Director of Communications

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

1d • $161,360 - $218,112 • Hybrid

About The Position

Multnomah County is seeking a seasoned and dynamic executive to serve as the Communications Director. Reporting directly to the Chair’s Office, this pivotal leader directs and manages the County’s communications strategies and operations to effectively connect community members to essential services, provide critical updates, and share stories that promote equity. As the primary architect of the County’s public voice, you will establish a strategic countywide communications framework that encompasses strong media relations and consistent external and internal messaging. We are looking for a leader who is proactive, responsive, and deeply committed to public service and transparency within a complex political environment.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work experience.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of proven ability to communicate complex strategies and data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and elected officials.
• Experience applying an equity lens to communications and operational decisions.

Nice To Haves

• Six (6) years of experience working with elected officials or high-ranking leadership in a highly political environment.
• Five (5) years of direct, substantial experience working in a large county, state, or municipal government, or another similarly complex public-sector entity.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Chair and senior County leadership on countywide communications strategies and long-term planning.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan that aligns with County priorities and anticipates future needs.
• Establish and enforce cohesive countywide communications policies, standards, and best practices to ensure County integrity and legal compliance.
• Collaborate with department directors to ensure departmental communication strategies are aligned with countywide standards.
• Support the communications goals of the Board of County Commissioners through press releases and public engagement.
• Direct and supervise the Communications team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Manage the Communications budget and develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and resource forecasts.
• Oversee vendor contracts, external agency relationships, and technology investments to support countywide functions.
• Collaborate with the County Attorney’s Office to ensure public records responses are provided transparently and in accordance with regulations.
• Oversee media relations and serve as the principal spokesperson for the County during major announcements and crisis events.
• Direct the development of rapid-response protocols to ensure proactive and transparent public information distribution.
• Serve as the Lead Public Information Officer (PIO) within the Command Staff during severe weather and emergency activations, providing counsel to the Incident Commander.
• Oversee the County’s digital communications footprint, ensuring the distribution of high-quality, engaging content across all platforms.
• Maintain and develop relationships with local and national media outlets.
• Manage the publication of key news highlights, such as Board decisions and infrastructure projects, through earned, paid, and owned channels.

Benefits

• employer-funded retirement savings
• health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents
• paid parental leave
• wellness programs
• a focus on work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive