Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Chief Public Affairs Officer is a valued member of the Port of Portland’s leadership team. The CPAO leads the development and execution of public policies and resources in support of the strategic and business direction of the Port. This role assists and advises senior managers about public affairs issues and leads the Port's public policy efforts, government relations, digital media, marketing, and communications.

The Chief Public Affairs Officer will join a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team committed to excellence and continually focused on change and improvement. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience and measurable success in executive communications, public policy, government relations, media relations, and marketing communications, change communications, and delivering and deploying company-wide business strategy and transformation. The scope of activity also includes communications planning; key message development; development of communications materials; communications support for change programs, and measurement.

Situated next to the Columbia River in-between Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood you will have an amazing view of the most beautiful scenery in the State of Oregon while keeping an eye on inbound and outbound flights right outside your window. At the Port of Portland, we care about our community, and we care about the people we serve. Our mission is to build shared prosperity for the region through travel, trade and economic development. This role originates and leads the Port of Portland's interaction with other units of government, the media, and other stakeholders for the betterment of the Port and the communities we serve.

• Serve as the primary communications partner to the Executive Director, executive team, and senior management.
• Leverage knowledge of communications, the external landscape and internal perspective to advise and direct the public affairs team to assure alignment of services with the strategic needs and business goals.
• Develop and create organizational key messages, Q&A, presentations, position statements, videos, visual communications, and other materials that advise the Executive Director on strategic issues related to public policy, government relations, media relations, and marketing communications.
• Be an ambassador for the Port's interaction with external public policy processes, including direct involvement with elected officials and stakeholders to maximize the Port’s position.
• Analyzes legislative and government affairs issues for Port to identify both business opportunities as well as for risk mitigation.
• Create and manage communications that build alignment and consistency of voice and influence leaders in the adoption of key communications strategies and initiatives to drive business and shared prosperity outcomes.
• Support the development and implementation of internal communications strategies that serve to support the Port’s growth and transformational changes.
• Contribute to the strategic and business direction of the Port as a leader of the Port's strategic planning process and as a member of the executive team.
• Actively build and manage relationships with key internal stakeholders to identify communication opportunities and foster collaboration and cross functional support throughout the organization.
• Manage external consultants, as needed, in support of Port initiatives and risk mitigation.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, business administration or related field AND 10 years of senior-level public affairs management experience or the equivalent combination of senior-level management and leadership experience.
• Experience with social, economic, and political conditions and current policy issues at the federal, state and local level.
• Possess advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local governmental decision-making processes.
• Experience analyzing proposed legislation, regulations or rule changes in order to determine how the Port could be impacted.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and partnership skills across a diverse set of audiences and stakeholders.
• Advanced experience making presentations, speeches, posts, statements and press releases.

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with executive leadership, senior management, and staff, understanding the dynamics and the factors influencing strategy and consider future impact when weighing decisions.
• Skilled in providing leadership and direction applying ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities in a fast-paced environment of organizational change.
• Knowledge and skill in identifying, analyzing organizational problems, and determining effective forward-thinking management solutions, acting decisively, and showing good judgment.
• Excellent strategic planning and operational management skills with the ability to translate vision and strategy into clear, actionable goals to drive change and innovation while balancing multiple priorities
• Ability to effectively persuade and build consensus to negotiate complex issues across organizational and institutional lines among diverse constituencies.
• Understanding of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of strategic planning, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Outstanding analytical skills with the ability to effectively utilize data to inform program and operational design to strategically drive organizational changes.
• Ability to think creatively, strategically, and analytically to identify issues and solve problems with the executive-level skill.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with ability to clearly communicate complex information at both the individual level and for broad public distribution.
• Demonstrable ability to champion diversity, equity, and upholding the Port’s commitment to valuing differences among individuals and passion for being inclusive.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles, practices, and techniques.
• A demonstrated history of building strong, cohesive teams that excels in service and support.

• 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 at 503.415.6000