Press Officer; Public Information Officer

The Position
Job Appointment: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday — Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.

Work Location: 1221 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Benefits: Please check our benefit tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

To view current labor agreements, please visit https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements .

Note:
This job classification is undergoing a pay analysis review by the Bureau of Human Resources Classification and Compensation team. Due to the complexity of this position, the Press Officer may be eligible for a short‑term increase of up to 10% from the advertised range. The successful candidate’s salary offer will be based on relevant experience and qualifications. Are you an experienced media strategist who can find the story, craft the message, and build public trust?

If so, we hope you consider applying to become the City of Portland’s next Press Officer. The Press Officer serves as the City of Portland’s media relations lead, ensuring coordinated, accurate, and timely communication on issues of citywide significance. The role acts as spokesperson and messaging advisor to the mayor and city administrator, convenes and guides the city’s public information officers, and leads the development and execution of media strategies.

As the primary point of contact for journalists, the Press Officer shapes and maintains a clear, consistent narrative about city government, advancing public accountability and transparency.

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, this senior‑level position serves as part of the City Communications Office. This is a fast‑paced role that calls for sound judgement under pressure, quick thinking, and the ability to navigate rapidly changing circumstances. Join us to play a pivotal role in building public trust by connecting Portlanders with resources, information, and decision‑making.

• Serve as the spokesperson — and journalists’central pointof contact — for the City of Portland’s executive office, which includes the mayor, the city administrator, and a variety of central programs.
• Lead the development and implementation of citywide media strategies that advance the City’s policy priorities and values, in collaboration with executive leaders and public information officers embedded in service areas.
• Write high‑profile press releases and speeches on behalf of the City of Portland’s executive office
• Serve as a media and messaging advisor to the mayor, the city administrator, and other executive leaders.
• Host media events or accompany executive leaders to interviews and speaking engagements at various locations in Portland.
• Collaborate with colleagues to leverage social media, photography/video, website content, and other creative channels to promote the city’s work

Questions?:
Terrol Johnson

Senior Recruiter

terrol.johnson

Applicants should specifically address and demonstrate in their cover letter and résumé how their education, training, and/or experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

• Experience serving as a media spokesperson for a high‑profile government or civic organization, including the ability to do on‑air interviews
• Ability to develop and deliver media relations strategies that build public trust, foster civic engagement, and help an organization advance its mission
• Ability to draft high‑quality news content and speeches on tight deadlines
• Ability to quickly learn about complex public policy issues and communicate them to a wide variety of audiences
• Experience managing communications and media relations during emergencies and high‑pressure events
• Experience delivering communications training and coaching for senior executives…