Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist (Public Affairs Specialist 3)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

4d • $7,179 - $10,569 • Remote

About The Position

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention (HPCDP) section is seeking a Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist (Public Affairs Specialist 3). This position serves as a key leader in developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating strategic communications and marketing initiatives for the HPCDP section. Working in close partnership with staff, management, contractors, and a wide network of collaborators, this role ensures clear, consistent, and compelling communication that advances public health goals across Oregon, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and relevance while addressing risk and protective factors for chronic disease. The Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist plays a central role in shaping OHA’s brand presence by coordinating with multiple state agencies, Local Public Health Authorities, Regional Health Equity Coalitions, community organizations, and other partners. This role also supports Division and Agency leadership by crafting impactful internal and external messaging and maintaining strong relationships with partners and community audiences. This position leads marketing, design, material development, and outreach strategies in collaboration with communications and marketing contractors, to maintain a cohesive brand image and ensure timely dissemination of science-based, audience-centered tools, resources, and messages. The Strategist also establishes standards that guide the implementation of new communication approaches across HPCDP programs, advises on development of policy, and acts as a liaison between the agency and external communications professionals on agency-wide issues.

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.
• Developing strategic communication plans and marketing plans.
• Developing, managing, and evolving public health brands and campaigns.
• Planning and managing mass media campaigns, including informing media planning and buying strategies.
• Using audience research and insight to inform communications strategies.
• Evaluating campaign performance and applying findings to improve effectiveness.
• Overseeing paid, earned and owned media strategies.
• Directing creative development and managing digital and web content.
• Managing public relations and partner communications.
• Shaping public affairs policy and policy communications strategies.
• Supporting legislative communications.
• Creating new approaches to complex communication issues that advance public health programs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design and/or other digital communications materials.
• Experience managing brands and developing and implementing strategic communication plans for complex, high-profile, multi-year campaigns focused on culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Experience with a shared risk and protective factor approach to chronic disease prevention focused on addressing root causes and supporting personal, cultural and community resilience.
• Experience administering contracts and developing and tracking project work plans and budgets.
• Experience supporting organizational spokespeople to prepare for 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; and to identify and elevate compelling stories, including community-based, lived-experience and public interest stories that increase public engagement and media coverage.
• Demonstrated ability to strategically manage multiple communications projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines and adapt quickly in fast-paced or high reputational risk environments.
• 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

• Developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating strategic communications and marketing initiatives for the HPCDP section.
• Ensuring clear, consistent, and compelling communication that advances public health goals across Oregon, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and relevance.
• Shaping OHA’s brand presence by coordinating with multiple state agencies, Local Public Health Authorities, Regional Health Equity Coalitions, community organizations, and other partners.
• Supporting Division and Agency leadership by crafting impactful internal and external messaging.
• Maintaining strong relationships with partners and community audiences.
• Leading marketing, design, material development, and outreach strategies in collaboration with communications and marketing contractors.
• Establishing standards that guide the implementation of new communication approaches across HPCDP programs.
• Advising on development of policy.
• Acting as a liaison between the agency and external communications professionals on agency-wide issues.

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: Mid Level