Communications Officer

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

11d • $5,988 - $9,191 • 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 position works with reporters, drafts and routes media responses for approval, identifies and shares public-interest information, develops content for newsletters and social media, collaborates with subject matter experts across departments, and helps manage crisis communications. It also provides occasional in-person event support, estimated at one to two times per month during normal work hours. The position is based in Portland, Oregon, and is hybrid or remote. It is a full-time, permanent, SEIU-represented employee position. Employment is contingent on passing a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a related field, 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.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check meeting OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and complete I-9 documentation within three days of hire; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving as a public information officer or organizational spokesperson.
• Experience in media, media relations, or communications work.
• Experience drafting talking points, statements, or speeches.
• Experience translating complex policies into plain language.
• Experience developing social media, web content, or public-facing documents.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.
• Resourcefulness, sound judgment, excellent time management, and ability to work on multiple initiatives.
• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual 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 information is accurate and timely.
• Identify and relay public-interest stories and information.
• Develop shareable content, including newsletters and social media content.
• Collaborate closely with subject matter experts across departments.
• Help manage crisis communications work.
• Provide occasional in-person event support, scoped at approximately 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 flexible spending account options for health and childcare.
• Paid time off, including 11 holidays, three personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at eight 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