Director, Communications

• Communications vision and strategy:
  • Partner with the Executive Team and other internal clients to craft and deliver Port communications strategies and manage media/public opinion impact of business decisions.
  • Lead the development and execution of all external and internal strategies and tactics to cultivate effective relationships with key external audiences and Port and PDX employees.
  • Bring thought leadership to key public affairs issues, crisis communication and recommendations for the Port to lead on efforts important to our region.
  • Occasionally serve as Port spokesperson as needed. Serve as member of the Port emergency response pager team.
• Brand Management and Creative Services:
  • Be the chief steward of the Port and PDX brand to ensure a seamless organizational identity and customer experience.
  • Provide exceptional digital, print, and multi-media communication tool.
  • Ensure consistency in both content and physical presentation of information to internal and external audiences.
• Team Management:
  • Manage a team of 17 professionals including 6 direct reports who directly supervise content generation, media relations, creative services, digital development, project management and employee communications functions.
  • Maximize time, resources, and coordinate priorities for communications programs and products.
• Fiscal Management:
  • Oversee 1 to 2 million in expenditures annually.
  • Manage and integrate all corporate marketing and communications budgets, timelines, work plans, and staffing.
  • Responsible for several contracts and is a regular participant in major RFPs for vendors.
• Project Management and Writing:
  • Build campaigns and track measurable results.
  • Write speeches and talking points for Executive Director and other Executive Team members as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing Communications, English, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in progressively responsible experience in combination of marketing, public affairs, and communication, including at least five (5) years of leadership experience.
• Experience in the public sector, in public affairs and transportation or logistics strongly preferred.
• Maintain a valid state driver's license is required.
• Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required.

• Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work, focus on safety improvements, and comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
• Public relations/public information best practices, spokesperson techniques (on-camera and off), and engagement with local and regional media.
• Understanding the political landscape, key regulatory issues, and policy considerations.
• Strategic communication & branding principles, planning, execution, and oversight of brand initiatives, creative processes, and graphic execution.
• Brand marketing, general business management, and translating business needs into actionable plans.
• Best practices for engagement, messaging, and organizational communication strategies.
• Identifying emerging challenges, proactively creating communication solutions, and managing crises.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with media leaders, influencing and persuasion techniques.
• Understanding of web design, digital programming, systems architecture, and communication measurement.
• Directing and motivating employees, achieving business results through teams, and managing competing priorities.

Selection Process (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of March 10, 2025.
   
   
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and education taken from your employment application materials including any responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
   
   
3. Our goal is to schedule first round interviews with candidates that successfully passed the SME evaluation step approximately the week of March 24, 2025.

Compensation
Our organization adheres to established salary ranges for each position to ensure equitable pay practices. However, final offers are determined based on various factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and considerations of internal pay equity.

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have - our three airports, four marine terminals, five business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them - to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to pull down barriers, unlock new opportunities, ensure more people share in our region's success and include those who have been excluded in the past. With YOUR help - together with our partners, customers, and community - we'll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job?

Contact us: careers@portofportland.com

Safety: The Port promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice in accomplishing work by complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the Port, we don't just accept difference; we value and support it to create a culture of inclusiveness and fun. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EEO/Affirmative Action Policy Statement: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination and affirmative action.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.