Community Engagement Liaison (Council Coordinator)

City of Portland•1221 SW 4th Ave, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Portland City Council’s office of Council Operations is actively seeking a Community Engagement Liaison (Council Coordinator). This role provides community engagement services within a complex public sector organization. The office of Council Operations offers specialized support functions that enable the Portland City Council and each Council office to perform their official duties as the legislative body for the City of Portland. The position is responsible for planning and implementing programs and activities to meet the community engagement objectives of the City Council. It is crucial for working on behalf of the City Council with City Bureaus, community organizations, and various organizations across the city's four districts. The Council Liaison reports to the Council Operations Manager and plays a significant role in coordinating the efforts of council, Mayoral, and administrative offices involved in engagement and outreach services. The position receives general direction regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments and is expected to work with a high degree of independence and professional judgment to resolve highly complex problems in the performance of their duties. The position will plan and organize community engagement efforts for diverse citywide issues, developing comprehensive community engagement strategies, policies, and tactics to build effective relationships with the community and other City stakeholders. To excel in this role, the Liaison must uphold core principles of diversity, governance, public process, and mutual learning within the context of government service with the Portland City Council.

Requirements

Knowledge of community based organizations, particularly those serving diverse and traditionally underserved populations.
Knowledge of online digital tools to support engagement and evolving digital engagement platforms.
Skills to lead internal and external group problem-solving efforts, facilitate group processes.
Skills to confidently and publicly articulate the benefits, progress, and objectives of programs to decision-makers, partnering jurisdictions and non-profits, and volunteer groups.
Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement plan.
Ability to demonstrate respect for the opinions, backgrounds, and lived experiences of others.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge Developing contemporary strategies and best practices in community engagement with an emphasis on experience supporting historically under-represented communities.
Knowledge The impacts of systemic inequities on community access and participation.
Skills Excellent customer service to other government personnel, public officials, business and non-profit agencies, and community members.
Knowledge of municipal functions, operations, organization and administrative practices and procedures.
Employ excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving, reporting, and collaborative skills.
Ability Adapt to change.
Demonstrate self-motivation.

Responsibilities

Coordinating and organizing community engagement activities for the City Council
Providing coordination, communication, tools/resources, and technical assistance with council-specific community engagement activities across the organization
Maintaining effective collaborations and relationships with city engagement staff and the Mayor’s immigrant affairs coordinator in support of community engagement efforts
Collaborating with City Council staff to develop community engagement strategies related to key Council initiatives
Serving as a technical advisor to City Council leadership/elected officials on community engagement issues
Researching, developing, and recommending community engagement strategies
Working collaboratively with Council communications staff and other stakeholders to develop and implement a communications strategy for the City Council’s community engagement efforts
Building and maintaining partnerships with community-based organizations, non-profits, civic groups, impacted communities, neighborhood associations and other stakeholders to increase awareness and visibility for Council initiatives
Serving as the primary point of contact for community engagement efforts, ensuring community-based organizations, impacted communities, and other relevant stakeholders remain actively informed and involved in decision-making opportunities
Participating in the planning, development, and execution of community engagement strategies, initiatives, events, and outreach activities that promote City services, advance program goals, and gather community feedback
Monitoring, tracking, and evaluating engagement efforts, preparing reports and statistical analyses to assess community reach and inform ongoing program improvements
Conducting evaluations of community engagement activities using performance measures and timelines, and selecting appropriate methods, tools, and procedures to assess effectiveness
Maintaining accurate stakeholder databases and reporting systems, preparing and delivering presentations to community and advocacy groups to promote City Council’s goals and presenting findings and recommendations to leadership