Multimedia Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 1)

State of Oregon

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is a State of Oregon agency with a mission to serve and honor veterans through leadership, advocacy and strong partnerships. The Department is entrusted to assist veterans, their dependents, and surviving family members in obtaining their earned Federal, State, and local benefits. At the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We stand by our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization, and recognize and celebrate our unique backgrounds and diverse experiences. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ community members. The strength of our agency lies in the diversity of our workforce and the perspectives our employees bring to their work at ODVA. The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has a full-time opportunity available for a Multimedia Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 1) located at ODVA Headquarters in Salem, Oregon. An organization often reflects the salient beliefs and characteristics of its leadership and, more importantly, its employees. In our case, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is the very community we serve. As a state agency, our employees are some of the most passionate and dedicated people working toward a very noble mission, day in and day out. From our front-line Statewide Veteran Services Division to operational services that support day-to-day business, our teams work together to deliver on a promise made more than 80 years ago. To deliver on an incredibly broad mission in serving a diverse veterans’ community, we focus not on creating new programs, but rather, aligning and partnering around a shared vision and of good stewardship of existing resources. ODVA unites government, private companies, nonprofits, and other veteran service organizations to address issues facing veterans and their families. We are building support around specific issues that affect veterans. And we maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders that allow us to continue to be a leading voice on veteran’s issues. This is ODVA's cadence. Together with our veterans and our partners, we honor the past, build on our strengths, and chart a course worthy of the next 80 years. ODVA's Communications team is responsible for managing all internal and external communication and information representing the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This position is located within the Communications Division, Public Information Department, which functions as the agency’s central communications, public affairs, and creative services program. The Public Information Department is responsible for planning, producing, and coordinating ODVA’s internal and external communications to ensure accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent messaging that supports agency operations, leadership priorities, statutory responsibilities, and public trust. The program’s scope is statewide and agency wide. It supports all ODVA divisions and programs, including veteran benefits and advocacy, aging veteran services, home loan and education programs, advisory committee operations, legislative and executive communications, statewide outreach and engagement, and major agency initiatives. Communications produced by this program directly affect veterans and their families, agency employees, elected officials, partner organizations, media, and the general public. The Public Information Department manages ODVA’s core communications infrastructure and deliverables, including agency branding and visual identity, internal communications, digital and web content, multimedia production, publications, executive and leadership messaging, public information responses, and support for events and engagements across the state. The program also plays a critical role in ensuring communications meet accessibility, equity, and compliance standards, including ADA and public information requirements. As part of the Communications Division, this position directly supports the Director’s Office by producing materials and communications that advance executive priorities, policy implementation, employee engagement, legislative transparency, and public accountability. The program serves as a strategic and operational support function for agency leadership, providing timely, accurate, and high-quality communications that enable ODVA to fulfill its mission of serving every veteran in Oregon. As our Multimedia Specialist, you will promote a positive and equitable work environment that enables all employees to contribute to their fullest potential free from intimidation, harassment and/or discrimination and are treated with dignity and respect. You will create a culture where people from all backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives. You will plan, develop, and produce high-quality multimedia, graphic design, photographic, video, and written communication materials that support the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ internal operations, public information responsibilities, and statewide outreach efforts. As a Multimedia Specialist within the Communications Division’s Public Information Department, you will function as a hands-on producer and coordinator that translates agency priorities, programs, and leadership messaging into clear, accessible, and visually compelling communications. You will support agency-wide communication needs by creating and maintaining branded, ADA compliant materials for digital, print, and multimedia platforms; supporting internal communications and employee engagement; assisting with website and digital content updates; and providing photography and video support for agency programs, leadership activities, and public engagements. You will work collaboratively with communications staff, program teams, and agency leadership to ensure information is accurate, timely, consistent, and aligned with ODVA’s mission and strategic priorities

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree. OR Three years technical or higher-level experience directly related to the position OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team driven environment
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience working with vulnerable and challenging populations using a trauma-informed approach
• Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills, effectively engaging with clients and families under stress
• Proficient in fostering a culture that values respect, inclusivity, and appreciation for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values
• Adept at prioritizing and facilitating the resolution of competing and urgent needs in alignment with client interests within a collaborative team, providing recommendations to primary decision-makers
• Microsoft® Office Suite (Access®, Excel®, Word®, PowerPoint®, Outlook®)
• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Proficient to expert level with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools)
• SharePoint, Facebook Administration, Open-source environments (Word Press, Esubscribe systems)
• Cloud-based applications and services that support digital communication
• Microsoft® Windows® Operating Systems, Microsoft® SQL Server Software
• This position requires successful completion of a fingerprint based criminal history background check through the Oregon (LEDS) and National (NCIC) law enforcement data systems.
• A valid Oregon or Washington State driver’s license is required; must also undergo a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, with ongoing monitoring as a condition of continued employment.

Responsibilities

• plan, develop, and produce high-quality multimedia, graphic design, photographic, video, and written communication materials that support the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ internal operations, public information responsibilities, and statewide outreach efforts
• function as a hands-on producer and coordinator that translates agency priorities, programs, and leadership messaging into clear, accessible, and visually compelling communications
• support agency-wide communication needs by creating and maintaining branded, ADA compliant materials for digital, print, and multimedia platforms
• supporting internal communications and employee engagement
• assisting with website and digital content updates
• providing photography and video support for agency programs, leadership activities, and public engagements
• work collaboratively with communications staff, program teams, and agency leadership to ensure information is accurate, timely, consistent, and aligned with ODVA’s mission and strategic priorities

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year
• membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

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