Director of Communications

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

Pay Range:

$0.00 - $0.00 Annual

Department:

Non-Departmental

Job Type:

Elected Official Staff

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

June 08, 2026

The Opportunity:

Salary:$161,359.57 - $218,112.24

Overview

Multnomah County is seeking a seasoned and dynamic executive to serve as the Communications Director. Reporting directly to the Chair’s Office, this pivotal leader directs and manages the County’s communications strategies and operations to effectively connect community members to essential services, provide critical updates, and share stories that promote equity.

As the primary architect of the County’s public voice, you will establish a strategic countywide communications framework that encompasses strong media relations and consistent external and internal messaging. We are looking for a leader who is proactive, responsive, and deeply committed to public service and transparency within a complex political environment.

Responsibilities in this Role:

Strategic Communications Leadership & Policy

• Advise the Chair and senior County leadership on countywide communications strategies and long-term planning.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan that aligns with County priorities and anticipates future needs.
• Establish and enforce cohesive countywide communications policies, standards, and best practices to ensure County integrity and legal compliance.
• Collaborate with department directors to ensure departmental communication strategies are aligned with countywide standards.
• Support the communications goals of the Board of County Commissioners through press releases and public engagement.

Management, Operations, and Resource Administration

• Direct and supervise the Communications team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Manage the Communications budget and develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and resource forecasts.
• Oversee vendor contracts, external agency relationships, and technology investments to support countywide functions.
• Collaborate with the County Attorney’s Office to ensure public records responses are provided transparently and in accordance with regulations.

Media Relations, Crisis Response, and Digital Strategy

• Oversee media relations and serve as the principal spokesperson for the County during major announcements and crisis events.
• Direct the development of rapid-response protocols to ensure proactive and transparent public information distribution.
• Serve as the Lead Public Information Officer (PIO) within the Command Staff during severe weather and emergency activations, providing counsel to the Incident Commander.
• Oversee the County’s digital communications footprint, ensuring the distribution of high-quality, engaging content across all platforms.
• Maintain and develop relationships with local and national media outlets.
• Manage the publication of key news highlights, such as Board decisions and infrastructure projects, through earned, paid, and owned channels.

To Qualify

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work experience.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of proven ability to communicate complex strategies and data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and elected officials.
• Experience applying an equity lens to communications and operational decisions.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• Six (6) years of experience working with elected officials or high-ranking leadership in a highly political environment.
• Five (5) years of direct, substantial experience working in a large county, state, or municipal government, or another similarly complex public-sector entity.

*Transferable skills:Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

Screening and Evaluation

Your completed application must include the following items:

• Required: A completed online application.
• Required: A resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, the number of employees under your supervision.
• Required: A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set align with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications: We may do an additional preferred review and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified.
• Consideration of top candidates: We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position.
• Background check and reference checks: All finalists must pass a thorough reference check

Additional Information:

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.

Equal Pay Law: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, education, seniority, training, and/or tenure. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Hybrid Telework: This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will be working both remotely (from home) and in person at an onsite location (at least 3 days per week). The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. The onsite work location for this position is the Multnomah Building located at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd Portland, Oregon 97214.

Serving the Public During Disasters:All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Informationpage.

In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter:

Cole Whitehurst

Email:

cole.whitehurst@multco.us

Phone:

+1 (971) 2713709

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile:

9400 - Staff Assistant