Senior Community Relations Specialist

Senior Community Relations Specialist

Job ID: 107076
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:Regular

CLACKAMAS COUNTY CORE VALUES



Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:

Service Professionalism Integrity Respect Individual accountability Trust

By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We're always looking to improve. That's the Clackamas County SPIRIT. Clackamas County Core Values

Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.



CLOSE DATE

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be Monday, August 14, 2023. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.


PAY AND BENEFITS

Annual Pay Range: $87,447.48 - $110,710.34

Hourly Pay Range: $42.042059 - $53.226127

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering, health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 12 hours of vacation accrued per month
  • Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with EPP 66 - Vacation Leave! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrued per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.)
  • OPSRP members get vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)

This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.

Employees' Association (EA) Full Time Benefits

Learn More About Benefits


JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The Department of Public and Government Affairs has a dynamic opportunity for an experienced communications professional to join our team and lead communication planning and execution for county departments as a Senior Community Relations Specialist.

This position will be responsible for creating and leading the implementation of the county's departments' strategic communication plans using video, graphic design, web and other software publishing platforms. This position leads communication strategy, manages media relationships, works with partner organizations and others all in an effort to have effective two-way communication with the residents of Clackamas County so they can keep updated and make informed decisions regarding local government.

The incumbent will also assist in developing effective communications strategies and programs to enhance the understanding and awareness of county programs. This role will educate and engage the public, communicate effectively with internal and external audiences on department issues and opportunities, and coordinate public outreach services.
The mission of PGA is to provide public engagement, intergovernmental and legislative relations, and consultation and communication services to the public, the Board of County Commissioners and all departments so they can build connections and trust between people and their government.

This recruitment may also be used to establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill additional openings during the life of the eligibility list.

Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, public relations and in-program coordination in a mid-size or large public, private, or non-profit organization
• Experience creating and implementing communications plans and ability to integrate multiple communication tools
• Experience in development and/or implementation of public involvement and outreach strategies
• Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work both independently and within a team structure
• Exemplary written and oral communication
• Driving may be necessary for County business. For position(s) with occasional/incidental driving, incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Accommodation requests for an acceptable alternative method of transportation will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with State and Federal legislation. For position(s) with regular driving, incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the County's driving policy

Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*

• Experience with engaging the public/public involvement programs
• Experience in development and/or implementation and integration of digital communications strategies
• Experience implementing public communication, outreach and education plans and programs
• Experience conducting outreach on behalf of a government agency or entity
• Experience coordinating and conducting public relations and outreach activities
• Experience communicating sensitive and/or complex information to community groups and organizations
• Experience in equity, diversity & inclusion best practices
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency (bilingual skills to be validated/tested at time of interview and/or selection)

*For Veterans qualified for Veteran's Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.


TYPICAL TASKS

Duties for may include but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as a PGA liaison to several departments to meet their communication needs.
• Analyze, develop, and present innovative approaches to developing communication strategies to reach and engage the public to increase awareness.
• Working closely with departments and subject matter experts, develop and execute multi-channel communication plans.
• Develop and implement strategic planning and evaluation of communication and marketing activities.
• Provide editorial and writing support.
• Write, edit and collaborate with graphic artists, web and video producers to develop and disseminate a range of materials.
• Review, coordinate, oversee and respond to public information requests; coordinate interviews and appearances of elected officials, county management and staff.
• Draft, write, edit and direct the preparation of public presentations, discussion notes, position statements and speeches for elected officials and county management.
• Manage and maintain designated web pages working closely with departments and the county's web team.
• Develop and manage a social media presence for assigned priorities.
• Contribute to the development of marketing and public involvement concepts for effective representation of county projects.
• Act as a back-up to the county's public information officer, when required.
• Provide lead direction to staff on work activities; prioritize and coordinate work assignment; review work for accuracy and content; evaluate projects, activities and processes.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Thorough Knowledge of: Principles, methods and practices applied in design and implementation of public information, public affairs, community outreach, public involvement and participation and promotion and marketing programs; principles, methods and practices in design and implementation of public involvement programs, collaborative processes and consensus building; principles and practices of public administration, including public policy decision making processes; principles and techniques of public relations; principles, practices and methods of web-based design and development and applicable programming languages, scripts and protocols; best practices of web design technology, such as navigation principles, breadcrumbs, progress trackers, search engine optimization and site use statistics; functions of county organizations and departments; legislative processes; audience market analysis sufficient to identify user needs and interests; media practices and procedures; training concepts; public and extemporaneous speaking; methods and techniques of writing for a variety of purposes and for diverse audiences; principles and practices of business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; technical issues related to language translation in publications; research techniques including internet and database resources; project, contract and print budget management techniques and procedures; current trends and methods in public information and public involvement; multimedia and print media production and presentation; website development methods and techniques, including basic html programming; web-formatting options for special audiences; media markets and sources of community resource information; public notification and record keeping requirements and regulations.

Skill to: Anticipate issues of strategic importance and effectively communicate the department's interests with the BCC and PGA; clearly and persuasively speak extemporaneously on sensitive and controversial issues; compose statements, news releases, and position statements; train staff to effectively communicate and respond to public citizen queries and interface with other government agencies; build and maintain an effective department public information and citizen relations program; establish and maintain effective working relationships; keep abreast of all department projects, issues, and opportunities.


WORK SCHEDULE

This position is included in the County's alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework subject to the Clackamas County Teleworking Policy and based on the Department's business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.


EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents..

• Explore Clackamas County
• Working for Clackamas County
• Recreation, Arts & Heritage
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Department of Public & Government Affairs (PGA) is to promote communication, cooperation and strong connections between County government and its citizens, the business community and other government agencies to provide information to respond to key issues and increase awareness of opportunities and resources.

Learn more about the Clackamas County PGA Department


APPLICATION PROCESS

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

Help With Your Application:

• Application Process
• Help with the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

• Request Veterans' Preference
• Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.


RECRUITING QUESTIONS?

James Callahan, Recruiter
JCallahan@clackamas.us


To apply, visit https://hrapp.clackamas.us/psc/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&JobOpeningId=107076&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=1&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant



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