Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist

Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District is seeking a Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist to enhance community outreach and communication strategies. This role involves project management, coordination of educational efforts, and fostering relationships with community members and government entities. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a background in public policy, and experience in community engagement.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years related experience or relevant combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of marketing, communications, public policy, and community education practices.
• Skills in budgeting principles and project management best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support community and government relations through effective communication.
• Manage digital presence including website and social media.
• Organize community engagement activities and flood risk education.

Skills

Project management

Effective communication

Time management

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist

Join to apply for the Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist role at Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District.

The mission of the UFSWQD is to equitably reduce flood risk and prepare for and respond to flood emergencies by maintaining levees, conveying water when necessary, and finding innovative and nature-based ways to live with more water around us while supporting community safety and the region’s economic vitality, contributing to the health of the river and watershed, planning for a more climate-resilient future, and promoting equity in all we do.

The UFSWQD manages the flood safety system in northern Multnomah County. The system prevents 8,000 residents, 60,000 businesses, 2,000 acres of natural habitat, and critical services such as Portland International Airport and the region’s secondary supply of drinking water from being flooded by the Columbia River.

Job Description

This position is open from Thursday, April 24 until filled. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to be considered for the first review. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

The UFSWQD seeks a collaborative communicator and project manager to join our multi-faceted Public Affairs Department. The Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist will work closely with the Senior Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist to support community, interested and affected parties, and government relations. The position reports to the Director of Planning and Public Affairs.

Are you organized, proactive, a flexible communicator, and a strong project manager with a drive for public service? The role involves supporting the district’s communications, education, outreach, and engagement strategies by coordinating work in community and government relations. This includes project management—establishing and managing timelines, budgets, communications, agreements, and relationships with interested and affected parties, partner agencies; and education and outreach—developing and executing informational and educational plans to communicate district and multi-agency initiatives to the public, media, board members, and employees.

Examples of Duties

• Communications
• Supports the Senior Public Affairs Specialist in executing strategic communications initiatives.
• Coordinates the communications calendar, planning educational efforts, supporting internal communications, and content development.
• Manages digital presence including website, social media, email communications, and contracts.
• Develops content for websites and social media, manages email campaigns, digital advertising, and ensures publication of public documents.
• Prepares press releases, talking points, and handles media inquiries.
• Serves as Public Information Officer during high water events or emergencies.
• Coordinates internal staff communication efforts.
• Community Relations
• Addresses inquiries from landowners, community members, and interested parties.
• Collaborates with partners to provide education, build flood awareness, and coordinate community event involvement.
• Organizes flood risk education and outreach activities, including event planning and materials development.
• Supports project managers in developing communication strategies for various initiatives.
• Performs community outreach related to district maintenance activities.
• Organizes community engagement activities, including logistics, recruitment, and promotion.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Provides presentations to community groups to promote flood awareness.
• Government Relations
• Supports advocacy on policy and funding issues, including drafting letters, scheduling meetings, and supporting board communication.

Duties of all employees:

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Strive to achieve the organization's Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Perform duties during emergencies.
• Complete Incident Command System training within 90 days.
• Remain available within a 10-hour response time during partial emergency activation.
• Be a strong ambassador for UFSWQD.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Marketing, communications, public policy, and community education practices.
• Budgeting principles.
• Public participation methodologies.
• Project management best practices.

Skills and abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Effective written, spoken, and electronic communication.
• Time management, organization, multitasking, and independent prioritization skills.

Education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience supporting the role.
• 2-5 years related experience, or a relevant combination of training and experience.