Brand and Inclusive Design Team Manager

Salary: $106,831.00 – $151,746.00 Annually

Location : Portland, OR

Job Type: Full Time

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2023-1420-COM

Department: Communications

Opening Date: 10/26/2023

Closing Date: 11/13/2023 5:00 PM Pacific

Position summary
Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow . We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program.

The Inclusive Design Manager serves as Metro’s brand manager and leads a passionate group of communications experts focused on raising awareness of Metro and building public trust by advancing accessibility and inclusion in Metro communications channels, activities and deliverables.

The Inclusive Design Team holds the standards, guidelines and best practices for communications across Metro departments and venues – and develops resources, tools and systems to make them easier to follow. Guide the day to day work of this talented team as they

• fulfill requests for design services
• deliver trainings to publishing partners and web content contributors
• ensure deliverables meet identity and inclusion standards
• facilitate the use of translation and accessibility tools
• develop design templates and other resources
• manage an event kit and collection of branded apparel and swag.

The Inclusive Design Manager works with leaders and staff from Metro’s departments, the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, the Portland Expo Center and the Oregon Zoo to build a family of brands and a coordinated marketing strategy that helps people connect with opportunities, services and decision-making.

As the Inclusive Design Manager, you will:

Branding and marketing

• Manage and advocate for a cohesive Metro identity that raises awareness of Metro’s array of services and opportunities and builds trust and belonging.
• Oversee the development of brand assets, style guides and resources that advance the reach and consistency of Metro’s brand.
• Convene and coordinate brand and marketing experts from Metro departments, venues and the zoo to build a family of brands and a coordinated marketing/brand strategy and shared best practices.
• Lead coordinated investments in digital marketing, paid media and sponsored content.
• Consult on campaigns and branding projects across Metro, the zoo and venues to ensure consistency and cohesion with Metro’s core identity and design standards.

Inclusive design

• Lead and champion the successful adoption and integration of accessibility and inclusion principles and practices across all of Metro’s communications to remove barriers for people with disabilities, communities of color and others who have been excluded.
• Oversee the development and delivery of inclusive design systems and tools, including training and support for communications practitioners across Metro, the zoo and the venues.
• Identify and advocate for resource and governance needs to support accessibility, translation and other inclusive practices in communications work.
• Work with experts on Metro’s legal and accessibility teams to ensure that all Metro communications comply with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Strategy and evaluation

• Consult with elected officials and senior leaders on issues and initiatives; establish strategic direction to raise awareness of Metro’s role, services and opportunities.
• Lead the evaluation of Metro’s brand and inclusive design work using market and audience research, user testing, analytics and other metrics to measure progress toward communications and equity goals and inform improvements.
• Promote the value-added work of the team through metrics and storytelling to Metro leaders and key stakeholders.

Management and supervision

• Lead, supervise, coach and manage a team of 5 designers, trainers, project managers and coordinators to promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and respect, and ensure work is responsive to key needs.
• Oversee the workflow and assignments of the team to ensure effective collaboration among team members and consistent, high quality work.
• Apply trauma-informed leadership principles to support a team in transition and adapting to the evolving communications needs of the organization.
• Manage and plan regular meetings with direct reports, central communication team members and embedded communications teams to assign priority actions and look for opportunities to leverage or coordinate program-related work.
• Prepare and monitor budgets for shared digital marketing funds, contracted design services and translation and accessibility services. Identify and advocate for investments in new brand assets or central marketing initiatives.
• Hire, promote, assign work, support professional development, evaluate performance and performance manage all direct reports.
• Conduct regular progress assessments to track team’s performance, provide feedback, and offer guidance to address any challenges or roadblocks.

Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.

TO QUALIFY

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 in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, design, communications or a related area of study; AND
• Five years leading or supervising a creative team; AND
• Five years’ experience in graphic design, copywriting, web design, content strategy, marketing or brand management; AND
• Two years project management experience with a focus on creative direction or systems design; OR
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Required:
The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong creative vision and ability to inspire leaders, staff and stakeholders to invest and align around a powerful and inclusive Metro identity.
• A knack for using words and images to deliver the right message to the right audience on the right channel to meet business needs and communication goals.
• Expertise in and commitment to inclusive design principles and a passion for creating communications that are engaging and welcoming for communities of color, people with disabilities and others who have been excluded and harmed by government.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate and interact with a diverse set of stakeholders, including elected officials.
• Experience building and implementing multi-channel campaigns and marketing programs.
• Experience leading the design or management of websites and/or digital applications.
• Proven track record in project management, systems design, service delivery and change management.
• Proactive, resourceful problem-solver able to juggle multiple tasks and priorities.
• People-centered approach to management and customer service.

Based on theOregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made between minimum pay range $106,096.00 to the equity range $134,000.00. The full-salary range for this position is $106,096.00 to $151,746.00 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime, and is non-represented. It is classified as a Manager II . Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• Updated Resume
• A cover letter describing:
  1. Why you are interested in this job,
  2. Your skills and experience that will help you be successful in this job, and
  3. Any knowledge or experiences that you have had related to advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in your work or through other avenues outside of professional or traditional work experience.
• No additional application materials will be evaluated.

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates (note that any information or materials beyond what is required for the application packet will not be evaluated by the reviewers)
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments
• Reference check
• Driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

Questions?
Recruiter: Dario Aguilar
Email: Dario.Aguilar@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.

Pay equity at Metro: Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement,Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.

Veterans’ preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Metro provides generous health care benefits that vary depending on the plan the employee chooses, bargaining unit affiliation and employment status. Metro participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

01

1. Describe your approach to managing brands in the public sector. What makes public sector brand management unique? Why is brand important for an organization like Metro?

02

2. Describe your experience leading a design, web or marketing project with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion. Who were you trying to reach, why and how? What did you learn about the barriers your audience might encounter and how to remove or address them? How did you measure success?

Required Question