PORT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST IV (COMMUNITY OUTREACH)

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A PORT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST IV

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $ 37.91 - $ 51.48 (Hourly)

ABOUT US:

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the country.

THE TEAM:

The Communications & Community Relations Division leads the charge in creating and enhancing a positive image of the Port by building awareness and understanding of Port operations among the international maritime industry, port complex stakeholders, local and regional communities, and Port employees. This team provides strategic communications services, messaging, media relations, brand awareness, community and education programs, as well as addressing both anticipated and unforeseen communications challenges and opportunities.

THE ROLE:

Under the leadership of the Manager of Communications and Community Relations, the Port Communications Specialist performs a variety of professional functions for the Communications and Community Relations Division. This position assists with the supervision of all Community Relations interns, manages the Harbor Tour Program, coordinates the Port's promotional item inventory, staff community events, and interacts with stakeholders and the public on a wide range of community and business matters. The successful incumbent will communicate with a variety of audiences, including residents, the industry, Port employees, the general public and the media to inform, engage and build support for Port operations, goals, projects and programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Provide and help with the development and implementation of community outreach activities and efforts.
• Assist with education outreach activities and events, including regular communication with teachers and other education-related groups.
• Assist and advise on educational outreach efforts to help prepare and develop the next generation of Port workers.
• Coordinate and plan special events for the Port.
• Narrate harbor tours for the public, education and industry groups and others.
• Give general presentations to various audiences to educate and inform about the Port's operations.
• Serve as a liaison with the neighborhood associations and community organizations to create awareness, understanding and support for Port operations.
• Coordinate projects with Port staff, community groups, businesses, vendors, consultants and other public and private agencies, as needed.
• Assist with managing social media efforts to inform and engage the community.
• Ensure the Port's brand is maintained throughout a diverse range of community relations, education and workforce development activities.
• Work occasional nights and weekends at various community events hosted and sponsored by the Port.
• Coordinate community relations and education outreach metrics and reporting.
• Participate in Port task forces, committees and other groups as directed.
• Represent the Port at public events, activities and meetings.
• Train and mentor staff. Provide leadership with respect to career development.
• Collaborate with the Officer, Manager, Assistant Director and Director in planning, supervising and allocating resources.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs or a related field is required. Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education.
• Four (4) years of experience working in communications, marketing, journalism or public affairs.
• Strong communication skills is a must.
• Writing principles and practices including elements of persuasive writing and argument.
• Event planning and management experience is required.
• Basic concepts, practices, procedures, methods, and techniques used in public relations, media relations, and community outreach is required.
• Port experience is a plus.
• An understanding of Long Beach and its diverse neighborhoods and issues is a strong plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Ability to use MS Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and other related applications is required.
• Must be proficient in social media tools and research.
• Ability to write and communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner (spelling, grammar, punctuation).
• Must be able to take initiative and exercise sound independent judgement within areas of responsibility.
• Must be comfortable speaking clearly and knowledgeably about the Port in public and to a crowd.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems is required.

DESIRABLE:

• Second language speaking ability is desirable but not required.
• Local government experience is highly desired but not required.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

To thrive, you will need exceptional verbal and written communications skills to work effectively with Port stakeholders, including senior management, Port staff and the community. The candidate must be able to collaboratively work together to achieve desired results and convey superior professional standards and integrity.

If you require accommodation because of a disability to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please call (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/ .

The final filing date for this recruitment is Monday, December 2, 2025 @ 11:59 pm PDT.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application in PDF format . Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related video interview assessment to further evaluate candidate qualifications. We will conduct Sparkhire video interviews the week of December 15-19, 2025 (asynchronous video interviews) and final round interviews the week of January 20-23, 2026 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check. The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an hourly range of $ 37.91 - $ 51.48 (placement depends on qualifications).

An attractive package of benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university - or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. www.polb.com

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 12/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Long Beach

• 5625707057

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