Communications and Grants Manager

Job Status: 
Open - open and accepting applications

Job Description

Title: Communications and Grants Manager
Location: Port of Columbia County, Columbia City, Oregon
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director
Department: Business Development
Position Type: Exempt / Salaried / On-site (with opportunity for hybrid work)
Compensation: $79,976 - $112,008

The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained.

Position Summary:
The Port of Columbia County is seeking an experienced professional to manage public relations, communications, grants, and strategic outreach in Columbia County. The position will act as spokesperson for the Port and liaison to local associations and government entities promoting the Port’s strategic plan. This role will create and manage the Port brand and outreach communications through multiple media. From countywide campaigns to strategic community events, the work will shape how the Port communicates and celebrates its values, vision, and voice. As the Communications and Grant Manager, you will work with the Real Estate Business Development Manager in support of  marketing efforts and across all departments to find and pursue grant opportunities.

This work generally involves frequent in-person interaction with the public and across internal Port departments; a wide knowledge of Port-related activities, tenants, and properties; and often works independently with moderate supervision. Contacts are both internal and external to the Port via in-person, telephone, and email. Communications are occasionally about confidential and / or sensitive matters. Good judgment and awareness to tone are imperative.

Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Steward the Port brand, public image, and strategic outreach communications by leading day-to-day operations of the Port’s communications and engagement effort including:

  • Advise and support senior leadership on strategic communications, branding, and public engagement in order to meet the Port's mission and goals.
  • Conceptualize, create, and manage public relations and community outreach activities for the 
  • Port, to include newsletters, invitations, photos, flyers, advertisements, annual reports, press releases, events, and social media. Act as a spokesperson for the Port.
  • Manage the website, social media, and multimedia content.
  • Find, build, submit, and strengthen grant proposals through working with funding agencies at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Partner across departments on grant projects spanning the spectrum of Port owned assets (Airport, Marina, Marine Terminal, Brownfields, Industrial, Recreation, Agricultural, etc.).
  • Identify new funding opportunities that align with Port’s strategic priorities, mission, and vision.
  • Manage the Port’s government relations and act as a liaison to local associations, government 
  • organizations, voters, local businesses, tenants, media partners, community and civic organizations, elected officials and other Ports.
  • Detect public relations issues as they emerge and address them proactively.
  • Monitor relevant media coverage and stay up to date on industry trends and activities in the Port district.
  • Support departments with messaging consistency, staff training, and public engagement techniques.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:
This role reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director and has no direct reports.

Qualifications:
Required

  • Captivating writing skills and excellent grammar.
  • Expert with multiple communication and media platforms, such as print, video, social media, and internet.
  • Skilled in public speaking, particularly in politically charged environments.
  • Talented in finding relevant grant opportunities and submitting competitive proposals, proven success is preferred.
  • Communicate effectively with the general public, community partners, and co- workers.
  • Capable of accomplishing assigned duties with independence, in a timely manner.
  • Adept with use of computers, internet, social media platforms, Adobe, and Microsoft Office software.
  • Able to understand and follow oral and written directions.
  • Able to maintain regular attendance and be punctual.

Preferred

  • Prefer experience in the public sector, port authority, and / or grant management.
  • Proficient in project management, timelines and prioritizing tasks.
  • Strong knowledge of Port aviation, maritime and industrial businesses.
  • Strong knowledge of media practices, advertising, and promotion.

Education & Licensure:
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical path includes:

  • A bachelor’s degree in communications or equivalent, with 5 years of experience in public relations, grant writing, or community outreach.
  • Experience working with Federal, State and local government organizations.

Must possess a current driver’s license and / or an ability to get to work and events.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
This position requires the ability to perform essential physical tasks, such as the ones listed below with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

 

  • Work for this position is performed primarily in an office environment during regular business hours, Monday – Friday 8 am – 5pm. The role involves sedentary work, requiring the ability to remain seated for extended periods while operating a computer and other standard office equipment.
  • Repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers are required for typing tasks.
  • Close visual acuity is necessary for tasks such as analyzing data, viewing a computer screen, and reading documents.
  • Rare exposure to inclement weather, lifting to 25 lbs., talking, listening, occasional walking, kneeling, and reaching, and extensive computer work.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
  • Occasional evening and weekend meetings and events; and frequent interaction with general public.
  • There is a 5% travel requirement for this role.
     

Compensation & Benefits:
The Port offers an outstanding benefits package including:

  • Modified Work Schedule: Opportunity to work a modified schedule based on organizational need and Executive Director approval. Typically considered after completion of the 6-month probationary period.
  • Holidays: 11 paid Federal holidays are recognized by the Port, in additional, employees receive one floating holiday, and one birthday holiday per fiscal year
  • Professional Development: The Port prioritizes career development by providing access to training opportunities, networking, and team building.
  • Public Employee Retirement System (PERS): All Port employees automatically become members of PERS after completion of the employment probationary period. The Port contributes 100% to PERS on behalf of the employee (PERS pick-up)
  • Health Insurance: The Port contributes 100% to employee and dependents health and welfare benefits, as well as a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) funded semi-annually.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and one-page cover letter to:
Email: hello@humane-hr.com
Phone: (503) 714-1003

For more information about the Port of Columbia County and our projects, peruse our website