Public Information Officer – Region 1

Oregon Department of Human Services

. Act as an agency spokesperson to regional, statewide and national media .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timePortland • Oregon • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $7,179 - $10,569 per monthWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications and public affairs, with a strong ability to develop and implement effective communication plans. Proven experience in media relations, storytelling, and training staff on media engagement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic CommunicationsPublic RelationsMedia RelationsEffective Verbal and Written CommunicationCommunications Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Public AffairsCommunications PlanningStorytellingNews Release DevelopmentPresentation CreationSocial Media ManagementFact Sheet DevelopmentVoiceover ProductionNewsletter CreationTalking Points Development

Soft Skills

AdvisingCoachingRelationship BuildingTeam CollaborationEffective Training

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid U.S. Driver License

Industry Keywords

MediaPublic AwarenessAgency ProgramsCommunications StrategyPublic Affairs Plans

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as an agency spokesperson to regional, statewide and national media
Develop communications to achieve public affairs and agency goals and promote awareness of agency programs internally and externally
Work with agency staff, managers, graphic artists, photographers, videographers and media
Create and oversee talking points, news releases, presentations, voiceovers, newsletters, fact sheets, social media posts and other communications
Develop, implement and lead strategic communications and public affairs plans and programs
Advise and guide agency managers and staff
Develop and maintain relationships with reporters and interested parties to educate and inform about agency programs and activities
Train and coach staff on responding effectively to media
Work evenings or early mornings, in inclement weather and travel as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Eight years of experience directly related to the position, with five years at the professional level; OR a bachelor's degree in a specified field and five years of professional-level experience in public relations or public affairs
Valid U.S. driver license and acceptable driving record
Effective verbal and written communications, including storytelling
Knowledge of how news media works
Ability to use a variety of communications tools
Knowledge of strategic communications and effective communications planning
Knowledge of principles of public relations
Application or resume including dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer
Cover letter of no more than two pages addressed to Katherine Benenati, Assistant Communications Director
Completion of questionnaire and post-submission public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire
U.S. work authorization; employer does not offer visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work/life balance
11 paid holidays a year
Flexible work schedules
Paid leave
Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity
Salary increase of 6.95% for participating or eligible PERS members
Potential veteran or Oregon National Guard preference