Public Information Officer; Public Affairs Specialist

Public Information Officer (Public Affairs Specialist
3)

Join to apply for the Public Information Officer (Public Affairs Specialist
3) role at State of Oregon.

Initial Posting Date: 12/29/2025
Final date to receive applications: 01/12/2026
Agency:
Department of Early Learning and Care
Salary Range: $7,004 - $10,311
Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Information Officer (Public Affairs Specialist
3)

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to announce a permanent opening for a Public Information Officer (Public Affairs Specialist
3). In this central communications role, you will lead media strategies, elevate critical initiatives, and connect communities to the services and supports that empower children and families. This position will work a hybrid schedule of office and alternate location (home). Office work is anticipated quarterly or as needed for meetings. There will be occasional travel around the state to attend events such as press conferences, media events, program/facility visits, and community events.

If you are bilingual in Spanish, we encourage you to apply; you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay upon passing a test.

DELC is dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. The agency is responsible for early learning programs, child‑care licensing, and family support services, shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten.

• Act as the chief spokesperson and primary point of contact for news media.
• Oversee message development and ensure consistent, accurate, and inclusive communications across earned media, emergency and crisis situations, and public outreach efforts.
• Write and coordinate press materials, manage media inquiries and events, and maintain strong relationships with reporters and partners.
• Support executive leadership, the Governor’s Office, and the Legislature on communications matters.
• Provide strategic guidance to internal teams, ensure materials are accessible and in plain language, develop crisis communication plans, and train staff and subject‑matter experts.
• Maintain records‑management standards and foster an equitable and respectful work culture.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field AND five years of professional‑level experience in public relations or public affairs; OR
• Eight years of experience in public relations or public affairs, with at least five at the professional level.

• Experience serving as a primary media contact or spokesperson.
• Ability to develop, align, and manage clear, consistent messaging across media, crisis communications, and public‑facing materials.
• Experience planning for and responding to high‑profile, time‑sensitive, or emergency situations.
• Strong writing and editing skills for press releases, talking points, briefs, and other communications.
• Proven skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with reporters, partners, leadership, and interagency or external parties.
• Commitment to inclusivity and experience ensuring communications are culturally responsive, accessible, and multilingual.
• Ability to work effectively with executive leadership, cross‑functional teams, and subject‑matter experts to provide strategic communications guidance and training.
• Experience managing records, tracking communications, and ensuring compliance with public‑records requirements and standards.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish preferred but not required.

The screening of candidates will be based on a review of an attached resume (limit to two pages). While a cover letter is not required, it is highly encouraged and should address the desired attributes and experience. Candidates most closely matching the desired attributes will be invited to interview. Please do not attach transcripts or letters of recommendation; only a resume and cover letter will be reviewed.

For additional information, contact the agency recruitment team sgon.gov.

Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process.

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every desired attribute listed.