

  
  

  New Market West

  135 SW Ash Street

  Portland, OR 97204

  
  

  Please apply today!

  
  

  10 years of related work experience in public relations, community relations, marketing, or related role with direct responsibility for publications, media relations, and communications planning required, and progressively responsible experience in grant writing preferred. A related degree may substitute for equivalent years of required work experience.

  
  

  Bachelor’s Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or English, preferred.

  Work in the government sector, especially in affordable housing, is preferred.

  
  

  Home Forward recognizes that knowledge, skills, and experience may be gained through lived experience as well as education, professional experience, volunteering, or other means.
  

• About the company

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