Public Affairs Specialist 2

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays a year

Competitive benefits package

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a permanent Public Affairs Specialist 2 to craft and deliver strategic communications for agency objectives. The role involves engaging with diverse stakeholders, shaping messaging, and managing statewide initiatives from a central position.

The successful candidate will lead writing, edits, media outreach, and events, with a focus on clear, persuasive storytelling and measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years in PR or public affairs, OR five years related experience.
• Experience developing and evaluating communications plans for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to represent the agency to media and stakeholders with professional composure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies.
• Represent the agency to key stakeholders and media audiences.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to implement plans.
• Interpret policy and adapt approaches to achieve results.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Media relations

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree

Job description

Position Title

Public Affairs Specialist 2

Job Description

Home - Oregon State Parks Salem, Oregon

Salary Range

$5,988 - $9,191

Position Type

Employee

Welcome Statement

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.

Your New Role

As a permanent, full‑time Public Affairs Specialist 2, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies and tactics in support of agency objectives. You will represent the agency in engagements with key stakeholders for a variety of strategic purposes. The scope of this position is agency‑wide and carries significant statewide impact. Core responsibilities include identifying communication issues, formulating appropriate strategies, implementing approved approaches, and evaluating outcomes to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement. This position operates with considerable autonomy, independently managing projects, coordinating activities with internal and external partners, interpreting policy, and determining the appropriate methods and techniques to achieve desired results. For a complete review of the position and responsibilities please click here. This position has the potential for hybrid-remote work; however, travel expenses to Salem for required in‑person duties are not reimbursed.

What’s in it for you:

• An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals.


• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.


• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

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.

Special Requirements:

• To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.

Desired Attributes:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills for a range of platforms such as newsletters, press releases, marketing copy, talking points, websites, and internal messaging.


• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating communications plans for both internal and external audiences that roll out new or updated information, programs, or policies.


• Experience representing an organization for media audiences, including speaking in front of a camera, pitching stories, responding to questions, and organizing events.


• Experience collaborating and building relationships with internal staff.


• Ability to craft creative, engaging narratives that translate complex data and technical information into clear, persuasive storytelling.


• Skill working on multiple projects with different subjects and deadlines simultaneously, producing work on time.

What You Need to Know to Get the Job

The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project.

Additional Information:

Additional Information: This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.

Contact Information:

For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Lauren Wirtis l email: [e-mail]. For questions on application process, email: [e-mail].

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity. 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. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”