Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist (Public Affairs Specialist 3)

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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! – Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist (Public Affairs Specialist3)

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention (HPCDP) section is seeking a Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist (Public Affairs Specialist 3).

This position serves as a key leader in developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating strategic communications and marketing initiatives for the HPCDP section. Working in close partnership with staff, management, contractors, and a wide network of collaborators, this role ensures clear, consistent, and compelling communication that advances public health goals across Oregon, with a focus cultural sensitivity and relevance while addressing risk and protective factors for chronic disease.

The Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist plays a central role in shaping OHA’s brand presence by coordinating with multiple state agencies, Local Public Health Authorities, Regional Health Equity Coalitions, community organizations, and other partners. This role also supports Division and Agency leadership by crafting impactful internal and external messaging and maintaining strong relationships with partners and community audiences.

This position leads marketing, design, material development, and outreach strategies in collaboration with communications and marketing  contractors,  to maintain a cohesive brand image and ensure timely dissemination of science-based, audience-centered tools, resources, and messages. The Strategist also establishes standards that guide the implementation of new communication approaches across HPCDP programs, advises on development of policy, and acts as a liaison between the agency and external communications professionals on agency-wide issues.

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 administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field AND five years of professional level experience in public relations or public affairs OR

Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level.

Note: Relevant experience may include developing strategic communication plans and marketing plans; developing, managing, and evolving public health brands and campaigns; planning and managing mass media campaigns, including informing media planning and buying strategies; using audience research and insight to inform communications strategies, evaluating campaign performance and applying findings to improve effectiveness; overseeing paid, earned and owned media strategies; directing creative develop and managing digital and web content; managing public relations and partner communications; shaping public affairs policy and policy communications strategies; supporting legislative communications; and creating new approaches to complex communication issues that advance public health programs.

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 possess any of these attributes, please highlight them in your application, resume, and address specifically in your cover letter.

• Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design and/or other digital communications materials. 
• Experience managing brands and developing and implementing strategic communication plans for complex, high-profile, multi-year campaigns focused on culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Experience with a shared risk and protective factor approach to chronic disease prevention focused on addressing root causes and supporting personal, cultural and community resilience.
• Experience administering contracts and developing and tracking project work plans and budgets.
• Experience supporting organizational spokespeople to prepare for interviews, presentations, press briefings or livestream settings involving sensitive or complex topics. 
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to create clear, concise and culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences across multiple platforms; and to identify and elevate compelling stories, including community-based, lived-experience and public interest stories that increase public engagement and media coverage.
• Demonstrated ability to strategically manage multiple communications projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines and adapt quickly in fast-paced or high reputational risk environments. 
• Skill in advising leadership and cross-functional teams on communications strategy, reputational risk, public engagement and effective messaging related to public policy or public health initiatives. 

Preference Statement: Preference will be given to candidates possessing more years of experience and meeting more of the desired attributes.

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 below:

Submission Requirements:

• Resume – Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position.
• Cover Letter (Required) – A cover letter is required. Failure to upload any of the required documents will result in your application being disqualified.
• 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, management service, Strategic Communications and Marketing Strategist (Public Affairs Specialist 3) position based in Portland, Oregon. While it is a management service position, this position does not supervise other staff.
• This is a remote position. “Review Section 4: Working Conditions” in the position description (linked above) for more information.
• Employment is contingent upon a criminal 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: Elizabeth Chine
Email: Elizabeth.Chine@oha.oregon.gov
Phone (text friendly): 971-718-1114

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.