Preschool for All Communications Coordinator and Spokesperson

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

14d • $44 - $54 • Hybrid

About The Position

A communications coordinator/spokesperson is on the front lines of communicating Multnomah County policies, values and positions through timely and informed reports to the community, taxpayers and the media regarding the Department of County Human Services’ (DCHS) Preschool and Early Learning Division (PEL). Working under the Communications Office’s director and deputy director, and working closely with senior leaders at DCHS and PEL, this position will work with a team of policy staffers and communicators to help translate the agenda put forth by the Chair and the Board of Commissioners to the public. This coordinator will be available 24/7, as needed, to gather information and research, and respond to inform the Chair, the Board and department directors

Requirements

• Act as a County media spokesperson for the Preschool and Early Learning Division and its Preschool for All program.
• Working directly with print, broadcast and online journalists to promote Multnomah County’s story involving the Preschool and Early Learning Division and its Preschool for All program.
• Using effective communications strategies and anticipating public interest and reaction on early learning and preschool education.
• Responding in a timely manner to public records requests submitted by the media and others.
• Ensure print, television, and radio reporters have access to county programs/information in a timely manner.
• Research and write news stories for multco.us, other county webpages and small media outlets.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to the Chair, Board, Government Relations, and Department directors; research and analyze politically sensitive information including county business, command and manage internal and external communication strategies and objectives; act as representative on committees, interagency task forces, and special projects as assigned.

Nice To Haves

• Perform research to prepare for serving as a spokesperson on DCHS and Preschool and Early Learning Division issues
• Advise the Board and senior managers on sensitive DCHS and PEL issues and how they filter to the public.
• Work with Communications’ director and deputy director, and DCHS senior leaders, to help develop County objectives through analysis and research on PEL issues
• Anticipate public interest and reaction to events potentially impacting the County, DCHS, PEL, and/or the community at large; help develop and communicate both internally and externally PEL’s mission, vision and values via social media outlets.

Responsibilities

• Create internal and public communications related to PEL regarding County services, community partners and the Board.
• Prepare issue and position statements and research for use by the public, including other governmental jurisdictions
• Help create content to inform videos, news releases, articles, graphics, photo captions, information flyers and position statements and research for use by the media, government relations and public.
• In partnership with Government Relations, the Chair’s Office and the Board, communicate directly with staff of Multnomah County’s representatives in the Oregon Legislature and the Oregon Congressional delegation on PEL issues and how they affect the County.
• Writing content for use online.
• Be available during heat, wildfire, smoke, cold, and other emergencies to respond to media and create and communicate life safety messages.
• Act as a County media spokesperson for the Preschool and Early Learning Division and its Preschool for All program.
• Working directly with print, broadcast and online journalists to promote Multnomah County’s story involving the Preschool and Early Learning Division and its Preschool for All program.
• Using effective communications strategies and anticipating public interest and reaction on early learning and preschool education.
• Responding in a timely manner to public records requests submitted by the media and others.
• Ensure print, television, and radio reporters have access to county programs/information in a timely manner.
• Research and write news stories for multco.us, other county webpages and small media outlets.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to the Chair, Board, Government Relations, and Department directors; research and analyze politically sensitive information including county business, command and manage internal and external communication strategies and objectives; act as representative on committees, interagency task forces, and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including 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; and much more.
• Find more details on our benefits website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees