Communications Officer

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Health Authority is hiring a Public Affairs Specialist 2 to serve as a public information officer on health policy and Medicaid topics. The role works with reporters, responds to media inquiries, drafts and routes media responses for approval, identifies public-interest stories, and develops shareable content for newsletters and social media. It collaborates closely with subject matter experts across departments and helps manage crisis communications. The position also provides occasional in-person event support, scoped as possible for one to two times per month during normal work hours.

This is one full-time, permanent, SEIU-represented position based in Portland, Oregon, with a hybrid/remote arrangement. Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria. The position does not provide visa sponsorship. The listed salary range is the non-PERS qualifying range; it increases by 6.95% for candidates who qualify for PERS.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, the Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a related degree, and two years of professional-level experience in Public Relations or Affairs; OR five years of experience directly related to the position, including two years at the professional level.
• Submit a current resume outlining relevant education and work experience.
• Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
• Pass a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Complete I-9 documentation within three days of hire and confirm authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving as a public information officer or spokesperson for an organization.
• Experience in media, media relations, or communications work.
• Experience drafting talking points, statements, or speeches.
• Experience condensing complex policies into plain language.
• Experience developing social media, web content, or public-facing documents.
• Experience with crisis communications.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
• Resourcefulness, sound judgment, excellent time management, and the ability to work on multiple initiatives.
• Bilingual or multilingual ability.
• Experience in or knowledge of Medicaid or health policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a public information officer on health policy and Medicaid topics.
• Work with reporters and respond to media inquiries.
• Draft and route media responses for approval to ensure accurate, timely information.
• Identify and relay public-interest stories and information.
• Develop shareable content, including newsletters and social media content.
• Collaborate closely with subject matter experts from various departments.
• Help manage crisis communications work.
• Provide occasional in-person event support, scoped as possible for one to two times per month during normal work hours.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for the employee and family.
• Optional life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and health and childcare flexible spending account options.
• Paid time off, including 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) or Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level