Communications Officer

State of Oregon · Salem, OR · 2 mo ago

Full-time

This is a hybrid position offering significant work-from-home flexibility.

About the role

The Communications Officer, Public Health Division, serves as a senior-level communications strategist within the Oregon Health Authority's External Relations Division. This position leads the development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies supporting Oregon's Oregon Public Health Division, advancing health equity and transforming the state's health care system through 2030.

Working closely with division leadership, program staff, government partners, community organizations, local public health authorities, and media representatives, the Public Health Division Communications Officer develops and implements proactive communications plans, translates complex policy and program information into clear and accessible messaging, and ensures information is delivered in culturally and linguistically responsive ways to diverse audiences across Oregon.

As a trusted advisor to division leadership, this role provides strategic counsel on communications planning, public engagement, media relations, reputational risk, and crisis communications. The position develops messaging and materials for legislative, media, and community audiences; manages sensitive and high-profile issues; and advises leaders on the potential communications and public perception impacts of policy and program decisions.

The Communications Officer also leads statewide and national earned media strategies, cultivating relationships with reporters and editors, responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews and press events, and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate. Through strategic communications, media engagement, and public outreach, this position helps build understanding of the Oregon Public Health Division and highlights Oregon's leadership in public health delivery and its important role in Oregon’s health system transformation.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies for the Oregon Public Health Division.
Translate complex policy and program information into clear, accessible, and culturally responsive messaging.
Provide strategic counsel to division leadership on communications planning, public engagement, media relations, reputational risk, and crisis communications.
Develop messaging and materials for legislative, media, and community audiences.
Manage sensitive and high-profile issues, advising leaders on communications and public perception impacts.
Lead statewide and national earned media strategies, including cultivating media relationships, responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, and serving as a spokesperson.
Oversee or collaborate on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, and graphic design.
Identify and elevate compelling stories to increase public engagement and media coverage.
Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously, prioritize deadlines, and adapt in fast-paced or emergency response environments.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field and five years of professional-level experience in public relations or public affairs; or
Eight years of experience directly related to the position, with five of those years at the professional level.

Desired Attributes

Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and managing strategic communications and crisis communications plans for complex or high-profile issues.
Experience building and maintaining strong working relationships with members of the media, including pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and responding to inquiries under tight deadlines.
Experience serving as an agency or organizational spokesperson in interviews, presentations, press briefings, or livestream settings involving sensitive or complex topics.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to create clear, concise, and culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
Experience identifying and elevating compelling stories, including community-based, lived-experience, and public interest stories.
Demonstrated ability to strategically manage multiple communications projects simultaneously and prioritize competing deadlines.
Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design, and/or other digital communications materials.
Skill in advising leadership and cross-functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, public engagement, and effective messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives.

Benefits

Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage 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 the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Pay

Salary range: $6,581.00 - $10,105.00 per month. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Schedule

This is a full-time, permanent, hybrid position based in Portland, Oregon. The schedule and hybrid work approval will be discussed and agreed upon between the hiring manager and selected candidate. The position may require working out of the Salem or Portland OHA offices as needed to meet business needs.

Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment. This position does not provide visa sponsorship.