Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$109,557.81 - $164,337.02 Annual
Department:
Department of County Human Services (DCHS)
Job Type:
Regular Non-Represented
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
July 28, 2026
The Opportunity:
Multnomah County voters chose to invest in high-quality, culturally affirming, joyous early learning opportunities for all 3 and 4 year-old children. This investment will transform educational experiences for young children and their families and we want you to help make it a success!
As the Strategy and Communications Manager of the Preschool & Early Learning Division in the Department of County Human Services (DCHS), you will develop and lead the long-term strategy, projections, communications, and evaluation efforts for a highly visible preschool initiative. You will lead the evaluation and communications teams and work closely with County, Department, and Division Leadership to strengthen the long-term assumptions and plan for the successful implementation of Preschool for All. This position will ensure that racial equity is centered in strategic planning, setting program priorities, developing quality improvement recommendations, and program implementation.
Primary responsibilities include:
Develop and implement program and strategic planning, including anticipating barriers to universal preschool access and how to address identified challenges
Ensure that racial equity is centered in strategic planning, setting program priorities, developing quality improvement recommendations, and allocating resources.
Ensure that implementation efforts are in compliance with the Preschool for All ballot measure and alignment with the Preschool for All Plan
Track and refine long-term cost modeling & budget strategy assumptions to maintain the successful implementation of Preschool for All
Lead the Evaluation and Communications teams
Represent the Preschool & Early Learning Division at the leadership level and provide expert guidance
Key Knowledge & Experience:
Advanced knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding equity, inclusion, implicit bias, institutional racism, and other forms of systemic oppression.
Knowledge and understanding of cultures, customs and social experiences of historically excluded communities experiencing barriers to opportunity, especially for Black and Indigenous child care providers and families, and Families and Providers of Color.
Experience leading or directing communication initiatives or teams
Experience in leading complex projects, programs, and/or initiatives
Experience and advanced knowledge in leading and implementing strategic planning, including program assumptions and modeling
Experience with complex budget planning
Strong understanding of risk assessment and change management procedures
Experience using a participatory management style to promote teamwork and a "learning" work environment for employees
Experience in supervising and leading diverse teams
Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively convey information to both technical and non-technical audiences
Experience working with diverse communities.
Ability to easily adapt to changing priorities and to demonstrate close attention to details.
The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future regular, limited duration, full or part-time, temporary, or on-call positions.
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 about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:
Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, or equivalent education and/or practical experience
One (1) year of communications experience in one or more of the following areas: communications, public relations, web communications/design, news reporting, marketing, or public information
Five (5) + years of increasingly responsible experience including developing, leading, and implementing strategic planning, communication or program evaluation
Three (3) years of supervision experience
Must pass a criminal background check
Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position. Equity note: Research suggests that women and Black, Indigenous, and other persons of color are less likely than men and white job-seekers to apply for positions unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate the knowledge, skills and abilities that you demonstrate, using an intentional equity lens.
Required Application Packet:
Your completed application must include all of the following items to be considered:
1) A completed online application and resume.
2) A cover letter. Please attach a cover letter as a separate document.
3) In your cover letter:
Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and how your background makes you a great candidate for this role described in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement.
Preschool for All is a truly unique opportunity to build a new system for children and families in our community. Please include why working on this initiative appeals to you.
This role requires advising multiple levels of leadership at the county. How do you approach translating highly complex and technical information into clear, actionable frameworks for diverse audiences?
Please note: Your application and/or resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview. The quality of your response may determine if you are moved on to the next review. Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the online application/resume about how your background is relevant. Information stated in your cover letter must be consistent with your application and/or resume (when applicable).
Internal candidates: After you have submitted your application, please check your Workday inbox and complete the Veterans’ Preference Questionnaire prior to the application deadline.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference for this recruitment. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply. The recruiter as listed on the job announcement must receive all required documentation by the closing date of the recruitment.
For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:
Initial review of minimum qualifications
An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
Consideration of top candidates through phone screen and/or interviews
Background and reference checks
Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Type of Position: This salaried, management position is not eligible for overtime pay
Location: 464 SE 185th Avenue, Portland, OR 97233
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Teleworking: At this time, this position can be designated as hybrid telework. This designation of telework may be subject to change at a future time. Currently, all employees who telework must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Benefits: Multnomah County offers a generous benefits package. For more information about our benefit offerings, please visit: https://multco.us/benefits/new-employee-benefits
Pay Equity: The county regularly reviews pay equity for our workforce. When setting pay we consider applicants’ education, experience, seniority, training, and tenure in relation to other employees performing a similar level of work.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters: Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Anne Blumenauer
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+1 (971) 9175769
Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Job Profile:
9366 - Quality Manager
