Communications Officer

Job Description This is a hybrid position offering significant work-from-home flexibility Initial Posting Date 08/03/2026 Application Deadline 08/10/2026 Agency Oregon Health Authority Salary Range $6,581.00-$10,105.00 Position Type Employee Position Title Communications Officer The Communications Officer, Public Health Division, serves as a senior-level communications strategist within the Oregon Health Authority's External Relations Division. This position leads the development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies supporting Oregon's Oregon Public Health Division, a cornerstone division advancing health equity and transforming the state's health care system through 2030. Working closely with division leadership, program staff, government partners, community organizations, local public health authorities, and media representatives, the Public Health Division Communications Officer develops and implements proactive communications plans, translates complex policy and program information into clear and accessible messaging, and ensures information is delivered in culturally and linguistically responsive ways to diverse audiences across Oregon. As a trusted advisor to division leadership, this role provides strategic counsel on communications planning, public engagement, media relations, reputational risk, and crisis communications. The position develops messaging and materials for legislative, media, and community audiences; manages sensitive and high-profile issues; and advises leaders on the potential communications and public perception impacts of policy and program decisions. The Communications Officer also leads statewide and national earned media strategies, cultivating relationships with reporters and editors, responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews and press events, and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate. Through strategic communications, media engagement, and public outreach, this position helps build understanding of the Oregon Public Health Division and highlights Oregon's leadership in public health delivery and its important role in Oregon’s health system transformation. What We Are Looking For Minimum Qualifications 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 experiencedirectly relatedto the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level. Desired Attributes Demonstrated experience developing,implementingand managing strategic communications and crisis communications plans for complex or high-profile issues. Experience building andmaintainingstrong working relationships with members of the media, including pitching stories, coordinatinginterviewsand 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,conciseand culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences across multiple platforms. Experienceidentifyingand elevating 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 emergency response environments. Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphicdesignand/or other digital communications materials. Skill in advising leadership and cross-functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, publicengagementand effective messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives. Reminders Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions forsubmitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation. Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline. About The Team & Benefits Of Joining We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promotesan atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from. Ifyou'redriven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, theOregon Health Authorityis the place for you. Excellent, low-costmedical, vision, and dentalcoverage 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 thePublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Retirement security throughPublic Employees Retirement System(PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan(OPSRP). Training and development opportunitiesto grow your career with the State of Oregon. Additional Details This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent, management service, Communications Officer, Oregon Public Health Division (Classification: Public Affairs Specialist 3) position based in Portland, Oregon. This position is hybrid but may work out of the Salem or Portland OHA offices as needed to meet business needs. The schedule and hybrid work approval will be discussed and agreed upon between the hiring manager and selected candidate. Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment. The 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 theClassification and Compensationpage. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth,attendanceor graduation dates from an education institution during the application process. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you willbe requiredto complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will useE-Verifyto 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 notpermittedduring assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration. Contact Information Recruiter: Barry Lein Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Phone (text friendly): View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 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 isdeterminedthrough a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.OHA is an anti-racist organization working toeliminatehealth inequities and dismantle structural barriers thatimpactunderserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a moreequitableOregon. #J-18808-Ljbffr