Outreach and Engagement Advisor for Councilor Pirtle-Guiney (Council Aide)

Full Job Description

Job Appointment: Full Time, At Will
This position is exempt from Civil Service and is an "At Will" position. It serves at the discretion of the hiring authority, subject to City of Portland Human Resources Administrative Rules and Portland City Charter and Code.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Work hours will vary and will include mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Work Location: Hybrid. Reports to 1221 SW 4th Ave, Suite 220, Portland, OR 97204. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington. For more information, click here.

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

Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.

Union Representation: Non-represented.

Starting Salary: The starting salary for this position may start at $80,000-$90,000 per year.

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need attach a resume and cover letter.

Position Summary:

The Outreach and Engagement Advisor will act as a bridge between the elected official and their constituents, handling outreach, constituent concerns, and representing the member at local events and meetings.

Key responsibilities include planning and executing community events, attending community meetings, liaising with local leaders, business owners and elected offices, resolving constituent problems, and reporting on district issues to Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney and her staff.

What you’ll get to do:

• Develop standard practices and procedures for the activities of assigned programs or projects; establish program and performance goals and communicate expectations to staff; oversee development of new programs; assess and evaluate existing programs.
• Perform professional and operational duties, including planning and evaluation, and coordinate community development and outreach activities by leading ongoing working groups, special project teams, and collaborative efforts with staff and management.
• Supervise and coordinate the dissemination of information to ensure consistency in unit messaging and branding of programs, services, events, policies, and procedures; evaluate and enhance messaging to increase public awareness of mission and goals.
• Oversee the planning, implementing, and evaluation of special events.
• Lead and participate in community organizations and committees, City work groups, and collaborative teams to develop and implement comprehensive public information, public awareness and involvement, community education and outreach, and media relations activities to meet City and unit goals and objectives.
• Attend community meetings, events, and hearings to understand local issues and concerns on behalf of the Councilor.

• Help constituents navigate and resolve issues with City of Portland bureaus through written and verbal communication.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with constituents, community leaders, and local officials.
• Keep the Councilor and City Hall staff informed of important issues, concerns, and developments in the district.
• Coordinate logistics, plan and execute events, and represent the member at various community events, sometimes speaking on their behalf.
• Handle administrative duties such as managing correspondence and maintaining files on outstanding issues.

Have a question?

Contact Information:

Tamela Ressler, Senior Recruiter

Bureau of Human Resources

Tamela.Ressler@portlandoregon.gov

Requirements

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

1. Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects, including setting goals, establishing procedures, and recommending improvements.
2. Ability to lead and coordinate community outreach events, working groups, and collaborative projects with staff, community partners, and stakeholders.
3. Ability to develop, coordinate, and oversee clear, consistent public messaging and information to support programs, events, and organizational goals.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with constituents, understand concerns, and help navigate City systems to resolve issues professionally and respectfully.
5. Ability to build strong working relationships and keep elected officials and staff informed of key community issues and developments.

Applicant must also possess:

• A valid state driver license and an acceptable driving record at time of hire.

Qualifications

STEP 1: Apply online between January 12 – January 20, 2026

Required Application Materials:

Cover letterDetails are key!

The city uses a merit-based system, so your cover letter should be thorough and specifically address each qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section of the job announcement.

Your cover letter can exceed one page, to ensure you are able to provide the detailed information for every qualification.

Follow the instructions, as a subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.

Resume

Answer the three (3) Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials:

• If you wish to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your veteran documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) by the recruitment's closing date.

Effective January 1, 2026, the State of Oregon law ORS 408.225 - 408.238 is amended to expand eligibility for Veterans’ Preference to current and former Oregon National Guard service members.

If applicants are existing state or former Oregon National Guard servicemembers, they are encouraged to attach appropriate documentation to their future recruitment applications.

• Update: As of March 3rd, 2025, if you made the eligible list and met the eligibility to receive veteran preference, you will no longer need to submit veteran documents for future recruitments.

If you need to update or remove your veteran preference for a specific recruitment or from your master profile, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Application Tips:

• Your cover letter can exceed one page, to ensure you are able to provide the detailed information for every qualification. A subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
• Your résumé should support the details described in your cover letter.
• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
• You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage use AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
• All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.

• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: January 21 – January 23, 2026

• An evaluation of each applicant's training, paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their cover letter, and resume, weighted 100%.

• Your cover letter and résumé will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of January 26, 2026

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.

Step 4: Selection Process: Early-February 2026

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview

Step 5: Offer of Employment: TBD

• Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment. (Include if requires an in-depth background investigation.)

Step 6: Start Date: TBD

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations