Community Affairs Business Partner

Port of Portland•Portland 97218, OR

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Port of Portland is hiring for two Community Affairs Business Partners. As a Community Affairs Business Partner, you will serve as a trusted advisor and connector between the Port and the communities impacted by our work. In this role, you will partner closely with Port leaders, project teams, and community members to shape and implement meaningful engagement strategies, anticipate emerging issues, elevate opportunities for partnership, and build understanding around complex initiatives. Two positions are being filled through this recruitment, with one supporting Aviation projects and the other supporting Trade and Economic Development projects. Both roles work collaboratively with our Outreach and Education staff to deliver impactful programs and engagement efforts. One position may also have the opportunity to supervise a graduate-level intern to support projects and help develop the next generation of public engagement professionals.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Community Development, Urban & Public Affairs, Communications, Social Science, Political Science, Environmental Science, or related field.
Minimum six (6) years' experience in supporting public involvement or community engagement efforts, ideally within a public agency, nonprofit, or consulting environment.
Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality service through a consultative approach, build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, and represent organizational priorities clearly and credibly in public settings.
Effective in navigating diverse stakeholder perspectives and advancing inclusive, community-centered outcomes.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
Focus on safety improvements and comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
Work in politically charged settings, adapt to ambiguous and changing environments.
Title VI (Civil Rights) and Title II (ADA) applied in public involvement, including language access.
Facilitation, training and/or coaching.
Qualitative and quantitative research strategies and reporting (surveys, focus groups, etc.).
Conflict resolution and de-escalation.
Demonstrated strong written and oral communication, including public speaking and presentation.
Provide input on questions of strategy, engagement, and communication methods.
Develop and implement inclusive engagement and project plans.
Build, coordinate and participate in committees and coalitions.
Key community stakeholders as well as best and emerging practices in community relations and policy development.
Working knowledge of local public involvement regulations (e.g., comprehensive planning, public noticing, Oregon public meetings law).

Nice To Haves

Masters degree preferred, but not required.
We are most interested in any combination of experience and education that prepares candidates to perform the essential functions of the role.

Responsibilities

Serves as a strategic advisor to project teams across assigned division(s), ensuring community engagement is integrated early and meaningfully into project planning and decision-making.
Develops a deep understanding of project goals, timelines, risks, and potential community impacts, and advises on how engagement strategies can strengthen outcomes.
Leads the development of community engagement plans, tools and templates for key projects and initiatives.
Provides insights into policy and regulatory initiatives at the state, federal and local levels.
Delivers public-facing engagements such as hearings, open houses, and community meetings, ensuring they are equipped to respond to questions, manage tension, and communicate clearly.
Provides insights about public opinion and community affairs counsel to business line partners on key projects and objectives.
Connects Port business line and shared department staff to relevant engagement, outreach and education opportunities within the community.
Manages consultants supporting facilitation, outreach activities, translation and other project related needs.
Supports educating the public on the role and impact of the Port of Portland in the region.
Works with community-based organizations and Port leaders to identify community priorities and opportunities to incorporate them into Port initiatives.
Represents the Port in public venues, on committees and during other highly visible public events.
In collaboration with internal partners, owns key relationships and collaborates with community members, policy advocates and intergovernmental stakeholders.
Gathers community feedback as needed from appropriate stakeholder interests, especially communities who have historically been excluded or are disproportionately impacted by the Port’s operations.
May serve on external councils, coalitions, committees or other groups.
Serves as main point of contact for specific partners or organizations.
May lead on special projects or initiatives in partnership with community groups or partner agencies.
Supports broad program development including the evaluation and improvement of Port outreach practices and tools, strategic sponsorships, memberships, etc.
Provides counsel for Port leadership in community outreach and engagement.
Lead and support trainings, workshops and professional development opportunities for and in partnership with staff and community partners.
May represent the team on internal councils, committees or other groups.
Manages and implement other activities supporting shared prosperity goals and objectives.
Coach, review work, and mentor lower-level staff and interns.
Collaborates with Communications, Government Affairs and Legal & Shared Prosperity to identify and mitigate community, political, and reputational risks and respond to politically sensitive public inquiries.
Advises on high-sensitivity topics such as environmental impacts and business disruption, as well as ensuring compliance with regulatory and accessibility requirements.