Community Affairs Business Partner

The Position

The Port of Portland is hiring for two Community Affairs Business Partners! As a Community Affairs Business Partner, you will serve as a trusted advisor and connector between the Port and the communities impacted by our work. In this role, you will partner closely with Port leaders, project teams, and community members to shape and implement meaningful engagement strategies, anticipate emerging issues, elevate opportunities for partnership, and build understanding around complex initiatives.

Two positions are being filled through this recruitment, with one supporting Aviation projects and the other supporting Trade and Economic Development projects. Both roles work collaboratively with our Outreach and Education staff to deliver impactful programs and engagement efforts. One position may also have the opportunity to supervise a graduate-level intern to support projects and help develop the next generation of public engagement professionals.

With our three airports, three operating marine terminals, and six business parks, the Port of Portland is an economic engine for transforming this region into a place where everyone is welcome, empowered, and connected to the opportunity to find a good job or grow their business.

We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that supports work-life balance while encouraging in-person collaboration. Team members are generally expected to be in the office up to three days per week, with specific days subject to change based on operational needs. PLUS, our office overlooks the beautiful Mt Hood, you get the opportunity to watch planes take off, and so much more...

Driving Project Success

• Serves as a strategic advisor to project teams across assigned division(s), ensuring community engagement is integrated early and meaningfully into project planning and decision-making.
• Develops a deep understanding of project goals, timelines, risks, and potential community impacts, and advises on how engagement strategies can strengthen outcomes.
• Leads the development of community engagement plans, tools and templates for key projects and initiatives.
• Provides insights into policy and regulatory initiatives at the state, federal and local levels.
• Delivers public-facing engagements such as hearings, open houses, and community meetings, ensuring they are equipped to respond to questions, manage tension, and communicate clearly.
• Provides insights about public opinion and community affairs counsel to business line partners on key projects and objectives.
• Connects Port business line and shared department staff to relevant engagement, outreach and education opportunities within the community.
• Manages consultants supporting facilitation, outreach activities, translation and other project related needs.

Outreach and Community Partnerships

• Supports educating the public on the role and impact of the Port of Portland in the region.
• Works with community-based organizations and Port leaders to identify community priorities and opportunities to incorporate them into Port initiatives.
• Represents the Port in public venues, on committees and during other highly visible public events.
• In collaboration with internal partners, owns key relationships and collaborates with community members, policy advocates and intergovernmental stakeholders.
• Gathers community feedback as needed from appropriate stakeholder interests, especially communities who have historically been excluded or are disproportionately impacted by the Port's operations.
• May serve on external councils, coalitions, committees or other groups.
• Serves as main point of contact for specific partners or organizations.
• May lead on special projects or initiatives in partnership with community groups or partner agencies.

Community Impact Portfolio

• Supports broad program development including the evaluation and improvement of Port outreach practices and tools, strategic sponsor ships, memberships, etc.
• Provides counsel for Port leadership in community outreach and engagement.
• Lead and support trainings, workshops and professional development opportunities for and in partnership with staff and community partners.
• May represent the team on…