Communications & Outreach Director
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Draft and distribute press releases; build and maintain strong relationships with local media; and strategically pitch stories to relevant reporters.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating with senior staff to craft timely responses.
- Fully prepare the Commissioner for media appearances, including drafting talking points, conducting mock interviews, and managing logistics (travel, tech setups, and staging).
- 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.
- Track local news coverage concerning District 1 and collaborate regularly with the central County Communications department.
- Act as the office liaison to neighborhood associations, community groups, advocates, and professional organizations.
- Plan and execute public town halls and community meetings, managing all logistics, photography, note-taking, and subsequent follow-up actions.
- Investigate district-specific issues raised by residents and develop communications—or collaborate on policy solutions—to address them.
- Manage the Commissioner’s daily schedule, including booking meetings, events, and travel arrangements.
- Prepare the Commissioner for all engagements with detailed background information on topics and attendees.
- Travel with the Commissioner to community events to provide on-site support, capture photos, take notes, and track follow-up tasks.
- Collaborate with senior staff to identify key proclamations led by District 1.
- Draft proclamation text alongside community partners and the County Attorney; file all official documents with the Board Clerk.
- Organize board ceremonies, coordinate with guest presenters, and manage post-ceremony celebrations.
- Assist with constituent email correspondence, proofread formal policy documents, manage general office supplies/functions, and greet office guests.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
