Public Affairs Specialist 3

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

3d • $7,677 - $11,304 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Affairs Specialist 3 with the Communications Unit in the Oregon Health Authority’s External Relations Division serves as a senior-level communications strategist supporting the Public Health Division. This role leads the planning, development and execution of complex communications and public affairs initiatives that advance public health programs, policies and emergency response efforts. The position works closely with agency leadership, subject matter experts, media representatives and community partners to develop strategic communications plans, manage sensitive issues and ensure clear, timely and culturally responsive messaging for Oregonians. The role also serves as a key advisor to leadership on communications strategy, reputational risk and public engagement efforts. This position requires a highly skilled communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. The ideal candidate has experience developing and implementing long- and short-term strategic and crisis communications plans on complex issues, while also maintaining strong relationships with members of the media. Responsibilities include pitching stories, coordinating interviews, responding to media inquiries and serving as a spokesperson through television, radio, phone and livestream interviews. The successful candidate will also identify and elevate compelling stories from communities across Oregon, including lived-experience and human-interest stories that support public awareness and engagement. We are looking for someone with exceptional writing, editing and storytelling abilities who can create and oversee content across multiple platforms, including press materials, web content, video and graphic communications. Candidates should bring strong strategic thinking skills, sound judgment and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders. The ideal person will be collaborative, adaptable and comfortable navigating high-profile or sensitive issues while supporting the agency’s mission, values and commitment to equity-centered public health communications.

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. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and managing strategic communications and crisis communications plans for complex or high-profile issues.
• Experience building and maintaining strong working relationships with members of the media, including pitching stories, coordinating interviews and responding to media inquiries under tight deadlines.
• Experience serving as an agency or organizational spokesperson in interviews, presentations, press briefings or livestream settings involving sensitive or complex topics.
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to create clear, concise and culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
• Experience identifying and elevating compelling stories, including community-based, lived-experience and public interest stories that increase public engagement and media coverage.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple communications projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines and adapt quickly in fast-paced or emergency response environments.
• Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design and other digital communications materials.
• Skill in advising leadership and cross-functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, public engagement and effective messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Leads the planning, development and execution of complex communications and public affairs initiatives.
• Works closely with agency leadership, subject matter experts, media representatives and community partners to develop strategic communications plans.
• Manages sensitive issues and ensures clear, timely and culturally responsive messaging for Oregonians.
• Serves as a key advisor to leadership on communications strategy, reputational risk and public engagement efforts.
• Develops and implements long- and short-term strategic and crisis communications plans on complex issues.
• Maintains strong relationships with members of the media.
• Pitches stories, coordinates interviews, responds to media inquiries and serves as a spokesperson through television, radio, phone and livestream interviews.
• Identifies and elevates compelling stories from communities across Oregon, including lived-experience and human-interest stories.
• Creates and oversees content across multiple platforms, including press materials, web content, video and graphic communications.
• Advises leadership and cross-functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, public engagement and effective messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives.

Benefits

• Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
• Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare.
• Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.

What This Job Offers

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