Communications Officer

Job Description

Initial Posting Date: 10/26/2026
Final date to receive applications: 11/08/2026
Agency:
Oregon Health Authority
Salary Range: $5,988 - $9,191
Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Communications Officer

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).

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

• 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.

• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual.
• Experience in or knowledge of Medicaid or health policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity.

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.

• 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.

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…