Public Relations Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Description:

OHCS commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Our Vision is that all Oregonians can pursue prosperity and live free from poverty.

Our Mission is to provide stable and affordable housing and engage leaders to develop an integrated statewide policy that addresses poverty and provides opportunity for Oregonians.

Our Core Values: Collaboration - Compassion - Equity - Integrity - Leadership - Transparency.

• Working Condition: Hybrid > This position has some requirements for in-person and remote work.

• This position is permanent, full-time, and represented by SEIU.

• Per the SEIU CBA for OHCS represented positions, applicants who are current OHCS employees will be considered and interviewed before external applicants.

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

• This position requires both a resume and a cover letter, the cover letter will need to address the desired attributes listed in this job posting.

The person in this position will develop and implement creative, proactive and comprehensive media relations plans to drive agency messages supporting all OHCS divisions and leadership. The media, across platforms, are valuable partners. This role will produce comprehensive communications and media strategies that promotes and informs the public on policies, priorities and current issues impacting Oregonians. This position works closely with the Executive Director and Public Affairs Director, and acts as the OHCS spokesperson and/or representative with the media, with state agency partners and with the Governors' communications team. This position is expected to work in a fast-paced high-profile role.

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.

For a copy of the Position Description please contact: HCS_HR.Solutions@hcs.oregon.gov

The most competitive candidates will possess the following attributes, experience, and knowledge:

• Experience developing and implementing strategic and comprehensive media plans and messaging that supports the agency goals, advances the agency mission and promotes initiatives.

• Experience serving as chief news media contact, media relationship manager and agency spokesperson with print, broadcast and digital media.

• Experience working with local and national media platforms.

• Skilled in critical thinking and problem-solving, and making recommendations on complex community and intergovernmental relations, community relations, media relations, community outreach, and public affairs issues and strategies.

• Experience preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.

• Experience developing, researching, recommending, and implementing comprehensive public information programs, including media relations, social media, public relations, and marketing.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and work effectively and respectfully with politically, ideologically, culturally, and geographically diverse people and communities.

• Demonstrated knowledge of social justice issues; a deep commitment to equity and social justice, and strong alignment with OHCS values.

• Experience writing executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.

You will become part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!

• A positive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and cross-training.

• An agency that supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness.

• Generous benefits package including, employer-paid health insurance, vacation, and sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS).

• The posted salary range is the total possible range for the classification. Candidates are screened through a Pay Equity process that evaluates various factors. Please see the Pay Equity website for more information.

*These dates are approximate and may change. *

• Recruitment Closes: 08/13/26

• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going

• Hiring Manager Screening for Requested Skills: On-going

• 1st Round of Interviews: Week of 08/24/26

• 2nd Round of Interviews: TBD if needed

• Anticipated Start Date: 10/05/26

• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.

• External applicants: View this application instructional video. A PDF is also available by clicking here.

• REQUIRED: Attach your most up-to-date Resume. Please ensure your Workday profile matches your submitted resume.

• REQUIRED: Attach a Cover Letter that demonstrates how you meet the "Desired Attributes" for this position.

• A Cover Letter that does not meet the required criteria will be graded as ineligible.

If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact the HR Solutions Inbox at: HCS_HR.Solutions@oregon.gov

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is Oregon's housing finance agency. We provide financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of lower and moderate incomes. Our vision is that all Oregonians can pursue prosperity and to live free from poverty. Across Oregon, housing has emerged as a paramount concern. The lack of available housing, high rents and high home prices are driving rapid increases in housing instability and homelessness. The data is clear: too many Oregonians are without a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

OHCS is placing greater emphasis on strategic planning and the way we invest our resources. Recently, we have restructured, refocused, and reimagined our agency. Our work has led to an increased emphasis on data, research, and customer service. We are carrying that effort forward with the Statewide Housing Plan. The plan articulates the extent of Oregon's housing problem and what we can do to address it. OHCS committed to the Housing Stability Council and our stakeholders that the plan will be responsive to the needs of the state.

OHCS released its Building Oregon's Future: 2023 Annual Report to update the agency's significant progress in meeting the goals outlined in the 2019 Statewide Housing Plan. We are now more than halfway into the five-year plan.

To learn more about Oregon Housing and Community Services, visit our website: https://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/pages/index.aspx

The Public Affairs Division promotes OHCS' core services, programs and mission by leading government relations, strategic communications, and engagement. The Division serves as a bridge between policymakers, public interest and partner organizations to promote stable housing. Public Affairs actively strives to center equity and racial justice and to form deep partnerships across the housing continuum to achieve equitable and affordable housing outcomes for all Oregonians.

Public Affairs Division: Public Affairs Leadership Team

The Public Affairs Leadership Team is part of the Public Affairs Division responsible for advising the OHCS leadership team and helping shape the overarching communications, media relations, government relations, and community engagement strategies for the agency. This team leads a team of professionals responsible for uplifting OHCS' core services, programs and mission.

• If you need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please send your request to HCS_HR.Solutions@hcs.oregon.gov and include the job requisition number.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference as it may not be available to view after the job closes.

• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check.Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• Work Authorization: Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form containing authorization to work in the United States. OHCS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

• Veteran's Preference: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming veterans' preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your "My Applications" section.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Emails

• HCS_HR.Solutions@hcs.oregon.gov

Links

• Application Instructional PDF
• Application Instructional Video
• Benefits Information
• Classification and Compensation Page
• OHCS Website
• Oregon's Statewide Housing Plan - Halfway Progress Report
• Oregon's Statewide Housing Plan - Full Plan
• Pay Equity
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Veterans Resources