The City Auditor’s Office is seeking a mission-driven, versatile communication professional to expand its accountability and transparency work with historically underserved Portlanders by coordinating and conducting outreach and engagement, overseeing publication design, and advancing the online reach of the Auditor’s Office.

Website http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs

As the sixth elected official in the City of Portland, the Auditor is independent of City Council and accountable only to the public. The Auditor’s Office promotes open and accountable government by providing impartial reviews and investigations, access to public information, and services for City government and the public. It employs 38 staff members working in four divisions.

The Communication and Outreach Coordinator III was created to help reach three goals: 1) improve awareness through meaningful engagement among historically underserved communities of the information resources and free services the Auditor’s Office provides to the public, 2) develop reciprocal relationships with organizations to learn what their constituent communities think about City services and programs and use that information to make our audit and analytical work more meaningful to them, and 3) manage an effective communications program that supports internal clients, maintains timely and effective communication with external clients, and promotes broader awareness of the Auditor’s Office and its services.

The position is located in the Auditor’s executive office and works closely with the City Auditor, Chief Deputy Auditor and all division managers. It is responsible for overseeing the implementation of an existing strategic communication plan, Auditor’s Office Racial Equity Plan, and Business Operations’ racial equity plan, coordinating public engagement activities officewide, supervising staff responsible for internal communications systems and processes, publication design, web presence, and public records requests; and developing and implementing a social media strategy, evaluating consultant proposals and administering and overseeing management of consultant contracts.

Successful candidates will have:

• a deep understanding of the City of Portland’s role in marginalizing some communities and how its actions have fostered distrust of government; 
• existing relationships with community organizations led by and for communities of color and community leaders representing historically disenfranchised communities; 
• expertise in culturally competent, cross-cultural and accessible communication;  
• proficiency with a variety of communication formats and platforms; 
• expertise in developing and implementing communications strategies
• some experience supervising the work of others, either through project or personnel management;
• a commitment to government accountability and transparency.

 The Auditor’s Office values a diverse workforce and a culture of equity and inclusion in delivering public services and everyday interactions in the workplace. The Office encourages candidates with experience working with a broad range of individuals and diverse communities to apply.To Qualify

Candidates must have at a minimum any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communication, public affairs, public administration, or a related field;

Four years of progressively responsible experience in positions in communication,   public engagement, public affairs, or a related field.  

TO APPLY:
Submit three documents:
(1) A resume
List professional and other relevant experience and education.

(2) A cover letter
Describe how you meet the minimum qualifications in Section I below, which will be the basis on which a list of candidates eligible for an interview will be developed. Where possible, connect items from your resume to demonstrate how you meet these qualifications. It is advised that you use the numbered list in your letter to ensure you respond to each item. Skipping any of the items or failing to demonstrate how you meet them will disqualify your application from further consideration, so please complete the cover letter with care.

(3) A brief writing exercise
Described in Section II below.
I.   Minimum qualifications for cover letter (Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

1. Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of event planning, community outreach activities, and communication design;
2. Knowledge of social media, online marketing, and website maintenance;
3. Skill in evaluating consultant proposals; administering and overseeing management of consultant contracts;
4. Ability to analyze complex or technical issues and problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend policies, strategies, and effective courses of action;
5. Ability to exercise independent judgment, problem-solve, and take initiative within established procedures and guidelines;
6. Ability to research, plan, and implement pubic information, awareness, and educational programs to build and maintain public awareness of mission, goals, and results;
7. Ability to provide guidance to staff to accomplish overall work objectives and oversee and lead a diverse group of non-technical and technical personnel.

II.   Writing exercise
In addition to the cover letter and resume, please submit an essay describing 1) your experiences or participation with any of the following, and 2) what you learned from them:

• exposure to racial inequities and actions you took to help resolve them;
• steps taken to make workplaces and/or public spaces inclusive;
• experiences as a member of a historically underrepresented group in government decision-making;
• experiences living, working with, and/or interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities;
• experiences ensuring equitable and inclusive workplace operations and/or program outcomes.

If your experiences are different from those listed and you have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please explain how you will manifest that commitment in this position.The Recruitment Process

Applicants must submit their resume, cover letter, and writing exercise through the City of Portland's online application system no later than 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. Emailed, mailed, or faxed applications will not be accepted. Your application materials should not exceed a total of five pages. Please do not include materials not requested.

Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Application period: March 27 - April 17, 2023
Applications reviewed: Week of April April 20th 
First interviews: April 24 – 26, 2023
Second interviews: May 1- 3, 2023
Job offer: May 22, 2023

Additional Information

Additional Information
Salary range/Pay equity:  Per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law, individual salaries are determined based on the experience and education listed in a candidate’s resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure an offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
   
 Language pay differential: Auditor’s Office employees who speak one or more languages in addition to English, may be eligible to receive additional compensation if they qualify and use their language skills to assist the community.

Employee benefits: The City of Portland is committed to offering medical, dental, vision, basic life, and long-term disability coverage that provides quality care, support and value to eligible employees and their family members. Additional benefits such as flexible spending accounts, supplemental life insurance and employee assistance program coverage are available to ensure employees have the appropriate tools to safeguard themselves and their family. The City of Portland participates in PERS, the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System.  Find more information on the City of Portland's benefits here: Benefits Information | The City of Portland, Oregon.

Civil Service:   This position is in the Classified Service and subject to Civil Service provisions. It also is subject to the Human Resources Administrative Rules for the Auditor’s Office, City Charter, and Code.

Work status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Work location: The position is based in City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave. The Auditor’s Office is currently operating in a hybrid schedule of in-person and remote work.

Veteran’s preference: If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, attach a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's Administration letter stating your disability to your profile (if applicable), as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veteran's Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment you apply for. Veteran's Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.

Equal employment opportunity:  It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

Disability, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s) and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, contact Administrative Specialist Andrew Bryans at Andrew.Bryans@portlandoregon.gov.

Vaccination requirement: You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per City/State mandate or have an approved exception by date of hire.

Technical assistance: If you have questions about how to apply or require any assistance in submitting your application, please contact Administrative Specialist Andrew Bryans at Andrew.Bryans@portlandoregon.gov.

For more information about the Auditor’s Office: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/