Public Information Officer – Region 1

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Oregon’s Department of Transportation, Communications Section in Portland, seeks a Public Information Officer to serve as the region’s public affairs leader for Region 1 (Portland metro and Hood River). You’ll act as spokesperson, guide management on communications, and oversee programs to raise awareness of agency initiatives.

Must have eight years of related experience or a bachelor’s degree plus five years in public relations/public affairs; driving is required.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level.
• OR 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.

Responsibilities

• Act as an agency spokesperson to regional, statewide and national media.
• Develop communications to achieve public affairs and agency goals and to promote awareness of agency programs internally and externally.
• Work closely with agency staff, managers, graphic artists, photographers, videographers and the media.
• Create and oversee the production of talking points, news releases, presentations, voiceovers, newsletters, fact sheets, social media posts and other forms of communication.
• Develop, implement and lead strategic communications and public affairs plans and programs.
• Advise and guide agency managers and staff.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with reporters, interested parties and others to educate and inform on agency programs and activities.
• Assist in training and coaching staff on how to respond effectively to the media.
• May require working evenings or early mornings, working in inclement weather and traveling.
• Work primarily in an office environment with hybrid work options.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

Skills

Verbal communications

Written communications

News media knowledge

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, marketing, journalism, behavioral science, social science, or related field

Job description

Public Affairs Specialist 3 – Public Information Officer – Region 1

Oregon Department of Transportation, Communications Section, Portland

Initial Posting Date: 10/14/2026

Application Deadline: 11/05/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Salary Range: $7,179 - $10,569

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Public Information Officer – Region 1

The Role

Bring your public relations experience and join our talented communications team as our public information officer! In this role, you will support and plan internal and external communication efforts, provide public affairs guidance to management, oversee public affairs programs and act as the agency spokesperson to the public and as the primary strategic communications liaison to state, federal and local agencies in Region 1: Portland metro and Hood River.

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

A Day In The Life

• Act as an agency spokesperson to regional, statewide and national media.
• Develop communications to achieve public affairs and agency goals and to promote awareness of agency programs internally and externally.
• Work closely with agency staff, managers, graphic artists, photographers, videographers and the media.
• Create and oversee the production of talking points, news releases, presentations, voiceovers, newsletters, fact sheets, social media posts and other forms of communication.
• Develop, implement and lead strategic communications and public affairs plans and programs.
• Advise and guide agency managers and staff.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with reporters, interested parties and others to educate and inform on agency programs and activities.
• Assist in training and coaching staff on how to respond effectively to the media.
• May require working evenings or early mornings, working in inclement weather and traveling.
• Work primarily in an office environment with hybrid work options.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s In It For You

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum Qualifications

Eight years of experience directly related to the position under recruitment. Five of the eight years must have been at the professional level.

OR 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.

Special Qualifications

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What We’d Like To See

• Effective verbal and written communications (including storytelling).
• Knowledge of how news media works.
• Demonstrated ability to use a variety of communications tools.
• Knowledge of strategic communications and effective communications planning.
• Knowledge of principles of public relations.

Additional Information

• We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].
• 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.
• We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.
• We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.
• You will become part of the state's management team.

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

Public relations jobs, communications jobs, PR, media relations, PIO

Need help?

For questions, call 503-910-6372 or email [e-mail].