Public Affairs Specialist 3

Public Affairs Specialist 3

– senior-level communications strategist in Oregon Health Authority External Relations Division.

Job Overview
Hybrid position offering significant work-from-home flexibility. Serves as senior-level communications strategist supporting the Public Health Division. Leads the planning, development, and execution of complex communications and public affairs initiatives that advance public health programs, policies, and emergency response efforts. 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. Serves as key advisor to leadership on communication strategy, reputational risk, and public engagement efforts.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement long- and short-term strategic and crisis communications plans on complex issues.

Maintain strong relationships with members of the media, pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and responding to media inquiries.

Serve as spokesperson through television, radio, phone, and livestream interviews.

Identify and elevate compelling stories from communities across Oregon, including lived-experience and human‑interest stories that support public awareness and engagement.

Create and oversee content across multiple platforms, including press materials, web content, video, and graphic communications.

Communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders, prioritizing culturally responsive messaging.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, advising leadership on communications strategy, reputational risk, and public engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

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 at least five years at the professional level.

Desired Attributes

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.

Strategic thinking skills and sound judgment.

Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable navigating high‑profile or sensitive issues.

Comfortable navigating the agency’s mission, values, and commitment to equity-centered public health communications.

Preference Statement

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.

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 per 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.

Additional Details

Announced for multiple full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Public Affairs Specialist positions based in Salem, Oregon.

This is a hybrid/remote position. Refer to Section 4: Working Conditions for more information.

Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.

Salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position.

We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The 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 does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your 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.

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