Bilingual Communications Officer (Public Affairs Specialist 2)

Initial Posting Date:

08/20/2025

Application Deadline:

09/11/2025

Agency:

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range:

$5,842 - $8,967

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Bilingual Communications Officer (Public Affairs Specialist 2)

Job Description:

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!  - [Communications Officer/Public Affairs Specialist 2]

The primary purpose of this position is to provide the External Relations Division with bilingual (English/Spanish) communications support. The Communications Officer will support the implementation of key strategic communications initiatives and assist the agency in pursuing its 2030 goal to eliminate health inequity in Oregon.

In this role, you will carry out all communications activities as assigned by the External Relations Deputy Director. These duties to include developing and implementing strategic communication plans, content development, and establishing partnerships with media outlets.

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

The AA Salary Range for this position is between $.5,84300 to $8,967.00 per month.

*A 5% bilingual differential will be added to the final salary for those fluent in Speaking English and Spanish

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.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications: These qualifications must be visible 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.

Special Requirements: To be hired, you must have a criminal record and driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment.

Desired Attributes:

1. Bilingual Communication Skills (English/Spanish)
Proficiency in both English and Spanish (speaking and written) to effectively support communications with diverse audiences.

2. Strategic Communications Expertise
Ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans that align with organizational goals.

3. Knowledge of Communication Policies and Consistency
Experience in applying communication policies, procedures, and best practices to maintain message consistency across internal and external channels.

4. Strong Interpersonal and Representation Skills
Capability to represent the agency professionally to partner audiences and foster positive relationships.

5. Commitment to Health Equity
Passion for supporting the agency’s mission, particularly its 2030 goal to eliminate health inequity in Oregon.

6. Radio Experience

Radio or other live broadcast medium experiences desired.

Preference Statement:

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and have flexibility, work demand tolerance and exhibit written and oral communication skills including effective communication with coworkers.
• Must be proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Application Guidance

How to Apply: Submission Requirements - At the time of application, ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and attach a current copy of your resume, and cover letter.

• Complete the online application
• Complete Questionnaire (if applicable)
• Upload Resume
• Upload Cover Letter
• Applicants who fail to upload resume and cover letter will not be considered
• Resumes, cover letters and all other documents must all be uploaded at one time. When uploading a resume, please upload any other documents in the same area/field. Applicants who fail to upload resume and cover letter will not be considered.
• External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application. Be sure to follow all application submission requirements.
• Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login. Be sure to follow all application submission requirements.

After You Apply:

• Before the job announcement closes, log in to your Workday account to check for pending tasks under “My Applications” and complete them.
• Remember to check your email (including your junk folder) and Workday inbox for updates on your application.
• We value our veterans! To ensure the security of your information, kindly follow the instructions for how to submit your Veteran documents for preference found here. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

Reminders:

• Your candidate profile and application materials are great opportunities to showcase your interest in the position and highlight your skills and experience. Submissions will be screened for consistency and communication skills, including attention to detail, spelling, and grammar. For more tips and guidance, check out What you need to know to get the job!
• This announcement is for 1 (one), Full-Time, Permanent, Classified Represented, Communications Officer (Classification: Public Affairs Officer 2 position based in Portland, Oregon.
• This is a Hybrid position, that is mostly remote work. Please check SECTION 4. WORKING CONDITIONS, of the position description linked above to review more details regarding the details surrounding the working conditions.
• Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline. For questions about the announcement, or if you require an alternate format to apply, please contact the Senior Recruiter Scott Lee at: scott.h.lee@oha.oregon.gov 971-372-1972.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

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 medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members with a very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
• Employee benefits include 11 paid holidays, 3 personal business days, 8 hours of monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).

• Training opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

• The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Department of Administrative Services Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification.
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources

The Oregon Health Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.