Media Relations Strategist/Public Information Officer (PAS3)

Media Relations Strategist/Public Information Officer (PAS3) Oregon Housing & Community Services Media Relations Strategist/Public Information Officer [Public Affairs Specialist 3] Hybrid – Salem and Portland, OR OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION OHCS commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Our Vision is that all Oregonians can pursue prosperity and live free from poverty. Our Mission is to provide stable and affordable housing and engage leaders to develop an integrated statewide policy that addresses poverty and provides opportunity for Oregonians. Our Core Values: Collaboration – Compassion – Equity – Integrity – Leadership – Transparency. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Working Condition: Hybrid This position has some requirements for in-person and remote work. This position is permanent, full-time, and represented by SEIU. Per the SEIU CBA for OHCS represented positions, applicants who are current OHCS employees will be considered and interviewed before external applicants. This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. This position requires both a resume and a cover letter, the cover letter will need to address the desired attributes listed in this job posting. WHAT YOU WILL DO The person in this position will develop and implement creative, proactive and comprehensive media relations plans to drive agency messages supporting all OHCS divisions and leadership. The media, across platforms, are valuable partners. This role will produce comprehensive communications and media strategies that promotes and informs the public on policies, priorities and current issues impacting Oregonians. This position works closely with the Executive Director and Public Affairs Director, and acts as the OHCS spokesperson and/or representative with the media, with state agency partners and with the Governors’ communications team. This position is expected to work in a fast-paced high-profile role. 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. For a copy of the Position Description please contact: View email address on click.appcast.io DESIRED ATTRIBUTES Experience developing and implementing strategic and comprehensive media plans and messaging that supports the agency goals, advances the agency mission and promotes initiatives. Experience serving as chief news media contact, media relationship manager and agency spokesperson with print, broadcast and digital media. Experience working with local and national media platforms. Skilled in critical thinking and problem-solving, and making recommendations on complex community and intergovernmental relations, community relations, media relations, community outreach, and public affairs issues and strategies. Experience preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials. Experience developing, researching, recommending, and implementing comprehensive public information programs, including media relations, social media, public relations and marketing. Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and work effectively and respectfully with politically, ideologically, culturally, and geographically diverse people and communities. Demonstrated knowledge of social justice issues; a deep commitment to equity and social justice, and strong alignment with OHCS values. Experience writing executive-level communications for internal and external audiences. Bilingual skills are preferred to be able to speak, read and write English/Spanish fluently. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU You will become part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package! A positive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and cross-training. An agency that supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness. Generous benefits package including, employer-paid health insurance, vacation, and sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS). The posted salary range is the total possible range for the classification. Candidates are screened through a Pay Equity process that evaluates various factors. Please see the Pay Equity website for more information. RECRUITMENT TIMELINE *These dates are approximate and may change. Recruitment Closes: 08/13/26 Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going Hiring Manager Screening for Requested Skills: On-going

1. st Round of Interviews: Week of 08/24/26
2. nd Round of Interviews: TBD if needed

Anticipated Start Date: 10/05/26 WHO WE ARE Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is Oregon’s housing finance agency. We provide financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of lower and moderate incomes. Our vision is that all Oregonians can pursue prosperity and to live free from poverty. Across Oregon, housing has emerged as a paramount concern. The lack of available housing, high rents and high home prices are driving rapid increases in housing instability and homelessness. The data is clear: too many Oregonians are without a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. OHCS is placing greater emphasis on strategic planning and the way we invest our resources. Recently, we have restructured, refocused, and reimagined our agency. Our work has led to an increased emphasis on data, research and customer service. We are carrying that effort forward with the Statewide Housing Plan. The plan articulates the extent of Oregon's housing problem and what we can do to address it. OHCS committed to the Housing Stability Council and our stakeholders that the plan will be responsive to the needs of the state. OHCS released its Building Oregon's Future: 2023 Annual Report to update the agency’s significant progress in meeting the goals outlined in the 2019 Statewide Housing Plan. We are now more than halfway into the five-year plan. PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION The Public Affairs Division promotes OHCS’ core services, programs and mission by leading government relations, strategic communications and engagement. The Division serves as a bridge between policymakers, public interest and partner organizations to promote stable housing. Public Affairs actively strives to center equity and racial justice and to form deep partnerships across the housing continuum to achieve equitable and affordable housing outcomes for all Oregonians. Public Affairs Leadership Team The Public Affairs Leadership Team is part of the Public Affairs Division responsible for advising the OHCS leadership team and helping shape the overarching communications, media relations, government relations and community engagement strategies for the agency. This team leads a team of professionals responsible for uplifting OHCS’ core services, programs and mission. WANT TO KNOW MORE? NOTES: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your "My Applications" section. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Work Authorization: Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form containing authorization to work in the United States. OHCS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Veteran’s Preference: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process. Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. If you need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please send your request to View email address on click.appcast.io and include the job requisition number. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Oregon