Outreach and Communications Specialist

ANNOUNCEMENT# 2026-016

CLOSING DATE: July 22, 2026

SALARY RANGE: $5,579.00 to 6,905.00 per month

The OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST position is full-time, LIMITED DURATION, 40 hours, on-site, Civil Service and union represented.

Columbia County is looking for a dynamic team player who is enthusiastic about working within our Columbia County communities to improve health and wellness programs to promote healthy lifestyles for our citizens.

Columbia County Public Health is committed to improving quality of life and protecting the health and well-being of all residents by addressing social, economic, and environmental conditions. We want to ensure that all people in Columbia County have the opportunity for a healthy life.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Coordinate and implement the Public Health department's communications, marketing, outreach, and public information activities. Develop and disseminate accurate, timely, culturally responsive, and accessible public health information through a variety of communication channels. Manage department communications platforms including social media, website content, newsletters, media relations, and marketing materials. Support community outreach initiatives across all public health program areas. Lead or assist with public information and risk communications during emergency response activities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Equivalent to a four-year degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design, public health communications, health education, or a related field. Three years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, public information, media relations, marketing, outreach, or a closely related field. Any satisfactory combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for the above requirements.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) skills are highly preferred. Experience working in public health or health communications is desirable. Experience managing social media platforms, website content, media relations, graphic design, digital communications, and community outreach activities is preferred. Experience developing communications plans, style guides, and accessible public-facing materials is highly desirable. Experience with emergency communications or Incident Command System (ICS) structures is desirable. Strong collaboration skills and ability to work with diverse communities and partners is highly desirable. Team player willing to work collaboratively toward shared goals and be open to diverse ideas and perspectives.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the county’s liability policy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY: Knowledge of communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, community engagement, and public information principles and practices. Knowledge of public health principles and the role of governmental public health in promoting and protecting community health. Knowledge of federal, state, and local public health systems and programs.

Specific knowledge related to communications and public health, including:

• Social Determinants of Health and health equity principles, including root causes of disparities and inequities.
• Health literacy and plain language communication principles.
• Culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate communication strategies.
• Social media platforms, content management, audience engagement, and analytics tools.
• Website content management systems and digital communications practices.
• Graphic design principles, branding standards, and visual communications.
• Public information and risk communication principles and practices.

Skill in using various software programs and Microsoft Office products. Skill in content creation, writing, editing, proofreading, and formatting materials for multiple platforms. Skill in graphic design and visual communications tools. Skill in managing multiple projects, timelines, and competing priorities. Skill in preparing reports, presentations, and communication materials for diverse audiences.

Ability to:

• Organize, prioritize, and produce accurate work products and meet deadlines.
• Express ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing. Use sound judgment.
• Adapt to change or new situations and openly acknowledge and work through conflict. Accept responsibility and work well with ambiguity.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Act in such a manner as to maintain the confidentiality of the records and issues and other matters that may be encountered or discussed.
• Develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, county officials, and the public.
• Adapt communication approaches for different cultural, linguistic, and accessibility needs.
• Receive constructive feedback in a positive manner.
• Provide timely and accurate risk communications in areas of public health significance.
• Safely operate a passenger vehicle, and learn how to safely operate the department’s mobile health van.
• Apply understanding and knowledge of cultural differences and similarities when working with diverse populations.
• Work in an environment with individuals who may have diverging opinions or viewpoints.

SPECIAL NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to pass a pre-employment background screening.

Join our team - Columbia County online application must be completed - Apply Today!

www.ColumbiaCountyOR.gov