Region 1 Public Affairs Lead & Spokesperson

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

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.