Communications Officer
Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, United States
Job Description
Public Affairs Specialist 2 (Hybrid/Remote)
Agency:
Oregon Health Authority
Position Title:
Communications Officer
Position Type:
Employee
Salary Range:
$6,401 - $9,828
Role This position involves serving as a public information officer (PIO) on topics related to health policy and Medicaid. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include:
Work with reporters and respond to media inquiries.
Draft and route media responses for approval to ensure accurate, timely information.
Identify and relay public‑interest stories and information.
Develop shareable content, including newsletters and social media posts.
Collaborate closely with subject‑matter experts from various departments.
Help manage crisis communications work.
Provide occasional in‑person event support (scoped as 1–2 times per month within normal work hours).
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a related field, and two years of professional experience in Public Relations or Affairs.
OR five years of experience directly related to the position, with at least two years at the professional level.
Desired Attributes
Experience serving as a public information officer or spokesperson.
Media, media‑relations or communications work.
Drafting talking points, statements or speeches.
Condensing complex policies into plain language.
Developing social media, web content or public‑facing documents.
Crisis communications experience.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with deadlines.
Resourcefulness, sound judgment, excellent time management and the ability to juggle multiple initiatives.
Preference Statement
Bi‑lingual or multi‑lingual skills.
Experience or knowledge of Medicaid or health policy.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity.
Application Guidance Submission Requirements:
Resume – attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position.
Supplemental questions – answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
Final check – confirm that all required materials are included; Workday job history must be current. The information will be used for an Equal Pay Analysis.
How To Apply
External candidates: visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application.
Internal candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login.
After You Apply
Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” before the application deadline.
Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application.
Reminders
Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers will be awarded candidate preference.
Download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description; it is not available after the deadline.
About the Team & Benefits We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment, promotes mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals.
Benefits
Excellent, low‑cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
Optional benefits such as 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 PERS/OPSRP.
Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.
Additional Details
One vacancy, full‑time, permanent, SEIU represented, Public Affairs Specialist 2—classification based in Portland, Oregon.
Hybrid/remote position; see “Working Conditions” in the position description for more information.
Employment contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at hire and throughout employment.
Salaries listed are non‑PERS qualifying; qualifying for PERS increases salary by 6.95%.
The State of Oregon does not request or require age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates during the application process.
Position does not provide visa sponsorship; I‑9 documentation required within three days of hire.
Outside resources—including AI tools—are not permitted during assessments or interviews; unauthorized use disqualifies a candidate.
Contact Information Recruiter:
Barry Lein
Email:
Barry.Lein@oha.oregon.gov
Phone (text friendly):
503‑440‑6484
Accommodation Requests (ADA) OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above.
Helpful Links & Resources How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class—including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation—and do not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of education, experience, and training as it relates to the position. OHA is an anti‑racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Agency:
Oregon Health Authority
Position Title:
Communications Officer
Position Type:
Employee
Salary Range:
$6,401 - $9,828
Role This position involves serving as a public information officer (PIO) on topics related to health policy and Medicaid. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include:
Work with reporters and respond to media inquiries.
Draft and route media responses for approval to ensure accurate, timely information.
Identify and relay public‑interest stories and information.
Develop shareable content, including newsletters and social media posts.
Collaborate closely with subject‑matter experts from various departments.
Help manage crisis communications work.
Provide occasional in‑person event support (scoped as 1–2 times per month within normal work hours).
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a related field, and two years of professional experience in Public Relations or Affairs.
OR five years of experience directly related to the position, with at least two years at the professional level.
Desired Attributes
Experience serving as a public information officer or spokesperson.
Media, media‑relations or communications work.
Drafting talking points, statements or speeches.
Condensing complex policies into plain language.
Developing social media, web content or public‑facing documents.
Crisis communications experience.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with deadlines.
Resourcefulness, sound judgment, excellent time management and the ability to juggle multiple initiatives.
Preference Statement
Bi‑lingual or multi‑lingual skills.
Experience or knowledge of Medicaid or health policy.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity.
Application Guidance Submission Requirements:
Resume – attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position.
Supplemental questions – answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.
Final check – confirm that all required materials are included; Workday job history must be current. The information will be used for an Equal Pay Analysis.
How To Apply
External candidates: visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application.
Internal candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login.
After You Apply
Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” before the application deadline.
Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application.
Reminders
Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers will be awarded candidate preference.
Download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description; it is not available after the deadline.
About the Team & Benefits We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment, promotes mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals.
Benefits
Excellent, low‑cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family.
Optional benefits such as 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 PERS/OPSRP.
Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon.
Additional Details
One vacancy, full‑time, permanent, SEIU represented, Public Affairs Specialist 2—classification based in Portland, Oregon.
Hybrid/remote position; see “Working Conditions” in the position description for more information.
Employment contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at hire and throughout employment.
Salaries listed are non‑PERS qualifying; qualifying for PERS increases salary by 6.95%.
The State of Oregon does not request or require age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates during the application process.
Position does not provide visa sponsorship; I‑9 documentation required within three days of hire.
Outside resources—including AI tools—are not permitted during assessments or interviews; unauthorized use disqualifies a candidate.
Contact Information Recruiter:
Barry Lein
Email:
Barry.Lein@oha.oregon.gov
Phone (text friendly):
503‑440‑6484
Accommodation Requests (ADA) OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above.
Helpful Links & Resources How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class—including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation—and do not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of education, experience, and training as it relates to the position. OHA is an anti‑racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.
#J-18808-Ljbffr