Preschool Communications Coordinator and Spokesperson

Current employees:
Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range: $43.99 - $54.15 Hourly

Department: Non-Departmental

Job Type: Regular Represented

Exemption Status: United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): February 05, 2026

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’ 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.

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.
• Write 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.

Competencies

• Equity Driven – Familiar with using an equity or racial justice lens in decision making and engaging in conversations about race, social justice, economic mobility and other diverse experiences.
• People-Focused – Committed to public service and able to build cooperative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds; able to collaborate with staff and community stakeholders to advance the program’s agenda.
• Advanced written communication – Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports and translate complex concepts for a wide range of stakeholders.
• Active listening – Ability to understand stakeholder needs and design human-centered processes and procedures.
• Experience with technology programs – Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, and other professional applications.

Position Type

This position is designated as essential personnel and may be required to work during emergency situations.

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

• Act as a County media spokesperson for the Preschool and Early Learning Division and its Preschool for All program.
• Work 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.
• Use effective communications strategies and anticipate public interest and reaction on early learning and preschool education.
• Respond 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; act as a representative on committees, interagency task forces, and special projects as assigned.

Preferred…