Senior Communications Strategist (Labor Relations) at Legacy Health – PORTLAND, Oregon

Senior Communications Strategist (Labor Relations)
US-OR-PORTLAND

Job ID: 26-47305
Type: Regular Full-Time
System Office 1919 Building

Overview

As a Senior Communications Strategist (Labor Relations) you will lead the development and execution of communication strategies that support and strengthen union partnerships across the organization. In this role, you will shape narratives, anticipate risks, and guide proactive communication efforts that foster trust and transparency.

This position plays a critical role in enhancing Legacy’s ability to effectively navigate labor-related communications, building stronger relationships and supporting a collaborative, informed workplace.

Responsibilities

• The Senior Labor Communications Strategist leads the development and execution of internal and external communications related to collective bargaining, labor activity and union partnerships across the organization.
• This position—part of Legacy Health’s Strategic Communications team—provides ongoing strategic support to the Labor Bargaining Team, Human Resources, Legal and executive leadership to ensure employees, leaders, bargaining units and the public receive clear, timely, accurate information during bargaining cycles and operationally sensitive periods.
• Serves as the liaison to Strategic Communications to ensure labor milestones are incorporated into the overall communications and marketing editorial landscapes.
• This position serves as the primary communications liaison to the bargaining function and is responsible for translating complex bargaining updates into accessible messaging that reinforces trust, transparency and organizational stability.
• The strategist manages communication cadence, channels, narratives, and risk mitigation, and plays a key role in building Legacy’s ability to proactively shape labor-related communications.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, business, human resources, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Requires Seven or more years of progressive experience in communications, with demonstrated depth in labor relations communications and/or employee communications, HR communications, public affairs. In addition, must have:
  • Proven experience translating complex, sensitive or high-risk topics (e.g., labor negotiations, work stoppages, contract changes, workforce actions, regulatory issues) into clear, accurate and employee-appropriate communications.
  • Strong strategic mindset, with the ability to anticipate issues, assess risk, develop proactive communications plans and advise leaders on messaging implications.
  • Experience working in a unionized environment, healthcare system, regulated industry or similarly high-stakes communications setting, with a strong understanding of labor dynamics, employee sentiment and reputational risk.
  • Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences including frontline staff, leaders, executives, board members, media and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting communications during crisis situations, labor negotiations, workforce disruptions or significant organizational change, including the ability to operate calmly under pressure.
  • Proven ability to partner closely with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders including labor relations, human resources, legal, operations and public relations to ensure aligned strategy and execution.
  • High degree of professionalism and discretion, with the ability to manage confidential information, influence without authority and serve as a trusted advisor in complex organizational environments.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Strong understanding of labor relations dynamics and the intersection of labor strategy, employee communications and public perception.
  • Experience partnering closely with legal, labor relations and HR teams in regulated or unionized environments.
  • Experience operating in environments with heightened media scrutiny, including aligning internal labor communications with external narratives.

Skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing ability under tight timelines.
• Strong judgment and discretion when navigating sensitive topics.
• Ability to simplify complex information without losing accuracy.
• Highly collaborative and diplomatic, with strong relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify patterns, risks and emerging themes.
• Strong project management skills.