First Program: Communications and Engagement Specialist; OCC & Expo

This is a First Opportunity recruitment, at this time, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. For more information please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do everyday benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and Portland Expo Center (Expo) are looking for a Communications and Engagement Specialist to support organization-wide communications and culture‑building efforts. This role is ideal for a thoughtful communicator who enjoys translating complex information into clear, accessible messaging and who is energized by connecting people to shared purpose.

Working within the Equity, Culture, and Communications division, this position helps ensure staff, partners and the public receive timely, consistent information that reflects shared values, strengthens trust and supports alignment across teams. If you enjoy writing, digital content, storytelling, collaboration and working in a mission‑driven public environment, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to large‑scale venues that serve the entire region.

• Manage and maintain social media channels, including planning, drafting, scheduling, and publishing content.
• Produce and coordinate the employee newsletter, gathering stories across divisions, and managing publication timelines.
• Draft, edit and proofread internal and external communications, including website content, presentations, announcements, and informational materials.
• Support executive and departmental messaging through presentation development, talking points, and written summaries.
• Update and maintain website content to ensure information is accurate, accessible, and aligned with brand standards.
• Support employee engagement initiatives by promoting culture‑building events, celebrating accomplishments, and reinforcing shared values.
• Collaborate across departments to elevate employee stories, partnerships, and public benefit messaging.
• Apply inclusive communication and accessibility best practices in digital and written content.
• Track communications calendars, monitor engagement metrics, and support continuous improvement efforts.

• Advanced proficiency in writing and editing skills with attention to clarity, tone, and accuracy.
• Experience maintaining digital content and social media platforms.
• Ability to translate complex or operational information into accessible, engaging messaging for diverse audiences.
• A collaborative mindset and comfort in collaborating with leaders, subject‑matter experts, and cross‑functional teams.
• Organizational skills that support managing multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Understanding of inclusive communication practices and accessibility standards.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• A genuine interest in public service and making a positive impact in the community.

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity.

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, digital media or a closely related…