Preschool for All Communications Coordinator and Spokesperson

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

Pay Range:

Department:

Job Type:

Exemption Status:

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

The Opportunity:

Overview

A communications coordinator/spokesperson is on the front lines of communicating Multnomah County policies values and positions through timely and informed reports to the community taxpayers and the media regarding the Department of County Human Services (DCHS) Preschool and Early Learning Division (PEL). Working under the Communications Offices director and deputy director and working closely with senior leaders at DCHS and PEL this position will work with a team of policy staffers and communicators to help translate the agenda put forth by the Chair and the Board of Commissioners to the public.

This coordinator will be available 24/7 as needed to gather information and research and respond to inform the Chair the Board and department directors

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Create internal and public communications related to PEL regarding County services community partners and the Board. Prepare issue and position statements and research for use by the public including other governmental jurisdictions

• Help create content to inform videos news releases articles graphics photo captions information flyers and position statements and research for use by the media government relations and public.

• In partnership with Government Relations the Chairs Office and the Board communicate directly with staff of Multnomah Countys representatives in the Oregon Legislature and the Oregon Congressional delegation on PEL issues and how they affect the County.

• Writing content for use online.

• Be available during heat wildfire smoke cold and other emergencies to respond to media and create and communicate life safety messages.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Equity Driven - You are familiar with using an equity or racial justice lens in decision making processes and knowledgeable about the principles and practices of collaborative decision-making. You have the ability to engage in conversations about race social justice economic mobility and/or other intersectional experiences that play a critical role in engaging a diverse community.

• People-Focused - You are committed to public service. Youre able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated skill in collaborating with staff community stakeholders to advance the programs agenda.

• Advanced written communication including preparing clear concise and comprehensive reports studies and plans that translate complex data-driven concepts and hazard risk messaging to a wide range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrate active listening to understand stakeholder needs and the ability to design human centered processes and procedures.

• Experience with technology programs including but not limited to: Google Suite Microsoft Suite and other professional applications.

Position Type

This position is designated as essential personnel and will be required to work during emergency situations such as inclement weather and disasters/events.

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.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Act as a County media spokesperson for the Preschool and Early Learning Division and its Preschool for All program.

• Working directly with print broadcast and online journalists to promote Multnomah Countys story involving the Preschool and Early Learning Division and its Preschool for All program.

• Using effective communications strategies and anticipating public interest and reaction on early learning and preschool education.

• Responding in a timely manner to public records requests submitted by the media and others.

• Ensure print television and radio reporters have access to county programs/information in a timely manner.

• Research and write news stories for other county webpages and small media outlets.

• Provide technical assistance and consultation to the Chair Board Government Relations and Department directors; research and analyze politically sensitive information including county business command and manage internal and external communication strategies and objectives; act as representative on committees interagency task forces and special projects as assigned.

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.

• Perform research to prepare for serving as a spokesperson on DCHS and Preschool and Early Learning Division issues

• Advise the Board and senior managers on sensitive DCHS and PEL issues and how they filter to the public.

• Work with Communications director and deputy director and DCHS senior leaders to help develop County objectives through analysis and research on PEL issues

• Anticipate public interest and reaction to events potentially impacting the County DCHS PEL and/or the community at large; help develop and communicate both internally and externally PELs mission vision and values via social media outlets.

*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

The Application Packet: Your completed application must include the following items:

• A completed online application.

• A resume that contains your 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 and if applicable the number of employees under your supervision.

• A cover letter that expands on your resume and addresses

  • Why you are interested in this position and;

  • Demonstrates how your experience and skill set aligns 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 addressing how you meet the minimum and any preferred qualification listed as these materials may be scored and determine if you move forward in the process.

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.

• Background check and reference checks: All finalists must pass background and reference checks.

Additional Details

This recruitment may be used to fill full-time part-time temporary limited duration and on-call positions.

Type of Position: This hourly union-represented position is eligible for overtime. May require irregular work hours work at locations other than the primary work location.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; There may be some flexibility with scheduling and daily start and end times.

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. 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 Multnomah Building 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Portland OR 97214. 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 candidates relevant experience and education. 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.

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 dont 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.

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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.

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