Position: Communications Manager
Hours: Regular part time, 24 hours/week
Location: Portland, OR
Who we are
The Architectural Heritage Center (AHC) in Portland, OR is a 501c3 organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and appreciation of Portland’s historic built environment to support the architecture and cultural heritage that make the city unique. The AHC’s mission and work show the value of preservation and its relevance to important, timely issues such as affordability, sustainability, and cultural diversity. The AHC operates a vibrant educational center in Central Eastside Portland with galleries presenting rotating exhibits on diverse topics in architecture and preservation, programming and event spaces, a library/archives, architectural artifacts storage, and offices. The architecture center is in a restored historic (1883) building in Portland that we steward. In addition to programs presented at our center, the AHC’s work extends actively into the community through direct advocacy, an extensive menu of over 100 walking tours throughout Portland, and productive partnerships with other institutions.
Some of our recent programs and projects include the exhibit Black Domain with artist Intisar Abioto, our new guidebook Touring the Central Eastside: Architecture + History, and work to save historic places like Parkway Manor.
Please go to www.visitahc.org to learn more.
Position Summary
The Communications Manager is key to bringing increased public attention to Portland’s historic built environment at a critical time in the city’s evolution. The Communications Manager develops and implements effective and engaging communications across multiple platforms to articulate the value of preservation. This position communicates the AHC’s unique role in architectural preservation in Portland to help grow public awareness of our organization’s impact. Much of the work of the Communications Manager is focused on widening and diversifying our community of audiences.
The Communications Manager is responsible for the strategic development, creative design, and sound project management of digital and print communications, including website, social media, and mailings. This position represents the organization to supporters, the general public, and media and helps establish and promote strong working relationships and partnerships with outside groups and organizations.
The Communications Manager reports to the Executive Director and works closely with a small, integrated team in public programs, fundraising, and operations to promote the range of our organization’s work.
Essential Duties
Develop and execute effective, engaging communication strategies and ensure consistent messaging in digital and print communications, including social media, that encompass the range of the AHC’s significant work in programs, exhibits, advocacy, and fund development
Be the primary manager of the AHC website content; research and implement online tools to streamline communications and work flow (online forms, surveys, etc.)
Design and produce high quality, visually appealing graphic materials for smaller projects; work with external design consultants on larger or special projects; maintain and apply the AHC’s brand identity
Project manage the production of digital and print communications
Serve as a public representative and media contact and respond in a timely manner to queries; write press releases; grow a robust network of local, regional, and national press contacts
Capture and evaluate audience engagement online and at our physical center to make recommendations for enhancing our outreach
Support organizational fundraising by writing, scheduling, and posting content around specific development initiatives, such as annual fundraising appeals
Qualifications and Qualities
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required (advanced degree desirable), ideally in the fields of communications, marketing, arts administration, English, architecture or art history, or a related subject
3-5 years’ experience in communications, marketing, or a related field that shows a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and creatively with a diverse public; experience in a small and/or non-profit organization a plus
Cultural competency skills and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities, and economic backgrounds; commitment to fostering an inclusive community, where people of all identities are represented and feel welcome
Interest in the AHC’s mission and areas of focus, including, but not limited to, history, architecture, preservation, cities and urban development, adaptive reuse/renovation, arts, crafts, or material culture
Excellent oral and written communications, good copyediting skills, and a knack for accessible writing and storytelling that sets the right voice and approach in our communications; agility to communicate different program and content areas
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Publisher to accomplish smaller in-house communications (larger projects are typically contracted out); WordPress experience, some proficiency in HTML
Ability to work with marketing platforms (e.g. Constant Contact)
Strong attention to detail and ability to execute high quality work; excellent project-management and organizational skills; able to juggle multiple, simultaneous projects
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively, tactfully, and diplomatically in writing and in person with a diverse community of supporters including volunteers, donors, staff, and Board
Familiarity (or willingness to learn) fundraising and donor cultivation; comfort working in or ability to quickly learn contact management databases
Adaptability and ease working with a small staff in a collaborative environment; willingness to work in and support full efforts of a public-facing architecture center
Compensation and Benefits
- $22.00 – $24.00 hourly depending on experience
- Up to ten paid holidays per year depending upon normal scheduled work days and hours
- Personal Time Off (PTO) accrual pro-rated based on actual hours worked
- Option to participate in Oregon Saves retirement savings program
- Central Eastside public transportation benefits, including Commuter Pass and Transportation Wallet for discounted TriMet services
- Reciprocal Employee Attractions Pass (REAP) which provides free access for employee and one guest to 20+ regional cultural sites
Job Conditions/Access
This is a regular, non-exempt part-time position at 24 hours/week.
The Architectural Heritage Center’s exhibit galleries are open to the public Thursday-Saturday, 11am-5pm. AHC employees currently work a schedule that is remote Monday-Wednesday and on site Thursday-Friday. In general, the AHC offers a flexible work schedule that accommodates part-time work, but at the same time, we are a public center and we want to ensure adequate staffing and mutual team support when we are open. Approximately half of the Communications Manager’s weekly hours should fall on Thursdays and/or Fridays and be onsite on these days. We are also open on Saturdays, so there is the possibility to incorporate Saturdays into the Communications Manager’s work schedule, if desired.
This position also includes occasional staffing of evening and Saturday programs and events as needed.
The work environment is a 2nd floor office located within a public architecture center in the Central Eastside district of Portland at 701 SE Grand Ave. Our building is accessible with an entry ramp, elevator, and accessible restroom stalls. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the Communications Manager is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear. The position requires extensive computer use. The employee must have sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of this position and a copy of your most recent CV/resume to jobs@visitahc.org with Communications Manager in the subject line.
To request accommodations or alternative formats of this application, or to contact us regarding issues with the application process, please call (503) 231-7264 or email jobs@visitahc.org.
The AHC/BMF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to build a diverse workforce and we encourage applications from persons of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented applicants.
View and download a PDF of this job description.