Media Relations Strategist/Public Information Officer (PAS3)

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) is seeking a Media Relations Strategist/Public Information Officer within the Public Affairs Division. This role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communications and media strategies to inform the public about policies, priorities, and current issues affecting Oregonians. The position operates in a hybrid work environment, splitting time between Salem and Portland, OR. OHCS is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups. The agency's vision is for all Oregonians to pursue prosperity and live free from poverty, with a mission to provide stable and affordable housing and engage leaders in integrated statewide policy addressing poverty and opportunity. Core values include Collaboration, Compassion, Equity, Integrity, Leadership, and Transparency.

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 under recruitment, with five of the eight years at the professional level.
Resume
Cover Letter that addresses the desired attributes listed in the job posting.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing strategic and comprehensive media plans and messaging that supports 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.
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.
Bilingual skills (English/Spanish fluency) are preferred.

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 promote and inform the public on policies, priorities, and current issues impacting Oregonians.
Act as the OHCS spokesperson and/or representative with the media, state agency partners, and the Governor's communications team.
Work closely with the Executive Director and Public Affairs Director.
Manage media relations across various platforms, including print, broadcast, and digital media.
Develop, research, recommend, and implement comprehensive public information programs, including media relations, social media, public relations, and marketing.
Cultivate relationships and work effectively and respectfully with diverse people and communities.
Write executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.