Preschool Communications Coordinator and Spokesperson

Overview

The Opportunity:

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 with senior leaders at DCHS and PEL, this position will 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. This position is essential personnel and may be required to work during emergencies.

• 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.

• Equity Driven — Familiar with using an equity or racial justice lens in decision making and knowledgeable about collaborative decision-making principles and practices. Able to engage in conversations about race, social justice, economic mobility and other experiences that engage a diverse community.
• People-Focused — Committed to public service; able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds; demonstrated skill in collaborating with staff and community stakeholders to advance the program’s agenda.
• Advanced written communication — Able to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, studies and plans that translate complex data-driven concepts and hazard risk messaging to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Active listening — Understand stakeholder needs and design human-centered processes and procedures.
• Technology proficiency — Experience with Google Suite, Microsoft Suite and other professional applications.

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.

• Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills — Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, community engagement, or a related field or six years of qualifying training and/or experience in lieu of a degree. Experience transforming complex information (policy or data) into plain language for the public and media. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities and apply an equity lens to public messaging.

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications to qualify. However, we may consider all or some of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following.

• Perform research to prepare for serving as a spokesperson on DCHS and PEL 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 the…