East Region Communications Coordinator (Public Affairs Specialist 2)

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

Join ODFW’s Communications Division and help tell the story of Oregon’s fish and wildlife. If you thrive on meaningful public service, strategic storytelling, and working closely with experts to engage communities, this role offers a chance to make a real impact.

Please note this position requires attachment of a cover letter to be submitted with your application. For additional details regarding this requirement, please see the “Application Details and Instructions” section further down in this announcement.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!

In this fast‑paced role as the East Region Communications Coordinator (Public Affairs Specialist 2) in La Grande, Oregon, you’ll cover communications for all areas east of the Cascades. The region includes the outdoor recreation capital Bend, hunting hotspot the Blue Mountains and Oregon’s portion of the Klamath Basin where salmon are returning after more than a century. You’ll be the region’s storyteller, creating clear and compelling content, helping shape perception on complex regional issues and managing media relations in the region. You’ll drive strategic outreach, support staff, engage the public, and represent the Communications Division across the region. Key duties include:

• Developing accurate, engaging communication materials across multiple platforms.

• Responding to media and public inquiries on sensitive topics.

• Helping build partnerships in the region by working effectively with outside organizations. 

• Executing communication plans that support the agency’s priorities. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

For a full review of the position details, duties and working conditions, click here

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your application materials. We cannot accept additional application materials after the application deadline. These materials determine whether you move forward in the selection process and help establish your starting salary. Be sure your work and education history is accurate, thorough, and fully reflects your skills and experience, even if they do not seem directly related to the position. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:

Option 1: Five years experience directly related to the position under recruitment; two of the five years must have been at the professional level.

- OR -

Option 2: 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;

Desired Attributes

• Developing Engaging Content: Experience researching topics, interviewing staff and creating clear, accurate and engaging stories and communication materials across multiple formats (news releases, feature stories, social media content, video, photos)

• Issue Analysis and Rapid Assessment: Experience interpreting complex scientific or technical information, analyzing high‑visibility issues, and using sound judgement to provide clear, consistent, timely responses and messaging consistent with agency policy.

• Strategic Communications: Experience executing an organization’s communication priorities and using data and feedback to improve outcomes.

• Media Relations and Public Engagement: Experience managing media and public inquiries, conducting interviews as an organization’s spokesperson, building relationships with reporters and other influencers, promoting stories, and coaching staff on response during high‑profile incidents or for controversial topics.

• Collaboration and Relationship Building: Experience building productive relationships with outside organizations, internal teams and public affairs counterparts from other agencies.

• Experience in Natural Resource Communications: Experience creating content about any combination of the following: fish, wildlife, and their habitats or other natural resources; conservation of  natural resources; outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing; working lands such as forests, ranches or farms.

APPLICATION DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS

This position requires a cover letter to be submitted with your application. The cover letter should address the following:

• Your interest in this position, and
• Demonstrates your experience crafting clear and engaging content—showcasing creativity, storytelling, and/or your skill in shaping perceptions around complex topics.

Failure to attach a cover letter, or address the information requested, may result in your application being removed from further consideration.

• 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.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified people to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur

• State of Oregon Employees, must apply through their employee Workday account.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline

• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance.

• Reasonable accommodation for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) 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 submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process

• If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please call 503.947.6051 and ask to speak to a recruiter

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

ODFW is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce as we strive to represent and better serve our neighboring communities. Our most important asset is our employees, and each person brings unique, different, and important contributions to the workplace and community we serve.  With Oregon’s changing demographics, a workforce that reflects this change will make us stronger and create an opportunity for better decision making.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is the place for you. We have glaciated mountain peaks to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the massive Columbia River Gorge to the north. You can fish 365 days a year, and there is hunting for big game, waterfowl, and game birds. The Oregon coast attracts thousands of people who clam, crab and fish in the ocean for halibut, salmon, and tuna. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about

Additional benefits include:

• 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice

• Finalists are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration

• Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships

• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation |Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube,  and at myodfw.com and http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer