Communication Manager Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$0.00 - $0.00 Annual
Department:
County Commissioner District 1
Job Type:
Elected Official Staff
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
August 05, 2026
The Opportunity:
Salary: Starting at $100,000 annually
Overview:
The Office of Multnomah County Commissioner for District 1 is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly organized Communications & Outreach Director. This role serves as the public voice, media liaison, and community bridge for District 1's Commissioner, Meghan Moyer.
You will manage all internal and external communications, lead community outreach strategy, handle day-to-day scheduling, and oversee the execution of board proclamations. The ideal candidate excels in fast-paced environments, possesses sharp political acumen, and is deeply committed to serving the residents of District 1.
Multnomah County's District 1 encompasses the vibrant heart and diverse landscapes of our community, spanning the west side of the Willamette River, Portland's inner east side, and western unincorporated areas including Sauvie Island. The District 1 Office is a small, collaborative team dedicated to creating responsive local policy, protecting the safety net for our most vulnerable residents, and maintaining deep connections with our neighborhood and business associations.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Communications & Media Relations

• Media Strategy: Draft and distribute press releases; build and maintain strong relationships with local media; and strategically pitch stories to relevant reporters.
• Crisis & Inquiry Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating with senior staff to craft timely responses.
• Interview Prep: Fully prepare the Commissioner for media appearances, including drafting talking points, conducting mock interviews, and managing logistics (travel, tech setups, and staging).
• Digital Content: Write and design regular community newsletters; manage and update the district website for better navigability; and oversee all social media platforms (including video creation and comment moderation) to expand digital reach.
• Monitoring & Collaboration: Track local news coverage concerning District 1 and collaborate regularly with the central County Communications department.

2. Community Outreach

• Relationship Building: Act as the office liaison to neighborhood associations, community groups, advocates, and professional organizations.
• Event Coordination: Plan and execute public town halls and community meetings, managing all logistics, photography, note-taking, and subsequent follow-up actions.
• Issue Tracking: Investigate district-specific issues raised by residents and develop communications-or collaborate on policy solutions-to address them.

3. Executive Scheduling & Operations

• Calendar Management: Manage the Commissioner's daily schedule, including booking meetings, events, and travel arrangements.
• Briefings: Prepare the Commissioner for all engagements with detailed background information on topics and attendees.
• Community Escort: Travel with the Commissioner to community events to provide on-site support, capture photos, take notes, and track follow-up tasks.

4. Board Proclamations

• Development: Collaborate with senior staff to identify key proclamations led by District 1.
• Drafting & Filing: Draft proclamation text alongside community partners and the County Attorney; file all official documents with the Board Clerk.
• Event Planning: Organize board ceremonies, coordinate with guest presenters, and manage post-ceremony celebrations.

5. Office Administration

• Assist with constituent email correspondence, proofread formal policy documents, manage general office supplies/functions, and greet office guests.

We encourage you to apply today if you bring an outstanding background in public relations, robust communication skills across multiple platforms, and exceptional time-management abilities, combined with the capacity to exercise sound political judgment.
To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Journalism, English, Communications, or related field. In lieu of a degree, we will consider equivalent years of related experience.
• Three (3) years of administrative, communications, marketing or public information experience.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Experience in local government or political campaigns is highly preferred.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to interact and work with a diverse group of people and at all levels of the
• organization.
• Ability to maintain good customer service when responding to requests from community
• members.
• Proficiency in marketing software, tools and analytics (e.g. Mailchimp, HubSpot, Google
• Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Proficiency in social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky
• TikTok, YouTube)
• Knowledge of strategic planning, implementation and project management.
• Experience applying a racial equity lens to communications and policy analysis.
• A commitment to promoting a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and culturally responsive communication informed by lived experience.

Screening and Evaluation
The Application Packet:

• A completed online application including a resume and cover letter. If your application does not include these two documents your application will be considered incomplete and not considered further.
• A resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, and a summary of your responsibilities.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications and the primary responsibilities of this role.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates. Subject matter experts will evaluate your resume and cover letter based on a rubric that has been built from the qualifications listed in this job announcement and the primary responsibilities of this position.
• Consideration of top candidates through interview/s and/or assignments.
• Reference check of three references with one being a current of former employer.

Work Location: This position works onsite at the Multnomah Building located at 501 SE Hawthorne Ave Portland, Oregon 97209.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Dale Cornelius
Email:
dale.cornelius@multco.us
Phone:
+1 (503) 9395990
Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Job Profile:
9400 - Staff Assistant