Prosper Portland is hiring : Project Manager I - Events & Film in Portland

Working collaboratively with City bureaus and community partners, the Portland Events and Film Office deploy grants, sponsorships, and technical assistance to elevate the economic value of cultural programming and local production in our community. This position provides critical support for the events and film industry, as well as other entertainment and creative industries. Specifically, it assists with navigating city permitting and available services and resources, advocates for film and industry needs, and develops systems that create efficiencies and increase accessibility for event and film producers. A successful candidate for this role will be an organized, driven, and creative problem-solver that demonstrates strong collaborative and project management skills.

Note : The position is open until filled. For first consideration please apply before October 7, 2025.

Position Summary

The Project Manager I– Business Development (Events and Film) plans, coordinates, and manages projects, programs, and initiatives for the agency, with a focus on business growth and prosperity in identified industries, by working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to build and sustain and equitable economy for all Portlanders.

Essential Functions and Major Responsibilities

Provides guidance to the agency on area(s) of expertise including business retention, expansion, and recruitment.

Develops activities and initiatives based on industry-specific knowledge and relationships, industry specific operational and financial needs, and market dynamics.

Serves as traded sector industry liaison.

Identifies and implements strategies and projects, in partnership with private-sector industry cluster employers, including funding opportunities, policy development, and public-private partnerships.

Oversees and manages the data collection, generation of metrics and outcomes, analysis, and reporting for business development activities and initiatives. Utilizes data to inform strategy and project evaluation and refinement.

Serves as the industry liaison to business, neighborhood, and community stakeholders. Develops relationships, solicits input, answers questions, provides guidance, and makes connections to broaden and strengthen business growth and prosperity.

Develops and cultivates relationships with entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profits, lenders, government and city partners, educational institutions, community and industry associations, property owners, developers, neighborhood business district managers and board members, and other stakeholders; builds and leverages partnerships to support an equitable economy and advance racial equity.

Leads community outreach and engagement to proactively establish and build authentic relationships with neighborhood stakeholders and to facilitate engagement and community input in agency initiatives.

Coordinates and partners with regional and statewide economic development agencies. Oversees and manages the strategic vision and programming for targeted or identified projects, policy, and programming in collaboration with agency, public, private, and community partners.

Scopes, prepares, implements, and manages goals, procedures, timelines, budgets, and tools for projects, programs, and initiatives that advance business development activities and initiatives.

Evaluates and implements equitable and inclusive strategies and means into projects.

Additional Responsibilities & Functions

Leads project teams comprised of Prosper Portland staff, public agencies, businesses, and real estate developers, property owners, and other organizations; manages and monitors project workflow and leads / participates in project meetings.

Communicates project and program information to a variety of stakeholders to facilitate agency collaboration, stakeholder involvement, report on project progress, and respond to media inquiries.

Prepares internal and external project-related documents and reports.

Convenes and facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders; sets up, leads, and / or supports project advisory committees and focus groups.

Plans, represents, and / or participates in various meetings, hearings, and events on behalf of agency.

Develops and makes presentations to Board of Commissioners, City Council, community associations, and other stakeholders.

Incorporates input from Prosper Portland legal, financial, procurement, or other staff to implement assigned projects; apprises supervisor, team, and other parties of project status.

Develops and implements marketing and outreach strategy in coordination with Communications and Involvement Team, maintains content for website, social media, newsletters, and distribution lists.

Analyzes research, tracks, and participates in the creation of best practices and trends related to areas of responsibility.

Responds to business requests by answering questions, providing guidance, and connecting them to technical assistance and other resources.

Leads and / or supports efforts to secure new funding resources including managing the process to submit applications for New Market Tax credits, and the creation and / or amendment of tax increment finance districts.

Works collaboratively across the agency to manage and support on-going implementation of agency-wide institutionalization of Equity Policy objectives. Serves as a liaison on special initiatives including coordination on citywide projects and policies.

Coordinates the timely delivery of Board reports, resolutions, and other documentation; trains staff on board documentation best practices; and develops and implements Board process improvements.

Works proactively with businesses and partners to identify and remove obstacles and / or create opportunities to grow the industry.

Evaluates and engages with stakeholders to determine how to best support the industry.

Possesses and cultivates an advanced understanding of the industry including trends, competitor markets, company information, economic indicators, key leaders, economic factors that impact the industry, and the institutional and interpersonal dynamics that influence the corporate and community ecosystems.

Serves as the main point of contact for regional partners engaged in recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts; responds to and leads the coordination with partners; manages contracts as necessary.

Advocates for and promotes policy and programs that advance an equitable and thriving industry.

Monitors, tracks, and responds to legislative and policy initiatives to support widely shared prosperity.

Plans and leads presentations, promotions, and trainings related to Prosper Portland initiatives.

Collaborates across the agency to align efforts in support of building an equitable economy.

Makes recommendations and leads and / or participates in program, process, and policy improvements; coordinates or assists with their implementation.

Crafts scopes of work and manages related professional services, contracts, and agreements. Participates on selection committee.

Supports team and agency with initiatives, special projects, participation on committees, and other relevant duties as assigned.

Scope

Operates under minimal supervision. Establishes own approaches and procedures to work. Receives general or little instruction on new assignments. Work is subject to final review.

Makes decisions for many aspects of work that requires technical expertise, initiative, and good judgement. Makes recommendations for complex and politically sensitive decisions that require oversight.

Decisions and errors in work can have a significant legal, financial, political, or operational impact to the agency.

Work involves a high level of complexity due to tight timelines, the need to prioritize multiple assignments, relationship management with a variety of external stakeholders that require negotiation, bridge-building, and compromise, the need to navigate political dynamics, the agency’s history of gentrification, and the inherent nature of creating and implementing projects and programs grounded in racial equity.

Position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, will oversee the work of consultants, vendors, temporary workers, and / or student staff.

Competencies

Putting People First, Inclusion & Collaboration ?

Interpersonal Skills : Advanced ability to establish and cultivate authentic and effective working relationships and partnerships. Exercises active listening, tact, patience, and discretion.

Mission-Driven Service : Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and willingness to help. Ability to train and provide guidance to others.

Teamwork : Ability to work with others inclusively and collaboratively. Works to resolve conflicts and build consensus.

Communication : Effective use of both verbal and oral communication. Ability to speak and present in public. Utilizes negotiation, facilitation, and persuasion skills. Ability to organize, simplify, and report complex data and information to a variety of audiences. Bilingual or multilingual a plus.

Cultural Curiosity and Reflection : Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in interactions and decisions.

Advancing Equity : A demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial equity and actively seeks out opportunities to do so. Ability to learn, understand, and apply the principles and practices of equity to work.

Excellence, Innovation & Learning ?

Knowledge : Advanced technical knowledge in trade sector business retention and recruitment, cluster strategies, inclusive economic development approaches, or business development. General knowledge and understanding of the business practices and trends of key traded sector industries, including : athletic & outdoor; green cities; food and beverage manufacturing; metals and machinery; technology and media; and film, video, music, and entertainment industry. Knowledge of and ability to apply strategies that center equity in program development. Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and database systems. Basic understanding of public administration.

Technical Abilities : Advanced project / program management skills overseeing complex initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders.

Continuous Learning : Openness to new ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences.

Problem Solving : Apply research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills. Exercises sound judgement in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to interpret and apply law, policy, and procedure to work.

Adaptability : Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Ability to work with ambiguity. Perseveres in the face of obstacles.

Planning and Organization : Ability to organize, prioritize, coordinate, and monitor complex projects, initiatives, and outsourced contracts independently. Ability to strategize, develop, implement, and evaluate policies, and procedures. Ability to manage a budget with multiple funding streams.

Accountability : Takes initiative and responsibility for actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

Supervision

Position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, may oversee the work of consultants, vendors, and student staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Six years of experience in inclusive economic development, cluster strategies, business development, or equivalent experience. An associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree will substitute for up to one year of experience.

Specific Qualifications

Specific experience related to the work of team or specialized knowledge, skills and abilities may be required for certain positions.

Physical Requirements :

Position requires ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time along with the ability to move throughout the office and frequently travel to jobsites and events. Position continuously uses a computer and other standard office equipment. Position must frequently communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders via virtual and in-person meetings, phone calls, and in writing, sometimes regarding complex concepts and issues. The position is sometimes required to lift and move equipment and materials up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions :

Normal working hours Monday through Friday [8 AM – 5 PM] in a combination of in-person and remote work; however, additional hours will sometimes be needed to meet deadlines. Employees are required to work in-person every Tuesday, Wednesday, and an additional day every two weeks at minimum. Early morning, evening, and weekend meetings may be necessary. Position requires local travel to external meetings, community outreach, site visits or events; travel out of the metro area may occur. In addition, position occasionally requires travel to job sites during an extended workday. Assigned work is sometimes politicized, shifting, and complex, which at times necessitates working under stressful conditions.

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