Communications Officer, Public Affairs Specialist 3, Two Positions

Initial Posting Date:
04/11/2023
Application Deadline:
/
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
6172.00 - 9086.00
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Communications Officer, Public Affairs Specialist 3, Two Positions
Job Description:
Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!
This announcement will remain open until filled. The initial application screening process will be every 2 weeks. We reserve the right to close this position should a satisfactory number of qualified candidates apply. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application materials without delay in applying!
We invite members of all diverse communities to join our workforce as we endeavor to best serve Oregonians from every background. Our growing agency is seeking to a Communications Officer, Public Affairs Specialist 3, position within the Office of Communications.
The PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST 3 Communications Officer plans, designs and executes a Public Affairs function. This position serves the strategic goals of ODHS programs and services by planning and implementing communications and engagement with diverse audiences, both internal and external. This position serves as a strategic adviser to leadership and serves as a media spokesperson. This position works with leadership and the ODHS communications manager and director to ensure appropriate handling of communications issues and communications planning; performs critical writing and editing functions for publications, news releases, talking points, speeches, social media, web content and other materials; and provides internal and external communications services for managers and staff. This position also helps plan and conduct responses to emergencies and crises.
To be successful in this position, you will have experience promoting and fostering a diverse and qualified workforce and discrimination/harassment-free workplace. Recognize and value of all individuals regardless of their cultures, identities, and backgrounds. Experience in strategic communications and issues management. Experience in reaching diverse audiences and complying with Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessible communications. Experience serving as public information officer or spokesperson for an organization. Demonstrated ability to develop relationships both internally and with community organizations and partners.
Successful candidates will possess the following essential attributes:

• Communication: Excellent demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and the ability to adjust communication style to receiving audience.
• Interpersonal Skills: Experience working on multiple teams and effectively navigating differing perspectives and priorities.
• Collaboration: Experience collaboratively working with diverse advocates and community leaders and members and ability to communicate and do outreach to people who have been historically under-represented, such as Oregonians with disabilities and communities of color, and across systems or programs.
• Strategy: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex communication plans.
• Equity: Ability to develop culturally and equitably responsive and inclusive communications for wide and diverse audiences.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to exercise good independent judgment, to interpret complex policies or procedures, and to effectively communicate these to diverse audiences.

What you need to qualify:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree, and five years professional level experience in Public Relations or Affairs; OR
• Eight years' experience directly related to the position under recruitment; five of the eight years must have been at the professional level.

In addition:

• Required: Submit a Resume that demonstrates how your experience meets the minimum qualifications.
• Required: Submit a Cover Letter no longer than 2 pages long, that clearly addresses the following questions:
  • What about your skills and background make you the best match for this position at ODHS?
  • What previous experiences best illustrate how you meet some or all of the essential attributes listed above?

****Failure to submit the required resume and cover letter may remove your application from consideration.
Working Conditions:
The person in this position works remotely/hybrid as well as in an open-landscape office environment, with occasional travel required. This position must have the ability to function in a high-energy and complex work environment with frequent interruptions and multiple priorities. The flexibility to meet tight and changing deadlines is required, as is the ability to work well with a variety of internal and external customers including ODHS managers and staff, the Governor's Office staff, other government agency staff and officials, agency partners, contractors, media representatives, and the general public. This person also is occasionally required to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and must be available by telephone around the clock to ODHS leadership and journalists to handle emerging issues and crisis communications as needed. The person in this position will handle highly classified and confidential information, communications, and documentation, and is required to use the utmost discretion at all times.
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!

• When you join the ODHS, you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.
• Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS' overall mission and vision.
• We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The Equity North Star has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.
• We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and competitive benefits packages including health, dental, vision and much more!

ABOUT Office of Communications
The Communications Unit guides the Department brand and ensures people in Oregon can connect with human services in order to reach their full potential. We tell meaningful stories and create equitable, useful experiences. We aim to build bridges between the Department and our communities - including Oregon Tribal Nations, individuals who receive ODHS services, providers, community leaders and members, advocates, other state agencies and elected officials - through strategic communications and engagement.
Application instructions
Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.

• Please upload a resume or complete the Workday history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• Required: Submit a Resume that demonstrates how your experience meets the minimum qualifications.
• Required: Submit a Cover Letter. See instructions for cover letter above.
• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
• If you are not a current State of Oregon employee: view this application instructional video.
• After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.

Additional requirements:

• Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Helpful information

• This position is management service and is not represented by the Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
• Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our Oregon job opportunities page.
• IMPORTANT: Please monitor your Workday account as all communications will be sent there.
• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details, or you may visit our website for information on Pay Equity.
• For questions about the job duties or application process, please contact nora.l.leyva-esquivel@dhsoha.state.or.us. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact ADA.DHS@dhsoha.state.or.us. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.

We thank you for considering this employment opportunity with the Oregon Department of Human Services.