Communications Officer

Oregon Department of Human Services

. Serve as a public information officer on topics related to health policy and Medicaid .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timePortland • Oregon • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $5,988 - $9,191 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in public relations and communications, with a strong ability to draft clear and concise content for diverse audiences. Proficient in crisis communications and media relations, with a commitment to advancing health equity and knowledge of Medicaid and health policy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Public Information Officer ExperienceCrisis CommunicationsMedia RelationsContent DevelopmentBilingual or Multilingual Ability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Public RelationsMedia InquiriesDrafting Talking PointsCondensing Complex PoliciesSocial Media Content DevelopmentWeb Content DevelopmentPublic-Facing DocumentsHealth Policy KnowledgeHealth Equity CommitmentFast-Paced Environment Experience

Soft Skills

ResourcefulnessSound JudgmentExcellent Time ManagementAbility to Work on Multiple Initiatives

Tools & Technologies

NewslettersSocial Media Platforms

Industry Keywords

MedicaidHealth PolicyPublic AffairsBehavioral SciencesSocial Sciences

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a public information officer on topics related to health policy and Medicaid
Work with reporters and respond to media inquiries
Draft and route media responses for approval to ensure accurate, timely information
Identify and relay public-interest stories and information
Develop shareable content, including newsletters and social media
Collaborate closely with subject matter experts from various departments
Help manage crisis communications work
Provide occasional in-person event support, approximately 1–2 times per month during normal work hours

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, the Behavioral or Social Sciences, or related degree, and two years professional-level experience in Public Relations or Affairs
OR five years of experience directly related to the position, including two years at the professional level
Experience serving as a public information officer or spokesperson
Experience with media, media relations, or communications work
Experience drafting talking points, statements, or speeches
Experience condensing complex policies into plain language
Experience developing social media, web content, or public-facing documents
Experience with crisis communications work
Experience working in a fast-paced environment with deadlines
Resourcefulness, sound judgment, excellent time management skills, and ability to work on multiple initiatives
Bilingual or multilingual ability preferred
Experience in or knowledge of Medicaid or health policy preferred
Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity preferred
Resume and complete, accurate supplemental questions required
Employment contingent upon a criminal records check meeting OHA criteria
Must complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire
Position does not provide visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family
Optional life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare
11 holidays
3 personal days
Monthly sick leave
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
Hybrid/remote work arrangement
Reasonable accommodations under the ADA, including alternative formats of materials or language support