DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Job Description

https://publuu.com/flip-book/66404/2147019

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Public Engagement Officer, the Director of Communications manages a team of four staff members and multiple external consultants and oversees a nearly $2 million personnel and operations budget. This position leads media relations, public information, and marketing efforts aligned with the Port’s strategic goals. Working closely with senior leadership, the Board of Port Commissioners, and other departments, this role provides strategic communications counsel and ensures proactive engagement with the media, public, and key stakeholders.

Examples of Duties

• Lead all internal and external communications, public relations, and media strategies for the Port.
• Serve as the Port’s official spokesperson, representing its voice and values across news outlets, public forums, and stakeholder events.
• Drive high-impact campaigns that promote Port initiatives, strengthen community relationships, and advance economic goals.
• Build collaborative partnerships with the community, local organizations, and regional stakeholders.
• Oversee a talented team and manage resources, budgets, and public engagement programs with creativity and accountability.
• Address unique opportunities from crisis communications, video production, media inquiries, and more.
• Manage social media accounts and content to further the Port’s local and national reach.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Director of Communications role at the Port is an accomplished public sector communications leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution. This individual brings a proven track record of navigating the complexities of government operations, procurement processes, and public accountability while thriving in dynamic, high-profile environments.

They are a seasoned communicator who understands the unique role of a Port in driving regional economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and community trust. They can translate technical, policy, and operational issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences, including the public, media, business partners, and elected officials.

Key strengths and attributes include:

• Public Sector & Government Experience - Demonstrated success in senior communications roles within government, public agencies, or quasi-governmental organizations, with an understanding of public accountability, open meeting laws, and political sensitivities.
• Procurement & Budget Acumen - Experienced in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and working within government procurement frameworks, ensuring transparency and compliance while maximizing impact.
• Port & Infrastructure Knowledge - Familiarity with the operations, challenges, and opportunities of a Port environment—whether through direct experience, infrastructure communications, or related sectors such as transportation, trade, or logistics.
• Proven Leadership & Immediate Impact - Skilled at leading teams and external consultants, the ideal candidate can “hit the ground running,” quickly assess organizational needs, and deliver effective communication strategies without a long learning curve.
• Strategic & Tactical Balance - Able to provide executive-level counsel to leadership and the Board of Port Commissioners while managing day-to-day communications, media relations, and crisis response with confidence and credibility.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement - A collaborative relationship-builder who understands the importance of transparency and trust, with experience fostering partnerships with community organizations, business leaders, and regional stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and a proactive, roll-up-the-sleeves professional who thrives in a mission-driven public agency environment. They bring the judgment, agility, and vision to position the Port as a regional leader and trusted partner, ensuring timely, transparent, and impactful communications.

Advisories

Immigration and Reform Control Act: In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the Port of Oakland will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Social Security card must be presented, and the name on it must match the name on the application.

Americans with Disabilities (ADA): In compliance with State and Federal Laws, the Port will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The Port is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the selection process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations during the selection process must notify Nancy Phetdaravanh at nphetdaravanh@portoakland.com within seven (7) calendar days of the closing date of the job announcement. The Port requires applicants to provide supporting medical documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation.

The Port of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in external or public affairs, with 2+ years in a senior management role—preferably in a public agency.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with a diverse and engaged stakeholder community.

Additional Requirements

Next Steps

To be considered for this amazing opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Port’s career site using the link below. Your resume must include the months and years of employment, the number of staff managed, and the budget amounts managed; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Please include six references (two direct reports, two colleagues, and two supervisors). References will not be contacted until the final stages of the recruitment.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portoakland/jobs/5093511/director-of-communications

The deadline to apply for this recruitment is 10/10/2025 5:00 pm PST.

For questions, Contact:
Rachael Danke
Lead Recruiter
CPS HR Consulting
rdanke@cpshr.us
(916) 471-3323

The Port of Oakland'sbenefit program ranks among the best in the region for public jurisdictions and is designed to reward performance and promote a balanced lifestyle, both at the workplace and away from the workplace, for its employees and their families. The Port is committed to the health and well-being of its employees and has been recognized as a FIT-Friendly Employer by the American Heart Association.

• The Port is part of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined pension provided to regular full-time employees that work for the Port. The CalPERS defined pension is based on predetermined formula that factors in an employee's earnings history, tenure of service and age. The retirement formula for new hires is 2% at 62 years of age or 2.5% at 55 for with other CalPERS service and/or reciprocity.
• The Port offers retiree medical benefits for employees and dependents after 10 years of CalPERS service (including 5 years at the Port).
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for employees and dependent health insurance coverage not to exceed the Kaiser-HMO Family Plan; cash in lieu of medical benefit is also available.
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for dental and vision coverage.
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage and reimburses employees for the State Disability Insurance.
• The Port pays 100% of the premium cost for life insurance at one-time annual salary with certain limits.
• The Port offers aDeferred Compensation Plan allowing employees to save and invest money for retirement with tax benefits.

Time Away from Work

• From 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on years of employment at the Port.
• 10 days of management leave for employees exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• 1 paid Floating Holiday per year.
• 12 days of sick leave per year after three months of employment which includes 4 days of personal leave.
• 13paid holidays as well as the second half of the shift on December 24 and December 31.

Closing Date/Time: 10/10/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Port of Oakland

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