Communications Officer – Public Affairs Specialist (Hybrid)

About the role

The Oregon Health Authority is seeking a Communications Officer to serve as a Public Information Officer on health policy and Medicaid topics. This hybrid role offers significant work‑from‑home flexibility while supporting the agency’s mission to promote health equity.

Key responsibilities

• Respond to media inquiries and serve as the primary point of contact for reporters.
• Draft, review, and route media responses for approval to ensure accurate, timely information.
• Identify and relay public‑interest stories and develop shareable content for newsletters and social media.
• Collaborate closely with subject‑matter experts across multiple departments.
• Assist with crisis communications planning and execution.
• Provide occasional in‑person event support (1–2 times per month).

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Either two years of professional‑level experience in public relations/affairs OR five years of directly related experience, with at least two years at the professional level.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex policies into plain language.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a commitment to health equity.

Required skills

• Experience serving as a public information officer or spokesperson.
• Media relations and communications expertise.
• Drafting talking points, statements, or speeches.
• Developing social‑media, web, and public‑facing content.
• Crisis communications experience.