East Region Communications Coordinator; Public Affairs Specialist

East Region Communications Coordinator (Public Affairs Specialist
2)

Initial Posting Date: 08/28/2026

Final date to receive applications: 09/14/2026

Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife

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

Position Type:
Employee

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES! 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. Key duties include:

• 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.

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

ODFW is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce as we strive to represent and better serve our neighboring communities. Our most important asset is our employees, and each person brings unique, different, and important contributions to the workplace and community we serve. With Oregon’s changing demographics, a workforce that reflects this change will make us stronger and create an opportunity for better decision making.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is…