Communications Office Interim Deputy Director

Multnomah County•Portland, OR

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a temporary position expected to last until January 2027, but can end at any time. The Communications Office is seeking an experienced, strategic, and adaptable leader for an internal Work Out of Class (WOC)/Temporary opportunity as the Interim Deputy Director of Communications. This position fills a key leadership role within the Communications Office, working closely with the Director of Communications to set the Office’s overall direction, accomplish core priorities, and provide team management and operational oversight. The Interim Deputy Director will serve as a primary designee and substitute for the Director as needed, while supporting high-impact special projects across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
1 to 4 years of professional experience in strategic communications, public information, media relations, or a related role.
OR 5-8 years of relevant qualifying training and/or experience.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience in strategic communications, media relations, or public information.
Strong leadership, editing, and team-mentoring abilities.
Demonstrated experience handling sensitive, confidential, or crisis communications.
Knowledge of public records compliance and government transparency standards.
Ability to step into high-level meetings and represent leadership with confidence and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Advise and support the Communications Director on countywide communications strategies, long-term planning, and high-priority initiatives.
Serve as a lead team member on designated program areas and special projects as assigned by the Director.
Learn, model, and enforce cohesive countywide communications policies, standards, and best practices to ensure legal compliance and protect County integrity.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Department Directors, senior leadership, Board members, and Board staff to align departmental communications with countywide standards.
Provide coaching, editing, approvals, and day-to-day supervision for team members as needed.
Support key operational functions—including timekeeping, recordkeeping, and calendar maintenance—as assigned.
Support the Office in ensuring public records responses are processed transparently and in full accordance with legal regulations.
Serve as the Director’s designee or proxy in specific meetings, committees, and working groups.
Serve as Acting Director during the Director’s absence, leading the team in strategic meetings, emergency responses, and high-profile situations.
Advise on media relations strategies and serve as a backup official spokesperson for the County during major announcements or crisis events.
Serve as an alternate Lead Public Information Officer (PIO) within the Incident Command Staff during severe weather and emergency activations, providing communications counsel to the Incident Commander.
Support efforts to expand the County’s digital footprint, ensuring the delivery of engaging, high-quality content across all platforms.