DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Job Description

https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2498

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.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a dynamic individual able to pivot priorities as needed and problem-solve with diplomacy and professionalism. Those who crave innovation and the opportunity to shape their own department will thrive in this role. Experience managing large budgets and contracts will be an asset in this role, along with an understanding of government procurement processes and timelines. The Director will be a hands-on leader passionate about employee development and organizational efficiency. They will be a strategic communicator with a deep understanding of media relations, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, and government affairs.

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
Are you ready to see your efforts shape the story of tomorrow? To be considered for this amazing opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter using the link below. Your resume should include the months and years of employment, the number of staff managed, and the budget amount managed. Please include six references (two direct reports, two colleagues, and two supervisors). References will not be contacted until candidates are invited to the final in-person interview.

Recruitment Schedule:
The deadline to apply for this recruitment is 07/24/2025. Applications will be reviewed after 07/25/2025, and passing candidates will be invited for a screening interview the week of 07/28/2025. Candidates may be asked to complete a skills assessment to be submitted during the recruitment process. Virtual panel interviews will be scheduled for the week of 08/18/2025. Those progressing from this round may have their references checked and be invited to a final in-person interview the week of 08/25/2025. Candidates must pass a TSA/FAA 10-year employment verification, which will include fingerprinting and a criminal history records check prior to being appointed to this position.

Apply at: https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2498

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: 7/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• Port of Oakland

Show more