Multimedia Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 1)

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is a State of Oregon agency with a mission to serve and honor veterans through leadership, advocacy and strong partnerships. The Department is entrusted to assist veterans, their dependents, and surviving family members in obtaining their earned Federal, State, and local benefits. 

At the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We stand by our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization, and recognize and celebrate our unique backgrounds and diverse experiences. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ community members. The strength of our agency lies in the diversity of our workforce and the perspectives our employees bring to their work at ODVA. 

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has a full-time opportunity available for a Multimedia Specialist (Public Affairs Specialist 1) located at ODVA Headquarters in Salem, Oregon. 

About Us 

• An organization often reflects the salient beliefs and characteristics of its leadership and, more importantly, its employees. In our case, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is the very community we serve. 

• As a state agency, our employees are some of the most passionate and dedicated people working toward a very noble mission, day in and day out. From our front-line Statewide Veteran Services Division to operational services that support day-to-day business, our teams work together to deliver on a promise made more than 80 years ago. 

• To deliver on an incredibly broad mission in serving a diverse veterans’ community, we focus not on creating new programs, but rather, aligning and partnering around a shared vision and of good stewardship of existing resources. 

• ODVA unites government, private companies, nonprofits, and other veteran service organizations to address issues facing veterans and their families. We are building support around specific issues that affect veterans. And we maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders that allow us to continue to be a leading voice on veteran’s issues. 

• This is ODVA's cadence. Together with our veterans and our partners, we honor the past, build on our strengths, and chart a course worthy of the next 80 years. 

About the Division 

ODVA's Communications team is responsible for managing all internal and external communication and information representing the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This position is located within the Communications Division, Public Information Department, which functions as the agency’s central communications, public affairs, and creative services program. The Public Information Department is responsible for planning, producing, and coordinating ODVA’s internal and external communications to ensure accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent messaging that supports agency operations, leadership priorities, statutory responsibilities, and public trust. 

The program’s scope is statewide and agency wide. It supports all ODVA divisions and programs, including veteran benefits and advocacy, aging veteran services, home loan and education programs, advisory committee operations, legislative and executive communications, statewide outreach and engagement, and major agency initiatives. Communications produced by this program directly affect veterans and their families, agency employees, elected officials, partner organizations, media, and the general public. 

The Public Information Department manages ODVA’s core communications infrastructure and deliverables, including agency branding and visual identity, internal communications, digital and web content, multimedia production, publications, executive and leadership messaging, public information responses, and support for events and engagements across the state. The program also plays a critical role in ensuring communications meet accessibility, equity, and compliance standards, including ADA and public information requirements. 

What are we looking for? 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or the Behavioral or Social Sciences or related degree. 
  OR 
  Three years technical or higher-level experience directly related to the position OR ​ an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

​

 
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following: 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced team driven environment    

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Experience working with vulnerable and challenging populations using a trauma-informed approach 

• Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills, effectively engaging with clients and families under stress  

• Proficient in fostering a culture that values respect, inclusivity, and appreciation for diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values 

• Adept at prioritizing and facilitating the resolution of competing and urgent needs in alignment with client interests within a collaborative team, providing recommendations to primary decision-makers 

• Microsoft® Office Suite (Access®, Excel®, Word®, PowerPoint®, Outlook®)  

• Adobe Acrobat Professional 

• Proficient to expert level with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools)  

• SharePoint, Facebook Administration, Open-source environments (Word Press, Esubscribe systems) 

• Cloud-based applications and services that support digital communication 

• Microsoft® Windows® Operating Systems, Microsoft® SQL Server Software 

Additional Requirements:  

This position requires successful completion of a fingerprint based criminal history background check through the Oregon (LEDS) and National (NCIC) law enforcement data systems.  A valid Oregon or Washington State driver’s license is ; must also undergo a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, with ongoing monitoring as a condition of continued employment. 

Working Conditions:  

ODVA believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promoting a culture of inclusiveness.  

This position will be based out of ODVAs Salem Office; however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid (work from home/in office) work schedule. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs. Remote work is evaluated periodically to ensure business needs are being met and can be adjusted at any time.  ODVA will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. This position may require some travel to ODVA offices and sites on an as-needed basis. At ODVA sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees. 

How to Apply: (complete the application in full) 

• External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.  

• Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account.  View this knowledge article for assistance. 

Helpful Tips:   

• Be sure to attach a resume and cover letter.  

• Allow yourself plenty of time to complete and submit the application, resume, and cover letter.  

• Workday will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity.  

• This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed. 

• Please save a copy of the job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job posting closes. 

• Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.  

• Workday performs best in Google Chrome.  

• Click here for Resources and a Job Support Page.  

Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, ODVA will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials. 

Please provide a portfolio in PDF or a website link with the following samples:  

You must attach all the requested samples below and include them in your portfolio or website link to be considered. Incomplete submissions will not move forward in the hiring process. 

• Graphic Design Samples - 2 Print samples: Include strong examples that demonstrate layout, branding, and accessibility awareness.  

• Graphic Design Samples - 2 Digital materials: Show ability to design for varying formats and platforms.  

• 2 Samples of Photography: Demonstrate technical and editing skill for portrait or event photography. 

• 1 Sample of Video Production: Include short promotional videos, event highlight videos, or social-first videos that demonstrate storytelling, editing, and accessibility. 

• 2 Writing Samples: Demonstrate a variety of writing styles written for newsletters, press releases, web content, internal communications, fact sheets, social media copy, etc. 

Veterans Information: 

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides veterans’ preference in employment to all eligible veterans.  For more information on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources.  

Pay Equity:  

As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate based on protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information. Please note: 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% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes). Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details. 

Work Authorization: 

ODVA does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be  to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity.  

Questions/Need Help? 

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce.  Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application and selection process for applicants with disabilities who request assistance.  If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Elissa Johnson, Human Resources Analyst, at elissa.johnson@odva.oregon.gov  or (503) 507-7673. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900. 

Additional Information