Public Affairs Specialist

The College of Forestry is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist . This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.

The College of Forestry at Oregon State University is the leading forestry program in the United States. As such, we partner with state and federal agencies to provide relevant and sound science that informs important natural resource and land use policy issues.

To support these initiatives, the Public Affairs Specialist develops communication and outreach plans that inform and engage the public about these activities. The incumbent is responsible for:

Developing, fostering, and sustaining relationships with state, regional, and federal government agencies.
Conducting policy analysis and strategic engagement.
Working with researchers and administrative leaders to ensure that college and university priorities and goals are represented in communications and outreach efforts.
Maintaining relationships with internal and external partners to promote and ensure collaboration and partnership opportunities for marketing and communication efforts.
Providing subject matter expertise and representing the College of Forestry publicly.

To effectively represent the college and university, the incumbent must:

Understand complex issues related to research efforts.
Be able to interpret research and policy for others.
Employ best practices in strategic communications across all media types.
Demonstrate expertise in resolving conflicts.
Possess the ability to counsel others on complex and sensitive internal and external initiatives, including policy, budget, or those with stakeholder relationship implications.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise diplomacy in communicating sensitive subject matter.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

Top 1.4% university in the world
More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
217k+ alumni worldwide
For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

Incorporated into their daily work, the public affairs specialist demonstrates a commitment to a collaborative and inclusive community in all interactions and duties performed. This individual contributes to a welcoming and respectful workplace culture and maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding sensitive matters.

70% – Strategic Communications

Communications planning and strategy
Writing, editing and content development
Public and stakeholder involvement

15% – Policy Analysis and Engagement

15% – Service and Duties as Assigned