Communications Officer

Oregon Department of Human Services

Communications Officer leading public health messaging, crisis communications, and earned-media strategy for Oregon Health Authority. Advising leaders and engaging media and communities across Oregon.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timePortland • Oregon • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $6,581 - $10,105 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing strategic communications plans, crisis communications, and media relations while effectively managing high-profile issues and cultivating relationships with diverse stakeholders. Proficient in creating culturally responsive messaging and advising leadership on public engagement and reputational risk.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications PlanningCrisis Communications ManagementMedia RelationsPublic EngagementStorytelling Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Communications Strategy DevelopmentCrisis Communications PlanningWriting and EditingMultimedia Content CreationProject Management

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingAdaptabilityCollaborationPrioritizationCultural Responsiveness

Tools & Technologies

Social MediaGraphic DesignVideo ProductionWeb Content Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeSuccessful Criminal Records Check

Industry Keywords

Public HealthPublic RelationsPublic AffairsCommunity EngagementMedia Inquiries

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies supporting Oregon Public Health Division
Develop and implement proactive communications plans
Translate complex policy and program information into clear, accessible, culturally and linguistically responsive messaging
Provide strategic counsel to division leadership on communications planning, public engagement, media relations, reputational risk, and crisis communications
Develop messaging and materials for legislative, media, and community audiences
Manage sensitive and high-profile issues
Advise leaders on communications and public-perception impacts of policy and program decisions
Lead statewide and national earned-media strategies
Cultivate relationships with reporters and editors
Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews and press events
Serve as a spokesperson when appropriate
Collaborate with leadership, program staff, government partners, community organizations, local public health authorities, and media representatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 directly related experience, including five years at the professional level
Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and managing strategic communications and crisis communications plans for complex or high-profile issues
Experience building and maintaining relationships with media members, 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
Ability to create clear, concise, and culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences across multiple platforms
Experience identifying and elevating community-based, lived-experience, and public-interest stories
Ability to manage multiple communications projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and adapt in fast-paced or emergency-response environments
Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design, or other digital communications materials
Skill advising leadership and cross-functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, public engagement, and messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives
Successful criminal records check meeting OHA criteria
Authorization to work in the United States; this position does not provide visa sponsorship
Completion of I-9 documentation and E-Verify work-authorization confirmation within three days of hire

Benefits

Comp & perks

Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family
Optional life insurance
Optional disability coverage
Optional deferred compensation
Flexible Spending Account options for health and childcare
11 paid holidays
3 personal days
Monthly sick leave
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
Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers who meet the qualifications receive candidate preference