Multnomah County

Government

DirectorofCommunications

Portland, Oregon, United States FULL TIME
The Brief

“Director of Communications at Multnomah County. Skills: Strategic Communications Leadership, Management, Operations, and Resource Administration, Media Relations, Crisis Response, and Digital Strategy. Directs and manages the County’s communications strategies and operations. Establishes a strategic countywide communications framework”

What You'll Achieve.

Effectively connect community members to essential services; Provide critical updates; Share stories that promote equity; Ensure County integrity and legal compliance; Ensure public records responses are provided transparently and in accordance with regulations; Ensure the distribution of high-quality, engaging content across all platforms

Industry & Context.

Government
Eligibility Requirements

Must reside in Oregon, May be reassigned from current position to a role in emergency response during emergencies, Hybrid telework (at least 3 days per week onsite)

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work experience, Seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, Five (5) years of proven ability to communicate complex strategies and data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and elected officials, Experience applying an equity lens to communications and operational decisions

Nice to Have

Six (6) years of experience working with elected officials or high-ranking leadership in a highly political environment, Five (5) years of direct, substantial experience working in a large county, state, or municipal government, or another similarly complex public-sector entity

What You'll Do.

Directs and manages the County’s communications strategies and operations

Establishes a strategic countywide communications framework

Advises the Chair and senior County leadership on countywide communications strategies and long-term planning

Develops and executes a comprehensive communications plan

Establishes and enforces cohesive countywide communications policies

Collaborates with department directors to ensure departmental communication strategies are aligned with countywide standards

Supports the communications goals of the Board of County Commissioners

Directs and supervises the Communications team

Manages the Communications budget

Oversees vendor contracts

external agency relationships

and technology investments

Collaborates with the County Attorney’s Office to ensure public records responses are provided transparently and in accordance with regulations

Oversees media relations and serves as the principal spokesperson for the County

Directs the development of rapid-response protocols

Serves as the Lead Public Information Officer (PIO) during severe weather and emergency activations

Oversees the County’s digital communications footprint

Maintains and develops relationships with local and national media outlets

Manages the publication of key news highlights

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Collaborate with department directors; Collaborate with the County Attorney’s Office; Counsel to the Incident Commander

Communication Scope

Communicate complex strategies and data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and elected officials; Serve as the principal spokesperson for the County during major announcements and crisis events; Providing counsel to the Incident Commander

Free ATS check

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