Communications Officer; Public Affairs Specialist

Initial Posting Date:09/10/2026

Application Deadline:09/20/2026

Agency:

Oregon Health Authority Salary Range:$5,988 - $9,191

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Communications Officer (Public Affairs Specialist
2)

Job Description:

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! – Communications Officer (Public Affairs Specialist
2)
The Behavioral Health Division (BHD) helps Oregonians achieve physical, mental and social well-being by providing access to health, mental health and addiction services and support to meet the needs of Oregon’s adults and children. We accomplish this through collaboration with individuals, their families, counties, other state agencies, providers, advocates and communities.

As the BHD Communications Officer, you will engage, educate and inform BHD partners, behavioral health providers, consumers, family and community members who are seeking access to behavioral health services. You will also ensure cross-divisional collaboration on communication of agency policy  this role, you will carry-out all communications activities as assigned by the Behavioral Health Division Director and the Office of Strategic Operations.

This may include developing communication plans and processes, drafting communications, maintaining contact lists, and supporting implementation of organizational strategy.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is committed to health equity by addressing disparities for youth, rural populations, communities of color, service members/veterans, Tribal communities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and it will be your responsibility and privilege to incorporate this commitment into all your communication strategies and agendas.

For a full review of the position description, please .

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration.

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

Desired Attributes:
The following are desired attributes that we have identified as key to success for this role se are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have any of these, please let us know in your application.

Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity, and evidence of ongoing development of personal cultural awareness and humility, with knowledge of social determinants of health and their impacts on health outcomes.

Experience in public health, health care or working on health issues, specifically in behavioral health and the current climate surrounding behavioral health in Oregon.

Working knowledge of public awareness campaigns and best practices.

Demonstrated ability to develop effective communications for wide and diverse audiences in language that can be easily understood; including excellent skills in public speaking, marketing, writing, editing, and problem resolution (negotiation skills).Experience serving as a public information officer or spokesperson for an organization with extensive knowledge of news media operations, communications, program design, project coordination, and publication development.

Demonstrated ability to exercise good independent…