Community Relations Specialist

Community Relations Specialist

Have you considered building your career at one of Southwest Washington’s premier employers?

At the Port of Vancouver, USA, you’ll be part of the dynamic team that makes us a vital link in global trade. As an economic engine, our work supports 20,000 local jobs. As a convenient hub of marine, rail, and highway transportation, we’ve been successfully moving cargo for more than a century. Our Terminal 1 redevelopment is helping transform Vancouver’s waterfront.

There’s a reason the Port of Vancouver, USA has been one of the most storied employers for 113 years and counting. Beyond offering a meaningful career and competitive salaries, the port provides unmatched benefits and work-life balance. We offer generous vacation, the potential for flexible work hours (including work from home), great health and dental care and a VEBA to help with health-related expenses, and more.

We value teamwork, creativity, and customer service – and we center our organization on being a rewarding and inclusive place to work.

We seek a professional, knowledgeable, Community Relations Specialist for a regular, full-time position. The essential responsibilities for the Community Relations Specialist may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establishes and maintains relationships with key stakeholders in the community, including neighborhood representatives, and community-based organizations.
• Manages the port’s public tour program and supports other port tours as needed.
• Manages the port’s Lecture Series program.
• Coordinates External Affairs department sponsorship of outside entities, events and programs.
• Assists in the preparation of, research for, and writing of materials, publications, and electronic communications as necessary.
• Manages Community Relations calendar.
• Represents the port at public meetings which can occur at various times during the day, evenings or weekends.
• Works with the Director of Communications to develop and deliver thoughtful messaging representing the port’s interests while encouraging dialogue with the public and stakeholders.
• Assists port speakers with outside presentations and meetings, ensuring the port’s interaction with, and exposure to, key community, civic and business groups as needed.
• Manages delivery and coordination of port public events.
• Identifies potential issues and opportunities to build trust, address concerns and maintain relations with key interest groups.
• Coordinates with port commissioners to ensure they are engaged with regular port-led and other community events.
• Represents the port at public outreach events as needed, participates in and plans meetings, and develops a variety of outreach programs.
• Coordinates logistics (AV, venue, food, etc.) for External Affairs-led media and community events.
• Actively supports the port’s mission and vision and demonstrates values consistently.
• Works effectively as a team player with all port employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

(The principal duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change).

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, or other Liberal Arts degree, appropriate to the position.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience working in the areas of community involvement/outreach, community relations and/or government relations. Demonstrated experience and knowledge in communicating and interfacing with community members and other stakeholders required. Experience working at a public agency is preferred.

License/Certification: Valid, unrestricted driver’s license. Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card) upon hire.

Analytical

Skills:

Able to gather relevant data from appropriate sources; identify all relevant factors or restrictions; apply logical…