Community Affairs Business Partner
Community Affairs Business Partner: Position Overview
The Port of Portland is hiring two Community Affairs Business Partners: one for Aviation projects and one for Trade and Economic Development projects. These roles work with Outreach and Education staff, support community engagement, and may supervise a graduate‑level intern.
About the Port
With three airports, three marine terminals, and six business parks, the Port is an economic engine transforming the region.
Benefits
Flexible hybrid schedule with up to three office days per week and scenic views of Mt. Hood.
Essential Job Duties
Driving Project Success
- Serves as strategic advisor to project teams, integrating community engagement early in planning.
- Develops deep understanding of project goals, risks, and community impacts to advise on engagement strategies.
- Leads development of community engagement plans, tools and templates.
- Provides insights into policy and regulatory initiatives at state, federal and local levels.
- Delivers public‑facing engagements such as hearings, open houses and community meetings.
- Provides public opinion insights and counsel to business line partners.
- Connects Port staff with relevant engagement, outreach and education opportunities.
- Manages consultants supporting facilitation, outreach activities, translation and other project‑related needs.
Outreach and Community Partnerships
- Educates the public about the Port’s role and impact.
- Works with community‑based organizations to identify priorities and opportunities.
- Represents the Port on committees and public events.
- Owns key relationships and collaborates with community members, policy advocates and intergovernmental stakeholders.
- Gathers community feedback, especially from historically excluded communities.
- May serve on external councils, coalitions, committees or other groups.
- Serves as main point of contact for specific partners or organizations.
- May lead special projects or initiatives with community groups.
Community Impact Portfolio
- Supports program development, evaluation and improvement of outreach practices.
- Provides counsel for Port leadership in community outreach and engagement.
- Leads and supports trainings, workshops and professional development.
- May represent team on internal councils or committees.
- Manages and implements activities supporting shared prosperity goals.
- Coaches and mentors lower‑level staff and interns.
Risk Management
- Collaborates with Communications, Government Affairs and Legal & Shared Prosperity on risks.
- Advises on high‑sensitivity topics such as environmental impacts and business disruption.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Community Development, Urban & Public Affairs, Communications, Social Science, Political Science, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Master’s degree preferred, but not required.
- Minimum six (6) years of experience in supporting public involvement or community engagement.
- Demonstrated consultative service, strong relationships, and credibility in public settings.
- Effective navigation of diverse stakeholder perspectives and advancing inclusive outcomes.
Demonstrated Skills & Knowledge
- Commitment to valuing differences and passion for inclusion.
- Focus on safety improvements and compliance with safety and health policies.
- Respectful team player and adaptability in politically charged settings.
- Knowledge of Title VI and Title II applications in public involvement.
- Facilitation, training and coaching experience.
- Research strategies and reporting (surveys, focus groups, etc.).
- Conflict resolution and de‑escalation skills.
Senior In
- Strong written and oral communication, public speaking and presentation.
- Strategic input on engagement methods.
- Implementation of inclusive engagement and project plans.
- Committee and coalition participation.
- Knowledge of local public involvement regulations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.
Veterans Preference
Qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference under Oregon law. Submit qualifying documents during the application process.
Background Checks and Drug Testing
Background checks and/or drug tests will be conducted where required by regulation and for safety‑sensitive positions.
ADA Accommodation
Accommodations will be considered for applicants with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process.