Communications Officer

The Behavioral Health Division (BHD) helps Oregonians achieve physical, mental and social well-being by providing access to health, mental health and addiction services and support to meet the needs of Oregon’s adults and children. We accomplish this through collaboration with individuals, their families, counties, other state agencies, providers, advocates and communities.

As the BHD Communications Officer, you will engage, educate and inform BHD partners, behavioral health providers, consumers, family and community members who are seeking access to behavioral health services. You will also ensure cross-divisional collaboration on communication of agency policy objectives.

In this role, you will carry-out all communications activities as assigned by the Behavioral Health Division Director and the Office of Strategic Operations. This may include developing communication plans and processes, drafting communications, maintaining contact lists, and supporting implementation of organizational strategy.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is committed to health equity by addressing disparities for youth, rural populations, communities of color, service members/veterans, Tribal communities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and it will be your responsibility and privilege to incorporate this commitment into all your communication strategies and agendas.

This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent, SEIU represented, Communications Officer (Public Affairs Specialist 2) position based in Salem, Oregon. This is a hybrid (5% in-office, about once per month) position.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree and two years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs

OR

Five years experience directly related to the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.

Desired Attributes:

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity, and evidence of ongoing development of personal cultural awareness and humility, with knowledge of social determinants of health and their impacts on health outcomes.
• Experience in public health, health care or working on health issues, specifically in behavioral health and the current climate surrounding behavioral health in Oregon.
• Working knowledge of public awareness campaigns and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective communications for wide and diverse audiences in language that can be easily understood; including excellent skills in public speaking, marketing, writing, editing, and problem resolution (negotiation skills).
• Experience serving as a public information officer or spokesperson for an organization with extensive knowledge of news media operations, communications, program design, project coordination, and publication development.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good independent judgment, to interpret complex policies or procedures, and to effectively communicate these to a select audience.
• Understanding of the role of a public agency, with demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex communication plans.
• Experience developing, editing, and producing multimedia materials, including print, presentations, video and web materials.
• Experience creating and maintaining public‑facing websites, including designing user‑friendly layouts, updating content, ensuring accessibility and usability, and coordinating with technical and communications teams to keep information accurate, current, and easy for the public to navigate.

About the Team & Benefits of Joining

• 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.

How to Apply:

Submit your application at oregonjobs.org using job number https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--OHA--Summer-Street/Communications-Officer--Public-Affairs-Specialist-2-_REQ-206542

Application Deadline: 09/20/2026

Salary Range: $5,988 - $9,191

How to Apply:

Submit your application at oregonjobs.org using job number REQ-206542

Application Deadline: 09/20/2026