Description

Community Relations Specialist

Have you considered building your career at one of Southwest Washington’s premier employers?

At the Port of Vancouver, USA, you’ll be part of the dynamic team that makes us a vital link in global trade. As an economic engine, our work supports 20,000 local jobs. As a convenient hub of marine, rail, and highway transportation, we’ve been successfully moving cargo for more than a century. Our Terminal 1 redevelopment is helping transform Vancouver’s waterfront. 

There’s a reason the Port of Vancouver, USA has been one of the most storied employers for 113 years and counting. Beyond offering a meaningful career and competitive salaries, the port provides unmatched benefits and work-life balance. We offer generous vacation, the potential for flexible work hours (including work from home), great health and dental care and a VEBA to help with health-related expenses, and more. We value teamwork, creativity, and customer service – and we center our organization on being a rewarding and inclusive place to work. 

We seek a professional, knowledgeable, Community Relations Specialist for a regular, full-time position. The essential responsibilities for the Community Relations Specialist may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establishes and maintains relationships with key stakeholders in the community, including neighborhood representatives, and community-based organizations.
• Manages the port’s public tour program and supports other port tours as needed.
• Manages the port’s Lecture Series program.
• Coordinates External Affairs department sponsorship of outside entities, events and programs.
• Assists in the preparation of, research for, and writing of materials, publications, and electronic communications as necessary.
• Manages Community Relations calendar.
• Represents the port at public meetings which can occur at various times during the day, evenings or weekends.
• Works with the Director of Communications to develop and deliver thoughtful messaging representing the port’s interests while encouraging dialogue with the public and stakeholders.
• Assists port speakers with outside presentations and meetings, ensuring the port’s interaction with, and exposure to, key community, civic and business groups as needed.
• Manages delivery and coordination of port public events.
• Identifies potential issues and opportunities to build trust, address concerns and maintain relations with key interest groups.
• Coordinates with port commissioners to ensure they are engaged with regular port-led and other community events.
• Represents the port at public outreach events as needed, participates in and plans meetings, and develops a variety of outreach programs.
• Coordinates logistics (AV, venue, food, etc.) for External Affairs-led media and community events.
• Actively supports the port’s mission and vision and demonstrates values consistently.
• Works effectively as a team player with all port employees.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

(The principal duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change).

Qualifications: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Affairs, Communications, Political Science, or other Liberal Arts degree, appropriate to the position.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience working in the areas of community involvement/outreach, community relations and/or government relations.  Demonstrated experience and knowledge in communicating and interfacing with community members and other stakeholders required. Experience working at a public agency is preferred.

License/Certification: Valid, unrestricted driver’s license. Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card) upon hire.

Analytical Skills: Able to gather relevant data from appropriate sources; identify all relevant factors or restrictions; apply logical reasoning to determine relationship of variables; develop results-oriented conclusions; test assumptions, observe results, and incorporate revisions or corrections. Ability to employ strategic planning to deliver outreach programs and appropriately address issues.

Communication Skills: Professional written and verbal communications skills are critical. Must be able to communicate effectively, clearly and succinctly in a variety of styles. Must project a positive image to all port constituents - adaptable, professional and polished presentation for effective interaction with a wide variety of individuals and organizations.  Must be able to develop and deliver formal presentations in a variety of settings (i.e. one-on-one, small or large groups).

Organizational Skills: Able to prioritize and organize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints. Must have the capacity to balance both short- and long-term issues effectively and handle many simultaneous and often conflicting and changing priorities. 

Problem Solving Skills: Logically and strategically think through and solve problems involving several variables, presenting potential solutions and recommendations. Remain objective in gathering information and investigating issues.  

Computer Skills: Advanced level skills with Windows-based software, primarily MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and desktop publishing skills.

Required Attitudes:

Integrity: Firmly adheres to the mission and corporate values of the Port of Vancouver. In handling organization proprietary and confidential information, exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment. 

Flexibility: Is open to changing situations and opportunities and is able and willing to exhibit support despite personal reservation. Is available and willing to work required hours to ensure work is delivered on time. 

Independence: Is able and willing to take actions and achieve desired results with minimal supervision.  

Resiliency: Can rebound quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness; keeps composure and adjusts quickly to changing priorities.  

Initiative: Shows willingness and aptitude to use own discretion in finding solutions to problems or presenting options and ideas to enhance current processes or procedures; handles situations promptly.

Physical Requirements:

•       Physical ability to sit, stand, and bend for extended periods throughout the workday.
•       Talk, hear, walk, push/pull, stoop, kneel and reach on a frequent to regular basis.
•       Repetitive hand motions on a frequent basis, including typing, grasping, handling, and use of fingers. 
•       Ability to read handwritten and typed documents on paper and computer screens.
•       Ability to use standard office equipment including copier, fax, computer, and phone.
•       Ability to lift or carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. and drive on an as-needed basis. 
•       Work is performed in an office environment and at various outdoor locations where adverse weather conditions, uneven ground, exposure to moving machinery and moderate to loud noise is common. 

The physical and mental requirements described above are representative of the physical and mental capabilities that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. In a normal workday, frequent and continuous refer to more than a 50% requirement; regular refers up to 50% and seldom refers to approximately 10%. 

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please submit them to jobs@portvanusa.com

The posting will remain open until November 9, 2025.

The Port of Vancouver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Port of Vancouver complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Salary Range: $70,748 – $104,257 annually

*This role is required to be performed onsite at our office in Vancouver, WA. Candidates must be able to commute and work in-person.