Public Affairs Specialist 3

Job Title

Public Affairs Specialist 3
Overview

The Public Affairs Specialist 3 serves as a senior‑level communications strategist supporting the Public Health Division within the Oregon Health Authority’s External Relations Division. This hybrid position leads the planning, development, and execution of complex communications and public affairs initiatives that advance public health programs, policies, and emergency response efforts. The role collaborates closely with agency leadership, subject matter experts, media representatives, and community partners to create strategic communication plans and manage sensitive issues, ensuring clear, timely, and culturally responsive messaging for Oregonians.
Responsibilities

Lead planning, development and execution of complex communications and public affairs initiatives.
Develop strategic communication plans and serve as a key advisor to leadership on strategy, reputational risk, and public engagement.
Pitch stories, coordinate interviews, respond to media inquiries, and serve as spokesperson for 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.
Maintain strong relationships with members of the media and build partnerships with community stakeholders.
Manage multiple communication projects simultaneously, prioritizing competing deadlines in a fast‑paced or emergency‑response environment.
Collaborate on multidisciplinary multimedia content creation, including web, social media, video production, graphic design, and other digital communication materials.
Advise leadership and cross‑functional teams on communication strategy, public engagement, and messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science or related).
Five years of professional‑level experience in public relations or public affairs; or eight years of experience directly related to the position, with at least five years at the professional level.
Desired Attributes

Strategic thinking and sound judgment.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
Strong communication skills with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable navigating high‑profile or sensitive issues.
Experience building and maintaining media relationships, pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and responding to inquiries under tight deadlines.
Experience serving as a spokesperson in interviews, presentations, press briefings or livestream settings involving sensitive or complex topics.
Experience managing multiple communication projects concurrently and adapting quickly in fast‑paced or emergency response environments.
Experience in multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design, and other digital communication materials.
Skill in advising leadership and cross‑functional teams on communication strategy, reputational risk, and public engagement.
Preference Statement

Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and managing strategic communications and crisis communication plans for complex or high‑profile issues.
Experience building and maintaining strong working relationships with media members.
Experience serving as an agency spokesperson in interviews, presentations, press briefings or livestream settings involving sensitive or complex topics.
Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
Strong project management and ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
Multimedia content creation experience (web, social media, video, graphic design).
Effective advisor of leadership and cross‑functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, and public engagement.
Benefits

The position provides a competitive benefits package including medical, vision and dental coverage for employee and family; life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, FSA options for health and childcare; generous paid time off (11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave and vacation accrual); potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program; and retirement security through the Public Employees Retirement System and Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan.
Equal Opportunity Employment

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices and pay equity. The agency does not discriminate on the basis of 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr