Communications Officer

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 Job Description This is a hybrid position offering significant work-from-home flexibility If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all. 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 experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level. Desired Attributes 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 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, graphic design and/or 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. 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. We also offer a competitive benefits package including: 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. Equal Opportunity Employment 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. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.” #J-18808-Ljbffr