Science Communications Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Initial Posting Date:
08/03/2026
Application Deadline:
08/10/2026
Agency:
Oregon Health Authority
Salary Range:
$6,581.00-$10,105.00
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Communications Officer
Job Description:
This is a hybrid position offering significant work-from-home flexibility
If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At 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! - Communications Officer, Oregon Public Health Division (Public Affairs Specialist 3)
The Communications Officer, Public Health Division, serves as a senior-level communications strategist within the Oregon Health Authority's External Relations Division. This position leads the development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies supporting Oregon's Oregon Public Health Division, a cornerstone division advancing health equity and transforming the state's health care system through 2030.
Working closely with division leadership, program staff, government partners, community organizations, local public health authorities, and media representatives, the Public Health Division Communications Officer develops and implements proactive communications plans, translates complex policy and program information into clear and accessible messaging, and ensures information is delivered in culturally and linguistically responsive ways to diverse audiences across Oregon.
As a trusted advisor to division leadership, this role provides strategic counsel on communications planning, public engagement, media relations, reputational risk, and crisis communications. The position develops messaging and materials for legislative, media, and community audiences; manages sensitive and high-profile issues; and advises leaders on the potential communications and public perception impacts of policy and program decisions.
The Communications Officer also leads statewide and national earned media strategies, cultivating relationships with reporters and editors, responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews and press events, and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate. Through strategic communications, media engagement, and public outreach, this position helps build understanding of the Oregon Public Health Division and highlights Oregon's leadership in public health delivery and its important role in Oregon's health system transformation.
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.

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 have any of these, please let us know in your application.

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and managing strategic communications and crisis communications plans for complex or high-profile issues.

• Experience building and maintaining strong working relationships with members of the media, including pitching stories, coordinating interviews and responding to media inquiries under tight deadlines.

• Experience serving as an agency or organizational spokesperson in 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.

• Experience identifying and elevating 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 emergency response environments.

• Experience overseeing or collaborating on multimedia content creation, including web content, social media, video production, graphic design and/or other digital communications materials.

• 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.

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.

• 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; promotes 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, Communications Officer, Oregon Public Health Division (Classification: Public Affairs Specialist 3) position based in Portland, Oregon.

• This position is hybrid but may work out of the Salem or Portland OHA offices as needed to meet business needs. The schedule and hybrid work approval will be discussed and agreed upon between the hiring manager and selected candidate.

• 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: Barry Lein
Email: Barry.Lein@oha.oregon.gov
Phone (text friendly): 503-440-6484
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.