Communications Program Manager Jobs in Portland, OR

Job Summary
The Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) is seeking a creative and strategic candidate to support and advance the agency's communications program. Reporting to the Communications Administrative Services Manager, this position independently manages high-impact communications initiatives that strengthen public trust, promote transparency, support recruitment and community engagement, and enhance CCSO's public presence across digital, print, and traditional media.
The position will be responsible for developing and implementing communication plans, producing multimedia and written content, coordinating media and public information activities, and supporting rapid-response communications during critical incidents. The position also serves as acting communications lead during the Communication Administrative Services Manager's absence and directly supervises the agency's Administrative Assistant.
Clark County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking qualified minorities, women and veterans to enhance its work force and to reflect the diversity of the community.
This position is governed by State Civil Service laws, which require specific recruitment procedures. This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility list to fill the current vacancy.
Please refer to: https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/civil-service-process
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. First review of applications will be September 4, 2026. This posting may close when the position is filled with no additional notice.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
A bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, Public Administration, or a related field and five years of professional communications experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Candidates must be a United States' Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident at the time of appointment and have the ability to read and write the English language (required by RCW 41.14.00). A valid driver's license is required at time of appointment and candidates must not have any prior felony or domestic violence convictions and/or recent or excessive drug usage history.
The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, and executive messaging.
• Strong writing, editing, photography, videography, graphic design, and digital storytelling skills.
• Proficiency with professional photo and video editing tools, including Adobe Creative Suite or comparable software.
• Experience managing websites, social media platforms, analytics, branding, and multiple high-profile projects.
• Experience supervising employees or leading project teams.
• Experience in government, public safety, or law enforcement communications is preferred.

Knowledge of: Strategic communications, public information, media relations, digital communications, branding, community engagement, project management, performance analytics, and applicable laws and policies governing public information and records.
Ability to: Develop and implement communication strategies; communicate clearly in writing and orally; exercise sound judgment under pressure; manage competing deadlines; supervise staff; and build effective relationships with leadership, employees, media representatives, partner agencies, and the public.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Resumes and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.
Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - A completed online application, RESUME and COVER LETTER are REQUIRED. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. Incomplete applications WITHOUT the RESUME and COVER LETTER will not pass the application review.
Oral Interview (Weighted 100%) - Questions will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Minimum passing score of 70% is required. The oral board will consist of a three to four member interview panel who will ask the same position-related, pre-established written questions of all candidates. Panelist evaluations are averaged to determine candidate interview scores.
Eligibility List - Candidate interview scores will be ranked in order of high/low. The Civil Service Commission will review and certify candidates on the eligibility list.
Background Investigation (Pass/Fail) - Involves a comprehensive investigation based on information provided by candidates' personal history statements. The investigation will include: a neighborhood check, reference checks, personal interview, work history check, criminal, driving, and financial history checks (from high school forward). The background investigation is a valued component in the overall picture of a candidate. Issues of integrity and ethics are taken very seriously due to the Sheriff's Office commitment to the community.
Selection Interview: The top five candidates from the eligibility list will be contacted to participate in a selection interview conducted by the Sheriff's Office. (NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent on successfully passing a drug test and a polygraph exam).
Preference Points:
Per SB 6157
1) Candidates with full professional proficiency or who is completely fluent as a native speaker in one language other than English will be eligible for 5 percent to be added to their final interview score.
2) Candidates who have obtained an associate of arts or science degree or higher degree are eligible for 5 percent to be added to their final interview score.
Veteran's Preference Points*
Washington State law RCW 41.04.010 provides for Veterans' Scoring Criteria status in the examination of applicants for employment provided certain requirements are met. Clark County awards Veterans' Scoring Criteria, in accordance with state law, to veterans honorably released from active military service who meet all statutory requirements until the first appointment. If you are claiming Veterans' Scoring Criteria, you must attach your DD Form 214 Copy 4 to your completed application packet.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Strategic Communications and Program Support

• Develop and implement communication strategies supporting agency priorities, transparency, recruitment, public education, and community engagement.
• Advise leadership and staff on messaging, communication planning, and public information best practices.
• Manage complex communications projects, evaluate performance through analytics and media monitoring, and recommend improvements.
• Maintain communication standards, branding, and consistent messaging across the agency.
• Act on behalf of the Communications Manager during absences to ensure continuity of unit operations.

Media, Digital, and Multimedia Communications

• Manage CCSO's social media, website, and other digital communication platforms.
• Capture and edit professional photographs and video; produce short- and long-form content for public, recruitment, and internal use.
• Edit body-worn camera and other video for public release in accordance with applicable laws, policy, and transparency standards.
• Create written and visual materials, including newsletters, annual reports, brochures, graphics, presentations, talking points, and recruitment content.
• Assist with media relations, including press releases, interview preparation, media inquiries, press conferences, and public statements.

Community, Internal Communications, and Supervision

• Support community events, outreach campaigns, employee communications, surveys, and agency-wide publications.
• Collaborate with Sheriff's Office divisions, County departments, media, partner agencies, and community organizations.
• Provide direct supervision to the Administrative Assistant, including assigning work, setting priorities, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Performs other related duties as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in office and field settings and may require evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call availability for critical incidents, urgent media needs, and community events. Essential duties include extensive computer use; operation of photography and video equipment; reading, writing, speaking, listening, and travel throughout Clark County. The position involves a high level of activity, competing deadlines, and work in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
Salary Grade
M2.203
Salary Range
$7,722.00 - $10,811.00- per month
Close Date
Open Until FilledRecruiter
Leslie Harrington Smith
Email:
Leslie.HarringtonSmith@clark.wa.gov
Equal Opportunity Employer
Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Employee Benefits and additional compensation
Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Retirement Information
All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.
For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/
If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.