Media Relations Strategist/Public Information Officer (PAS3)

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

2d•$6,581 - $10,105•Hybrid

About The Position

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is looking for a person who can fill a key position in the Public Affairs Division as a Media Relations Strategist/Public Information Officer. This role will produce comprehensive communications and media strategies that promotes and informs the public on policies, priorities and current issues impacting Oregonians. This position has some requirements for in-person and remote work. This position is permanent, full-time, and represented by SEIU. The person in this position will develop and implement creative, proactive and comprehensive media relations plans to drive agency messages supporting all OHCS divisions and leadership. The media, across platforms, are valuable partners. This role will produce comprehensive communications and media strategies that promotes and informs the public on policies, priorities and current issues impacting Oregonians. This position works closely with the Executive Director and Public Affairs Director, and acts as the OHCS spokesperson and/or representative with the media, with state agency partners and with the Governors’ communications team. This position is expected to work in a fast-paced high-profile role.

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.
Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing strategic and comprehensive media plans and messaging that supports the agency goals, advances the agency mission and promotes initiatives.
Experience serving as chief news media contact, media relationship manager and agency spokesperson with print, broadcast and digital media.
Experience working with local and national media platforms.
Skilled in critical thinking and problem-solving, and making recommendations on complex community and intergovernmental relations, community relations, media relations, community outreach, and public affairs issues and strategies.
Experience preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
Experience developing, researching, recommending, and implementing comprehensive public information programs, including media relations, social media, public relations, and marketing.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and work effectively and respectfully with politically, ideologically, culturally, and geographically diverse people and communities.
Demonstrated knowledge of social justice issues; a deep commitment to equity and social justice, and strong alignment with OHCS values.
Experience writing executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.
Bilingual skills are preferred to be able to speak, read and write English/Spanish fluently.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement creative, proactive and comprehensive media relations plans to drive agency messages supporting all OHCS divisions and leadership.
Produce comprehensive communications and media strategies that promotes and informs the public on policies, priorities and current issues impacting Oregonians.
Act as the OHCS spokesperson and/or representative with the media, with state agency partners and with the Governors’ communications team.