Communications Officer (Public Affairs Specialist 2)

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 objectives.

In 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 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 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

OR

Five 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 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.

• 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 judgment, to interpret complex policies or procedures, and to effectively communicate these to a select audience.
• Understanding of the role of a public agency, with demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex communication plans.
• Experience developing, editing, and producing multimedia materials, including print, presentations, video and web materials.
• Experience creating and maintaining public‑facing websites, including designing user‑friendly layouts, updating content, ensuring accessibility and usability, and coordinating with technical and communications teams to keep information accurate, current, and easy for the public to navigate.

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:

• External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the "Apply" tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements.
• 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; promote 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:

• 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.

Additional Details

• This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Communications Officer (Public Affairs Specialist 2) position based in Salem, Oregon.
• This is a hybrid (5% in-office, about once per month) position. "Review Section 4: Working Conditions" in the position description (linked above) for more information.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving 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: Stephanie Mitchell

Email: stephanie.d.mitchell@oha.oregon.gov

Phone (text friendly): (503) 979-7679

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

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

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.