Communications Officer
Portland, OR - USA
Job Summary
Initial Posting Date:
06/04/2026Application Deadline:
06/11/2026Agency:
Oregon Health AuthoritySalary Range:
$6401 - $9828Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Communications OfficerJob Description:
If this opportunity aligns with your strengths background and commitment to fostering inclusivity we encourage you to apply! At Oregon Health Authority (OHA) we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger moreequitablefuture for all.
Opportunity Awaits Apply Today! Public Affairs Specialist 2 (Hybrid/Remote)
This position involves being a public information officer (PIO) on topics related to health policy and Medicaid. On a day-to-day basis your role would be to:
Work with reporters and respond to media inquiries.
Draft and route media responses for approval to ensureaccuratetimelyinformation.
Identifyand relay public interest stories and information.
Develop shareable content including for newsletters and social media.
Work in close collaboration with subject matter experts from a variety of departments.
Help manage crisis communications work.
Provide occasional in-person event support (scoped as possible for 1 2 times per month per month within normal work hours)
For a full review of the position description pleaseClick Here
What We Are Looking For
Minimum Qualifications:These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration.
ABachelors Degree in Business or Public Administration Public Relations Marketing Journalism Communications the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs
OR
Fiveyears experiencedirectly relatedto the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.
Desired Attributes:The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have any of these please let us know in your application.
Experience with:
Serving as a public information officer or spokesperson for an organization
Media mediarelationsor communications work
Drafting talking pointsstatementsor speeches
Condensing complex policies into plain language
Developing social media webcontentor public-facing documents
Crisis communications work
A fast-paced work environment with deadlines
Demonstrating resourcefulness sound judgment excellent time managementskillsand the ability to work on multiple initiatives
Preference Statement:Preference may be given to candidates whopossessthe following job-related knowledge skills and abilities.
Bi-lingual or multi-lingual.
Experience in or knowledge of Medicaid or health policy.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity.
Application Guidance
Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity toshowcaseyour skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity consistency and communication skills and for alignment with the guidance provided in the below:
Submission Requirements:
Resume Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position.
Supplemental Questions Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
Final Check! Beforesubmitting confirm that all required materials are included and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis todeterminesalary placement upon hire. Visit theEqual Pay Analysis Webpagefor more information.
How to Apply:
External Candidates:Visit theState of Oregon job opportunities webpageor click the Apply tab above tosubmityour application following all submission requirements.
Internal Candidates:Current State of Oregon employees must apply through theiremployee Workday login following all submission requirements.
After You Apply:
Complete any pending tasks in Workday under My Applications prior to the application deadline.
Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application.
Reminders:
Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing please follow the instructions forsubmitting your Veterans Preference documentation.
Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description as it is not available after the application deadline.
About the Team & Benefits of Joining
We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere ofmuturalrespect dedication andethusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from.
Ifyouredriven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives theOregon Health Authorityis the place for you.We also offer a competitive benefits package including:
Excellent low-costmedical vision and dentalcoverage for you and your family.
Optional benefits like life insurance disability coverage deferred compensation and FSA options for health and childcare.
Generous paid time off: 11 holidays 3 personal days monthly sick leave and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
Potential eligibility for thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Retirement security throughPublic Employees Retirement System(PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan(OPSRP).
Additional Details
This announcement is for one vacancy fulltime permanent SEIU represented Public affairs Specialist 2 position (Classification: Public Affairs Specialist 2 based in Portland Oregon.
This is a hybrid/remote position. Review Section 4: Working Conditions in the position description (linked above) for more information.
Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information see theClassification and Compensationpage.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age date of birthattendanceor graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire you willbe requiredto complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will useE-Verifyto verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future you will not meet the requirements for this position.
We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved outside resources including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are notpermittedduring assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.
Contact Information
Recruiter: Barry Lein
Email:
Phone (text friendly):
Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position orparticipatein the selection process please contact the recruiter listed above.
Helpful Links & Resources
How to Set Job AlertsWorkday Applicant FAQOregon Health AuthorityFacebookInstagramLinkedInVeterans ResourcesWhat You Need to Know to Get the Job
The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected classincluding race sex veteran status disability age color religion national origin marital status or sexual orientationand does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary isdeterminedthrough a fair review of your education experience and training as it relates to the position.
OHA is an anti-racist organization working toeliminatehealth inequities and dismantle structural barriers thatimpactunderserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a moreequitableOregon.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
About Company
The Department of Administrative Services is the central administrative agency of Oregon’s Executive Branch. Our mission is to support state government to serve the people of Oregon. By providing reliable service, accurate information and creative solutions, we strive to set the ...