Communications Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 1)

Initial Posting Date:
12/14/2023
Application Deadline:
01/08/2024
Agency:
Oregon Department of Education
Salary Range:
$4,536 - $6,952
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Communications Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 1)
Job Description:
Position Title: Communications Specialist
Classification: Public Affairs Specialist 1
Salary: $4,536 - $6,952 (*PERS $4,851- $7,436)
Representation: Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Type: Permanent, Full-time
Application Deadline: 1/8/2024
We are seeking a Communications Specialist at the Oregon Department of Education. This is a permanent, full-time position in our Director's Office. If you have excellent editing, writing and organizing skills, meticulous attention to detail and a desire to serve Oregon's students, this is the opportunity for you!
This role is a hybrid of remote work and will need to report to office when business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities. Remote work is embraced to the fullest extent possible without interfering with business.
Our Agency Mission and Office Culture:
The Oregon Department of Education's (ODE's) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well-rounded, and equitable education system.
Our Communications Team is dedicated to integrating the agency's core values of equity and partnership into all internal and external communications. We ensure clear and timely communication with Oregon schools, school districts, ESDs, education partners, students, and families. As part of our responsibilities, we lead internal communications within the agency and proactively manage responsive media relations.
What you will do:
Join our team as a Communications Specialist, where you'll play a vital role in upholding effective communication channels and coordinating education recognition programs for our organization. Bring your expertise to contribute to our impactful communication strategies and recognition initiatives.
Key duties include:

• Internal and External Communications:
  • Manage Inside ODE and GovDelivery platforms.
  • Lead internal and external messaging, troubleshooting, and training.
  • Contribute to press releases and maintain web pages.
• Recognition and Award Programs:
  • Coordinate Oregon Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Education Support Professional (ESP) programs.
  • Lead nomination/selection processes, manage timelines, and handle communications.
  • Facilitate partnerships, payments, and professional development.
• Web and Social Media:
  • Serve on Web Content Council, act as back-up for the agency website.
  • Lead formatting for key agency resources, listservs, and constituency engagement.
• Training and Support:
  • Head Communications Team for New Employee Orientation.
  • Support ODE staff training.

Please click here to view the full position description.
Minimum Qualifications (Need to have):
A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree OR
Three years technical or higher-level experience in communications.
Desired Attributes (Nice to have):
Candidates who are the most competitive will possess a compelling combination of the following background, skills, and experience:

• Preference may be given to candidates with experience working in a communications position.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and quickly using an equity lens in all communications.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work with multiple deadlines, and to pivot between competing priorities and situations with ease and grace.
• Excellent internal and external customer service skills; striving for exceptional customer service; going out of your way to be helpful and pleasant and make things as easy as possible on our employees, partners and customers.
• Digital fluency and technical capacity for learning Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams), website maintenance, and email delivery services.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed.
Our amazing benefits include:

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost
• Paid days off -
  • 11 paid holidays per year,
  • 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year,
  • 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month,
  • Progressive vacation leave accrual and increases every 5 years.
• In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
• If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!

If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!
To apply:
Your 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.

• Upload a resume and cover letter.
• In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages).

Application Tips:

• Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/Cover Letter field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.

• In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the "What we are looking for" section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.
• External Applicants: Click on the "Apply" button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/Cover Letter. View this video for help.
• Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.
• Please contact ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov if you have any questions on the application process.

Chat with Us:
Would you like to learn more about this position or how our application process works? Join our Recruitment team during our ODE Career Chat Sessions. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!
Join us via Zoom on the 1st Thursday of every month from 11:00am-11:45am.
Join ZoomGov Meeting - https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618573320
Additional Information:

• Salary Range: The range listed is the non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.
• Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.
• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans' preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
• Communication: Please monitor your Workday account, as communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.
• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact us at ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
• Veterans: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Department of Education is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Helpful links and contact information:

• Learn more about ODE
• Understanding the State Application Process
• Resources for Job Seekers
• Get There - Oregon's easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.
• For additional information, you may contact us by e-mail at ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov.

The Department of Education is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
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