Job Title:Communications Director
Closing Date/Time:Fri. 05/21/21 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Salary:$144,555.00 - $209,618.00 Annually
Job Type:Full Time
Location:600 NE Grand Ave, Portland, Oregon
Position summary Benefits Supplemental Questions
Metro is looking for a dynamic leader who has a passion for communications and engagement work and a deep commitment to public service and community
Metro has incredible stories to tell – implementation of an innovative racial equity strategy, transformational voter-approved investment measures, world-class venues – and a diverse audience of 1.5 million people over 3 counties and 24 cities. Metro’s next Communications Director will have the opportunity to guide this work, support the organization in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure people living in the greater Portland have engagement opportunities and information on all the work Metro does for the region.
The Communications Director will set Metro’s communications strategy from both an organizational and departmental level. Leading with one voice, the Communications Director will curate Metro’s external communications and content for a diverse portfolio of programs and activities including: land use and transportation planning, parks and natural areas, garbage and recycling, affordable and supportive housing and our visitor venues which include the nationally recognized Oregon Zoo, Oregon Convention Center, Portland Expo Center and Portland’5 Centers for the Arts.
Does this sound like you? Great! Please read on…
What you will do
Metro’s next Communications Director will lead a team of 30 communications and digital content professionals that work on communications for the organization’s programs and initiatives, brand identity, and education and engagement opportunities. They will develop, manage, and execute key communications priorities, partnering cross-functionally to capture, enhance, and share compelling stories across multiple platforms that highlight Metro’s impacts across the region.
As a member of Metro’s leadership team, the Communications Director will inform agency-wide strategic direction and initiatives and interpret their implementation within the Communications department. They will lead the development and implementation of a strategic vision for the department, evaluating Communications department structure to better align communications resourcing and expertise across Metro.
The Communications Director will lead first and foremost with racial equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding that work into all aspects of the Communications department. They will develop and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external, managing and prioritizing competing interests. Representing Metro, the Communications Director will lead intergovernmental task forces, committee and stakeholder forums and engage with media, jurisdictional partners and people living in greater Portland.
The ideal candidate
The Communications Director will bring demonstrated experience and leadership skills in advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion in their field of practice. They will champion Metro’s values, strategies and objectives as they relate to racial equity in the way way we tell our story and the partnerships we build. The ideal candidate must bring an ability to influence and grow public support for climate and racial justice in the region.
The ideal candidate must be adept at navigating complex issues and leading various stakeholders to find equitable consensus and outcomes. The Communications Director must have advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, applying them in complex and often ambiguous situations. They will communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner to broad audiences. They are an expert communicator with a knack for fostering positive relationships with people in different disciplines and at different levels.
The Communications Director will show enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for communicating and sharing narratives, with expert writing skills and a keen eye for detail. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and understanding of the communications discipline, practices, and techniques, including communications platforms, channels and creative content generation. They will have a strong understanding of how to leverage digital tools and social media for effective content creation, engagement and influence.
The successful candidate will be an experienced people manager, supporting and leading a thriving team at their organization. They will have demonstrated experience in team building and performance management. The Communications Director will be able to manage changing requirements as well as multiple overlapping projects at one time and to help the team organize themselves
Qualifications
8 to 10 years of progressively responsible Communications experience; 5 + years of which have been in a management or supervisory role; OR
Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job duties and responsibilities.
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is $170,000 to 190,000 annually. Benefits are among the best in the region and includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance, public employee retirement system contributions, holiday and leave time and other employee perks. Detailed benefit information may be found at oregonmetro.gov/benefits.
Application process:
Persons interested in this position can apply directly via NeoGov by clicking "Apply".
All applications must include the following to be considered:
A cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position
A current resume
Responses to supplemental questions.
This position is non-represented and is classified at Metro as a Director.
If you have questions regarding this announcement, please call 503-797-1570. In order to be considered for the first round of interviews please submit your application materials no later than5 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2021.
Minimum Requirements:
Additional Information:Metro is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. We know that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce. The COO encourages people of all backgrounds, cultures and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. Assistance with the recruitment, application and selection process is available to applicants with disabilities upon request.
Hello, we're Metro
Across greater Portland in 24 cities and three counties, there's one local government that brings us all together. Led by an elected council, Metro helps Oregonians shape the future and provides services that make life better today. Metro's work spans parks and nature, land and transportation, garbage and recycling, and arts and events. We help make greater Portland a great place to call home.
Parks and nature
Metro protects clean water, restores fish and wildlife habitat, and connects people to nature at the Oregon Zoo and across 17,000 acres of parks, trails and natural areas.
Garbage and recycling
Metro protects land, air and water by managing the garbage and recycling system and provides resources and information about safe disposal and ways to reduce waste.
Land and transportation
Communities, cities and counties partner with Metro to shape near term investments and 50- year plans for new homes, affordable housing, jobs, transportation options and access to local businesses and parks.
Arts and events
Metro hosts arts and events, and helps keep the economy growing through Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, the Oregon Convention Center and Portland Expo Center.
An elected council
The Metro Council is made up of a president who is elected metro-wide, and six counselors elected by district, every four years in nonpartisan races. The Metro Auditor, elected metro-wide, oversees annual financial statements and conducts internal performance audits. The council appoints an attorney and a chief operating officer to carry out council policies and manage operations.
Serving greater Portland
Metro serves more than 1.5 million people in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. The Metro boundary includes 24 cities and extends from the Columbia River in the north to the Willamette River near Wilsonville, and from the foothills of the Coast Range near Forest Grove to the banks of the Sandy River at Troutdale.
1,600 employees
Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for everyone. Metro’s 1,600 employees work across greater Portland in a variety of jobs, from park rangers and scientists, to economists and planners, from security guards and animal keepers to sales people and designers. Hundreds of volunteers lend a hand at Metro’s parks, natural areas, offices and arts and events venues.
A welcoming workplace
Metro works to hire staff who reflect the diversity of greater Portland and is committed to creating a safe and welcoming workplace for everyone.