Communications Officer

Initial Posting Date:
10/26/2026

Application Deadline:
11/08/2026

Agency:
Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:
$5,988 - $9,191

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Communications Officer

Job Description:

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.


Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! - Public Affairs Specialist 2 (Hybrid/Remote)


This position involves being a public information officer (PIO) on topics related to health policy and Medicaid. On a day-to-day basis, your role would be to:


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 for newsletters and social media.


Work in close collaboration with subject matter experts from a variety of departments.


Help manage crisis communications work.


Provide occasional in-person event support (scoped as possible for 1 - 2 times per month per month within normal work hours)


For a full review of the position description, pleaseClick Here


What We Are Looking For


Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration.


A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs


OR


Five years experience directly related to the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.


Desired Attributes: The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have any of these, please let us know in your application.


Experience with:


Serving as a public information officer or spokesperson for an organization


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 work


A fast-paced work environment with deadlines


Demonstrating resourcefulness, sound judgment, excellent time management skills and the ability to work on multiple initiatives


Preference Statement: Preference may be given to candidates who possess the following job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.


Bi-lingual or multi-lingual.


Experience in or knowledge of Medicaid or health policy.


Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity.


Application Guidance


Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided in the below:


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! - Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.


How to Apply:


External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the "Apply" tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements.


Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login, following all submission requirements.


After You Apply:


Complete any pending tasks in Workday under "My Applications" prior to 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 (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 for submitting 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; promote an atmosphere of mutural respect, dedication, and ethusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from.


If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including:


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/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


This announcement is for one vacancy, fulltime, permanent, SEIU represented, Public affairs Specialist 2 position (Classification: Public Affairs Specialist 2 based in Portland, Oregon.


This is a hybrid/remote position. "Review Section 4: Working Conditions" in the position description (linked above) for more information.


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 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.


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


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.