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Community Relations Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

If you're passionate about community impact, we invite you to join our team. Position Pay Starts at $90,000 and can go up DOE Position Summary : The Employee Relations Partner serves as a strategic ...

If you're passionate about community impact, we invite you to join our team. Position Pay Starts at $90,000 and can go up DOE Position Summary : The Employee Relations Partner serves as a strategic ...

Labor Relations Manager

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$57.51 - $77.63/hr

Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety ... The Labor Relations Manager will facilitate and build relationships with employees, union ...

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Showing results 1-20

Community Relations information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.3K

$130.8K

$147.4K

How much do community relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for community relations in Portland, OR is $130,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,800.00 and $146,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is community relations?

Community relations refers to the practice of building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and the communities in which it operates. Professionals in this field work to foster goodwill, address concerns, and create partnerships that benefit both the organization and the public. Their responsibilities often include organizing events, managing communications, and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives. Effective community relations help improve the organization's reputation and ensure mutual understanding with stakeholders.

How does a community relations professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Community Relations professionals often work closely with departments such as marketing, public relations, and human resources to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the organization's goals. They may coordinate events, manage partnerships, and gather feedback from the community to relay important insights internally. Successful collaboration requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance community needs with organizational objectives, ensuring that initiatives are both meaningful and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community relations specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Community Relations Specialist, you need strong communication, public relations, and organizational skills, typically supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with social media platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and event planning tools is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help you build trust and positive connections with diverse community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for fostering meaningful engagement, enhancing an organization’s reputation, and effectively addressing community needs.

What is the difference between Community Relations vs Public Relations?

AspectCommunity RelationsPublic Relations
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholdersManaging the organization's public image and media relations
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, local organizations, nonprofit settingsMedia outlets, press releases, corporate communications
Required CredentialsCommunications, Public Relations, or related degrees; often requires community engagement experienceCommunications, Journalism, or Public Relations degrees; media relations experience

While both roles involve communication skills and stakeholder engagement, Community Relations focuses on local community partnerships and grassroots efforts, whereas Public Relations emphasizes managing the organization's overall public image and media interactions. Understanding these differences helps organizations target the right skills and strategies for each role.

What degree do you need for community relations?

A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field is typically required for community relations roles. Relevant skills such as interpersonal communication, public speaking, and experience with community engagement are also important.

What do you do in community relations?

A community relations professional manages relationships between an organization and the community it serves. They organize events, communicate with stakeholders, and develop programs to promote positive engagement and support the organization's goals. Strong communication skills and knowledge of local issues are essential in this role.

What skills are needed for community relations jobs?

Community relations jobs require strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members and stakeholders. Additionally, skills in public speaking, conflict resolution, event planning, and cultural competency are important, along with the ability to manage social media and public outreach efforts. Organizational skills and knowledge of local issues also enhance effectiveness in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Relations jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Community Relations jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Relations jobs in Portland, OR?

For Community Relations jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Community Relations jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Community Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Relations job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,412 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Director of Community Relations

Pacific Lifestyle Homes Inc

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description:

LIFE AT PACIFIC LIFESTYLE HOMES

Experience the difference of being part of the Pacific Lifestyle Homes family. As a two-time recipient of the prestigious Building Industry Association "Builder of the Year" award and the esteemed National Housing Quality Gold Award, we are more than just a homebuilder – we are dedicated to BUILDING BETTER LIVES. From our humble beginnings in 1996, we have grown to construct over 6,500 homes and 130 communities across SW Washington, the Portland Metro area, greater Puget Sound area, and the Boise Metro landscape. Join us and build your career with a company committed to excellence and community impact.

JOB MISSION

Pacific Lifestyle Homes is seeking a Director of Community Relations to serve as the primary liaison between the company and local jurisdictions, community leaders, and key stakeholders. This role is responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships that support successful land acquisition, entitlement approvals, and community integration. As Director of Community Relations, you will play a key role in ensuring the company is recognized as a trusted, solutions-oriented partner by aligning development initiatives with local priorities, policies, and community values.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with city and county staff, elected officials, planning commissions, and community organizations.
  • Act as the company’s ambassador in all jurisdictional interactions, reinforcing credibility, trust, and long-term partnership.
  • Identify and proactively engage key influencers and decision-makers within target markets.
  • Partner with Land Acquisition and Development teams to support entitlement strategies and project approvals.
  • Navigate political and regulatory landscapes to anticipate risks, remove obstacles, and accelerate timelines where appropriate.
  • Represent the company in workshops and community meetings, including jurisdictional engagement.
  • Develop and execute community outreach strategies that align with project goals and local expectations.
  • Address community concerns with transparency and professionalism, balancing business objectives with community needs.
  • Monitor local policy, zoning changes, and regulatory trends impacting residential development.
  • Provide strategic insights to leadership on jurisdictional dynamics, growth opportunities, and potential constraints.
  • Help shape company positioning on key housing and development issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 10–30+ years of experience in community relations, government affairs, land development, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of entitlement processes, zoning, state laws, and municipal governance in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
  • Established network within local jurisdictions (preferred).
  • Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills, both public-facing and executive-level.
  • High emotional intelligence and sound judgment in politically sensitive environments.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (Urban Planning, Public Administration, Real Estate, or related) preferred.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

  • Relationship Builder: Gains trust quickly and maintains long-term partnerships.
  • Strategic Thinker: Connects jurisdictional priorities with company growth objectives.
  • Politically Savvy: Understands nuance, timing, and stakeholder motivations.
  • Problem Solver: Navigates complexity and resolves conflicts effectively.
  • Executive Presence: Represents the company with credibility and professionalism.


WHY WORK HERE

BENEFITS

  • Company supported medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and families
  • Participation in our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with Company contributions
  • New home discount
  • 120 hours of paid time off for the first year
  • Seven paid holidays
  • Paid volunteer hours
  • Employee Recognition Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus - Up to $1,000
  • Engaging company culture – Including our annual “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
  • And much more!

OUR CULTURE / VALUES

At Pacific Lifestyle Homes, our vibrant culture defines who we are. We believe in the power of open communication, where every voice is valued and heard. With a strong emphasis on personal growth, we offer one-on-one coaching, regular reviews, and prioritize internal promotion whenever feasible. Our actions are guided by our core values of respect, accountability, candor, humility, integrity, and teamwork, shaping every decision we make and every interaction we have.

Build your career at Pacific Lifestyle Homes, where we are committed to the idea that a skilled team can build homes and communities that withstand the test of time. Picture yourself driving by our neighborhoods a decade from now, brimming with pride knowing you played a vital role in their creation. Do not miss the opportunity to make a lasting impact with us!

For additional information about Pacific Lifestyle Home’s Company Culture and how it can enrich your career, we invite you to view the video at the following link: https://youtu.be/Hud-5EsJ2fw

WORK ENVIRONMENT

We are an in-person culture with a core work schedule of 8:00am – 5:00pm, including a required daily morning huddle that begins at 8:00am in-office.

Our dress code and appearance policy reflect our commitment to professionalism and our dedication to maintaining a premier standard as a homebuilder.

Prior managerial reference checks, background check and a pre-employment drug screen are required steps in our hiring process.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements: