Community Engagement Liaison - Public Affairs Specialist 2

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

Now Hiring, Apply Today! Community Engagement Liaison (Public Affairs Specialist 2)

The Oregon Advocacy Commissions consist of 11 members each: nine appointed by the Governor, and one each by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. They work independently and with intersectionality across multi-year cycles to advance thoughtful, equitable, and well-informed policy development and implementation. The Oregon Advocacy Commissions and the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office are committed to the principles of racial equity, social justice, collaboration, public engagement, and transparency. We work to amplify the voices of systemically excluded and institutionally oppressed communities to inform and influence decisions for policy, programs and budgets in State government.

The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office provides administrative support to the following four independent advocacy commissions:

• The Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs promotes equity for Asian and Pacific Islanders who live in Oregon.

• The Commission on Black Affairs promotes equity for Black Oregonians.

• The Commission on Hispanic Affairs promotes equity for Hispanic Oregonians.

• The Commission for Women promotes equity for women in Oregon.

What You’ll Do

As the Community Engagement Liaison, you will enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions by leading strategic communications, building community partnerships, and supporting authentic civic participation across the state. This role connects communities with legislators, the Governor’s Office, and the Advocacy Commissions to inform policy, advance equity, and reduce barriers for communities of color and women.  You will develop outreach strategies, public-facing materials including social media posts, data-informed reports, and engagement activities that elevate community voice in policy design. Serving as a key bridge between the Commissions and the public, the position strengthens trust, supports effective communication, and ensures community perspectives help shape state programs, policies, and budget decisions.

For a full review of the position duties, details, and working conditions, please review this.

This Is What You Need to Qualify

• 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.

The ideal candidate will possess the following desired skills and attributes:

• Experience in large and small group facilitation, including the ability to solicit and value diverse viewpoints.

• Experience managing projects with multiple parties of interest, specifically experience working with communities of color, and immigrants and refugees.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills.

• Understanding of and experience applying principles of network organizing and social justice movement-building.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to make connections across differences, build rapport, understand what motivates people, and communicate in a way that connects with diverse motivations.

• Experience in demographic analysis of communities of color, women, and other protected groups.

• Knowledge of graphic design principles and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office is committed to innovation, continuous improvement, outstanding service delivery, and support for each other as professionals and as people. We believe hiring highly skilled employees from diverse backgrounds is key to cultivating positive results, well-informed outcomes, and valuing the unique skill set and perspective of all our team members. 

Our amazing benefits include: 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.  Optional benefits including life insurance, disability, FSA, and more

• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service. 

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 

• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner. 

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: You may qualify for the PSLF program.

• Hybrid Work Opportunity: This position supports a hybrid work schedule with bi-weekly in Portland attendance required. Occasional travel for business functions and face-face appointments may be required. You must live within a commutable distance to the Portland metro area.

How to Apply

• Click on the "Apply" link above to complete your online application and submit by the posted closing date and time. For step-by-step instructions click apply to work for the state or current state employee.

• Required Documents: cover letter and resume

• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum qualifications and desired skills and attributes listed above. Failing to attach required documents may result in disqualification of your application.

• 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. 

• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

• 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.  Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting to have the preference considered.

Additional Details

• This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent, Unrepresented, Community Engagement Liaison (Public Affairs Specialist 2) position and may be used to fill future vacancies.

• 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%.Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity.

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time.

• Employee will be required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides.

• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• If you need an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, Nancy Karnas at:  [email protected]    | 971-719-3083.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to Workforce Diversity. We embody the value of hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce revitalizes our state. We value diversity and foster a positive and welcoming environment where all employees can thrive.