Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Government Relations Communications Manager

Class: Management | Exempt status: Exempt | Grade: J

Under the direction of management, the Government Relations Communications Manager works to enhance internal and external engagement in the development of public policy and budget advocacy at city, county, state, and federal levels. Supports the implementation and performance of PCC’s legislative and advocacy operations, volunteer/internship recruitment and programs, and related events and meetings. Provides other support and coordination for outreach and advocacy efforts including preparing and disseminating communications, monitoring legislative developments, and liaising with government officials. Represents the College and helps to build and sustain a portfolio of local and city relationships. Serves as point of contact for inquiries and related requests. Creates new opportunities with internal and external partners to advance PCC’s mission and vision.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Recruits staff, students, and community members to engage in PCC’s legislative actions and events such as lobby days and Day at the Capitol to support affordable tuition and other important policy issues.
2. Coordinates government relations communications, which includes prioritizing, disseminating, composing, and distributing information to District personnel, the public, and key decision makers.
3. Drafts and edits communications and materials including fact sheets, infographics, reports, FAQs, presentations, talking points, and correspondence in support of advocacy efforts.
4. Under the direction of management, responds to inquiries and represents the College with the public and community as needed.
5. Monitors, researches, analyzes, and summarizes legislative and regulatory developments pertinent to PCC. Supports legislative and public policy changes that promote equitable student success.
6. Provides detailed tracking and communications support for critical events, issues, and policies.
7. Manages and assists with administrative office activities and operations, including budgeting, purchasing, scheduling, and workflow.
8. Develops a variety of administrative documents. Collects, analyzes, and maintains related data, systems, and information including confidential files and records.
9. Supports the coordination of student interns and internship programs, providing students opportunities to participate in furthering the College mission and vision.
10. Plans and coordinates events and meetings, including outreach and recruitment, staff/volunteer/intern training, communications, technology and logistics, speaker recruitment, content development and presenting.
11. Provides support during critical events to manage the experiences of participants and elected officials.
12. Assists in outreach to government officials and staff to drive understanding and increase awareness of PCC activities and initiatives. Cultivates and maintains professional relationships with members of state and local government entities and agencies.
13. Develops internal and external relationships and areas of opportunity and collaborates to build on areas of common interest. Partners closely with other College Advancement managers to coordinate and share information and news.
14. Assists management and leadership with strategic planning and developing a list of target issues, relationships, and funding priorities at the city and county level.
15. Conducts background research and drafts remarks, testimony, and briefings related to College public, government, and community relations efforts.
16. Leads or participates in/on a variety of meetings, committees, task forces, and/or other related groups to communicate information regarding services, programs, areas of opportunity, and/or other pertinent information as appropriate. Ensures minutes are recorded, communicates meeting outcomes and action plans as appropriate, and follows up and reports on expected results.
17. May supervise academic professionals, classified staff, technical/support, casual and/or student staff. Hires, evaluates, trains, disciplines and recommends dismissal of staff as necessary.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work environment includes frequent disruptions and changes in priorities. Work is generally performed in an office environment with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Working hours may vary and occasional evening or weekend work is required. Frequent travel to other locations is required. Must have a valid Driver License to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Oregon. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job satisfactorily.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs/Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Three (3) years of professional experience in government relations, legislative analysis, or communications. Two years (2) of lead, supervisory, or project management experience. Successful completion of PCC LEAD Academy or a comparable external leadership training may substitute for up to 6 months of lead, supervisory, or project management experience.

OR five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional experience in government relations, legislative analysis, or communications. Two years (2) of lead, supervisory, or project management experience. Successful completion of PCC LEAD Academy or a comparable external leadership training may substitute for up to 6 months of lead, supervisory, or project management experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes;
• Educational policy;
• Public affairs principles and practices;
• Project management principles and practices;
• Communications and writing for accessibility with a general audience;
• Event management best practices;
• Supervisory principles.

Skills in:

• Communicating effectively with all levels of management, Board of Directors, staff, and external stakeholders;
• Analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents;
• Developing and managing projects;
• Planning and organization;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external constituents and clients;
• Navigating complex situations with multiple agendas.

Ability to:

• Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college staff;
• Prepare a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets;
• Manage and coordinate special projects;
• Utilize computer technology for communication, data gathering, and reporting activities;
• Be part of a larger team while at the same time being self-directed.

New: 2/2022

Portland Community College is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.