East Region Communications Coordinator; Public Affairs Specialist

East Region Communications Coordinator (Public Affairs Specialist
2)

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

Employment Type:

Employee

Join ODFW’s Communications Division and help tell the story of Oregon’s fish and wildlife. If you thrive on meaningful public service, strategic storytelling, and working closely with experts to engage communities, this role offers a chance to make a real impact.

In this fast‑paced role as the East Region Communications Coordinator (Public Affairs Specialist
2) in La Grande, Oregon, you’ll cover communications for all areas east of the Cascades. The region includes the outdoor recreation capital Bend, hunting hotspot the Blue Mountains and Oregon’s portion of the Klamath Basin where salmon are returning after more than a century. You’ll be the region’s storyteller, creating clear and compelling content, helping shape perception on complex regional issues and managing media relations in the region.

You’ll drive strategic outreach, support staff, engage the public, and represent the Communications Division across the region.

• Developing accurate, engaging communication materials across multiple platforms.
• Responding to media and public inquiries on sensitive topics.
• Helping build partnerships in the region by working effectively with outside organizations.
• Executing communication plans that support the agency’s priorities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:

Option 1:
Five years experience directly related to the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.

– OR –

Option 2: A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs;

• Developing Engaging Content:
  Experience researching topics, interviewing staff and creating clear, accurate and engaging stories and communication materials across multiple formats (news releases, feature stories, social media content, video, photos)
• Issue Analysis and Rapid Assessment:
  Experience interpreting complex scientific or technical information, analyzing high‑visibility issues, and using sound judgement to provide clear, consistent, timely responses and messaging consistent with agency policy.
• Strategic Communications:
  Experience executing an organization’s communication priorities and using data and feedback to improve outcomes.
• Media Relations and Public Engagement:
  Experience managing media and public inquiries, conducting interviews as an organization’s spokesperson, building relationships with reporters and other influencers, promoting stories, and coaching staff on response during high‑profile incidents or for controversial topics.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building:
  Experience building productive relationships with outside organizations, internal teams and public affairs counterparts from other agencies.
• Experience in Natural Resource Communications:
  Experience creating content about any combination of the following: fish, wildlife, and their habitats or other natural resources; conservation of natural resources; outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing; working lands such as forests, ranches or farms.

This position requires a cover letter to be submitted with your application. The cover letter should address the following:

• Your interest in this position, and
• Demonstrates…