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Director Science Communication Jobs in Portland, OR

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Director Science Communication information

See Portland, OR salary details

$85.4K

$118.6K

$152.7K

How much do director science communication jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for director science communication in Portland, OR is $118,645.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,900.00 and $132,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of science communication do?

A Director of Science Communication leads efforts to convey scientific concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences, including the public, media, policymakers, and internal stakeholders. They develop and oversee communication strategies, manage a team of communicators or writers, and ensure that complex scientific information is accurately and effectively translated for non-experts. Their role often includes media relations, public outreach, and collaboration with scientists to craft clear messaging. Additionally, they may handle crisis communications and represent their organization at public events or in the press.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of science communication?

To thrive as a Director of Science Communication, you need advanced expertise in scientific disciplines, outstanding writing and presentation skills, and a relevant degree—often at the graduate level—in science or communications. Familiarity with digital communication platforms, media relations, and data visualization tools is typically required, along with experience managing communication campaigns. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex research for various audiences are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure scientific information is accurately and effectively conveyed to stakeholders and the public, promoting understanding and support for scientific initiatives.

How does a director of science communication typically collaborate with research teams and external stakeholders?

A Director of Science Communication works closely with research teams to translate complex scientific findings into accessible messages for various audiences. This often involves attending project meetings, reviewing research outputs, and identifying key insights to share. The role also requires building relationships with external stakeholders such as media outlets, policymakers, and community organizations to ensure the organization's scientific achievements are accurately represented and widely disseminated. Effective collaboration and communication skills are crucial, as the director often acts as a bridge between scientists and the broader public.

What is the difference between Director Science Communication vs Science Writer?

AspectDirector Science CommunicationScience Writer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in science or communication, experience in leadership rolesBachelor's or master's in science, journalism, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, develops strategic communication plans, collaborates with stakeholdersResearches, writes, and edits scientific content for various media
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, science organizations, corporationsMedia outlets, scientific publications, freelance platforms

The main difference is that the Director Science Communication oversees communication strategies and manages teams, while the Science Writer focuses on creating scientific content. The director has a broader leadership role, whereas the writer specializes in content creation and storytelling within the science field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Communication jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Science Communication jobs in Portland, OR are:

Director of Alumni Engagement - Oregon Health & Science University Foundation

Another Source

Portland, OR • On-site

$92K - $115K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

At a glance
We're excited to partner with the OHSU Foundation on the search for their next Director of Alumni Engagement. This is a unique opportunity for a relationship-focused leader to oversee signature alumni events, develop engagement strategies, and create meaningful connections between alumni, students, and the university. If you or someone in your network is passionate about community building, event leadership, and making a lasting impact, we'd love to connect.
Description: What you'll be doing
Another Source's client, the OHSU Foundation, is recruiting a Director of Alumni Engagement to join their team in Portland, Oregon. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to work from the office two days per week. The anticipated annual salary range is $92,000-$115,000, and relocation assistance is available.
Here's a little about the OHSU Foundation:
The OHSU Foundation advances the mission of Oregon Health & Science University by inspiring philanthropy that transforms health, education, and scientific discovery. Through the generosity of alumni, donors, volunteers, and community partners, the Foundation helps fuel breakthroughs in research, expand access to exceptional patient care, and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.
As OHSU continues to shape the future of medicine and healthcare innovation, the Alumni Engagement team plays a critical role in strengthening lifelong relationships with alumni across the university's schools and programs. This is an exciting opportunity to help create meaningful experiences that foster connection, pride, and engagement among one of the region's most influential alumni communities.
About this role:
As the Director of Alumni Engagement, you'll lead the planning and execution of high-impact alumni programs and events that strengthen connections between alumni, current students, and the university. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement, you'll collaborate across the Foundation and campus to build engaging experiences, steward alumni leadership initiatives, and help shape the future of alumni engagement strategy.
If you thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy bringing people together through memorable experiences, and are energized by both strategic planning and flawless execution, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
How you will spend your time
Alumni Events (45%)
  • Lead the planning and execution of signature alumni events in partnership with the Foundation's Special Events team.
  • Oversee marquee programs including Alumni Reunion Weekend, the Cantwell Lecture, School of Medicine Holiday Reception, and alumni webinar series.
  • Deliver exceptional event experiences that deepen alumni affinity and engagement.

Alumni Leadership & Engagement Initiatives (30%)
  • Partner with the Assistant Vice President to coordinate Alumni Leadership Council programming and board meetings.
  • Support onboarding, engagement, and ongoing stewardship of alumni leaders.
  • Develop strategies to engage School of Nursing alumni across multiple Oregon campuses.
  • Build meaningful opportunities that connect alumni with students, faculty, and one another.

Strategic Planning & Program Development (25%)
  • Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning, team initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Help measure alumni engagement outcomes through CRM reporting and data visualization.
  • Research and recommend industry best practices to strengthen alumni engagement programs.
  • Contribute to team retreats, goal setting, and long-term planning initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Seven (7) or more years of experience planning large-scale in-person and virtual events, engagement programs, or community-building initiatives.
  • Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience leading projects from concept through execution while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
  • Creative, collaborative mindset with a passion for community building and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solutions-focused in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in higher education, preferably within alumni engagement or advancement.
  • Experience using Affinaquest or another donor/alumni CRM platform.

What's in it for you:
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $92,000-$115,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Additional highlights include:
  • Hybrid work schedule (two days per week in the office)
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Opportunity to help shape alumni engagement at one of the nation's leading academic health centers
  • Collaborative team environment with meaningful mission-driven work

Working Environment
This role includes occasional evening and weekend events, travel throughout the Portland metropolitan area and occasionally beyond, and participation in event setup and breakdown. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities shift around major events and engagement activities.
Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.
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