Public Affairs Specialist 3

State of Oregon · Portland | OHA | Oak Street

Initial Posting Date:

06/12/2026

Application Deadline:

06/19/2026

Agency:

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:

$7,677 - $11,304

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Public Affairs Specialist 3

Job Description:

 

This is a hybrid position offering significant work-from-home flexibility. 

 

 

 

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At 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! –  Public Affairs Specialist 3 

 

The Public Affairs Specialist 3 with the Communications Unit in the Oregon Health Authority’s External Relations Division serves as a senior-level communications strategist supporting the Public Health Division. This role leads the planning, development and execution of complex communications and public affairs initiatives that advance public health programs, policies and emergency response efforts. The position works closely with agency leadership, subject matter experts, media representatives and community partners to develop strategic communications plans, manage sensitive issues and ensure clear, timely and culturally responsive messaging for Oregonians. The role also serves as a key advisor to leadership on communications strategy, reputational risk and public engagement efforts. 

This position requires a highly skilled communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. The ideal candidate has experience developing and implementing long- and short-term strategic and crisis communications plans on complex issues, while also maintaining strong relationships with members of the media. Responsibilities include pitching stories, coordinating interviews, responding to media inquiries and serving as a spokesperson through television, radio, phone and livestream interviews. The successful candidate will also identify and elevate compelling stories from communities across Oregon, including lived-experience and human-interest stories that support public awareness and engagement. 

We are looking for someone with exceptional writing, editing and storytelling abilities who can create and oversee content across multiple platforms, including press materials, web content, video and graphic communications. Candidates should bring strong strategic thinking skills, sound judgment and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders. The ideal person will be collaborative, adaptable and comfortable navigating high-profile or sensitive issues while supporting the agency’s mission, values and commitment to equity-centered public health communications. 

For a full review of the position description, please  Click Here 

 

 

What We Are Looking For 

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be reflected in your application for consideration. 

 

A bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field AND five years of professional level experience in public relations or public affairs; OR 

 

Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight 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 at OHA. These are the attributes we are looking for in our top candidate. If you have any of these, please let us know in your application.   

  

 

Preference Statement:  Preference may be given to candidates who possess the following job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

  • Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and managing strategic communications and crisis communications plans for complex or high-profile issues. 

  • Experience building and maintaining strong working relationships with members of the media, including pitching stories, coordinating interviews and responding to media inquiries under tight deadlines. 

  • Experience serving as an agency or organizational spokesperson in interviews, presentations, press briefings or livestream settings involving sensitive or complex topics. 

  • Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to create clear, concise and culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences across multiple platforms. 

  • Experience identifying and elevating compelling stories, including community-based, lived-experience and public interest stories that increase public engagement and media coverage. 

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple communications projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines and adapt quickly in fast-paced or emergency response environments. 

  • Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design and other digital communications materials. 

  • Skill in advising leadership and cross-functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, public engagement and effective messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives. 

 

 

Application Guidance 

Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided in the below: 

Submission Requirements: 

  • Resume – Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position. 

  • Supplemental Questions – Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately. 

  • Final Check! – Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.  

 

How to Apply: 

  • Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login, following all submission requirements. 

 

After You Apply: 

  • Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” prior to the application deadline. 

  • Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application. 

 

Reminders: 

  • Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation. 

  • Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline.  

 

About the Team & Benefits of Joining 

We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from.  

 

If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including: 

  • 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. 

 

Additional Details 

  • This announcement is for multiple fulltime, permanent, SEIU represented, Public Affairs Specialist (Classification: Public Affairs Specialist based in Salem, 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 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position. 

  • We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration. 

 

Contact Information 
Recruiter: Barry Lein 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone (text friendly): 503-440-6484 

Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above. 

 

Helpful Links & Resources 

 

 

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position.  

 

OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon. 

 

 

 

 

Marketing pay context

Based on 1,643 disclosed Marketing salaries on RoleSuite, the role pays a median of $140K/year, with most offers between $100K and $180K (10th–90th percentile: $71K–$220K).

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