Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson’s Office is seeking a dynamic and self-directed individual to serve as our Constituent Relations and Communications Liaison. In this role, you will be the initial point of contact for the Chair’s office. You will coordinate and track constituent phone calls and emails by prioritizing, drafting and routing responses to constituent requests. You will collaborate with policy advisors and communications staff to draft timely, informative, and engaging newsletter and correspondence on behalf of the Chair. You will develop social media campaigns, update content across all channels, and engage with stakeholders and followers. You will build relationships with County staff, department directors, community-based organizations, and neighborhood associations with a focus on equity and collaboration.
As the Constituent Relations and Communications Liaison, you’re the person who can communicate what’s most important and help turn challenges into opportunities. As a motivated and high energy change agent, you lead with an equity lens and humility. You will bring your people-focused approach and your detail-oriented administrative background to support your passion for serving the diverse residents of Multnomah County.
Responsibilities in this role include:
Constituent Relations, Communications and Support
- Screen and answer correspondence, phone calls and feedback at in-person sessions; prioritize, develop communications and respond to inquiries, comments and requests for information from the public
- Responsive help and follow-up during in-person board meetings, community meetings and other public forums
- Proactive outreach & relationship-building with community-based organizations, neighborhood associations, County departments and the Office of Community Involvement
- Staff the Chair at public events, including managing logistics and other responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to internal and community meetings, community forums and annual State of the County event
Communications
- Weekly newsletter
- Social media
- Graphics and PowerPoint presentations
- Event-related correspondence
Media Relations
- Track and manage daily flow of inquiries and responses
- Draft proactive and reactive responses to media
- Assist communications advisor in media prep for the Chair and other staff members
Administrative Support
- Serve as back up to the Board Clerk and Executive Scheduler
- Help plan and execute events and meetings
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:
- Equity-Driven - You use an equity lens in your decision-making processes and promote inclusion in your daily interactions. You understand the history and the impacts of institutional and structural racism locally, and how it relates to the communities we serve.
- People-Focused - You love working with people and are committed to public service. You understand how to maintain warmth when communicating with people who may be experiencing frustration, and flex your communication style accordingly.
- Problem Solving & Communication - You are able to identify problems, take a solution-oriented approach, and put into action creative new strategies for success. You have excellent verbal and written skills and can interact with others with diplomacy and tact.
- Organized Multi-Tasker - You are a strategic thinker who knows how to multitask, prioritize, and develop workflow and processes. You have basic project management skills and methods to ensure important things get done in a timely manner. You can work under tight deadlines and manage multiple competing priorities.
- Political Savvy - You are able to navigate complex administrative systems with ease and minimal direction and know how to achieve desired outcomes. You are able to manage stress and remain flexible in a changing work environment.
To Qualify
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. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:
- Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree (in lieu of degree, a total of four years of relevant administrative support experience will be accepted).
- Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience supporting an elected official or public and/or non-profit executive, including drafting email correspondence on their behalf.
- Experience applying an equity framework in processes and decision-making.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Critical and strategic thinking skills, with strong organizational skills.
- The ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple competing priorities.
- Ability to pass a professional reference check.
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.
- Experience in public policy with familiarity on community issues and local government.
*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences 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
The application packet consists of the following. Keep in mind we use your application materials as evaluation tools. The quality and strength of your application will determine if you move forward in the process. Respond to each section completely and concisely. Refer to your relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and training.
Application Packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application.
- A completed online application
- An uploaded resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: Name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities.
- A cover letter that expands on your resume, and addresses: Why you are interested in this position and 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 To Qualify section of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference for this recruitment. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply. The recruiter as listed on the job announcement must receive all required documentation by the closing date of the recruitment.
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, phone screen, 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.
- Professional reference checks.
Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Additional Details:
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.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters: Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. 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, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
Additional Information:
- This position is classified as a Staff Assistant and is an Executive/Unclassified position and serves at the pleasure of the Elected Official and may be subject to discharge at any time.
- This is a salary, executive position that is not eligible for overtime.
- This position is approved for a hybrid schedule: generally onsite Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and remote on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- The onsite work location is at the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214.
- All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
- This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions.