Posting number: ES-2649
Department: City of Portland
Job classification: Other
Posting type: Open
Categories: Human Resources, Executive Management
The City of Portland, OR is seeking a Chief Strategy & Change Management Officer. Portland is transitioning from a government where elected officials directly managed bureaus to one where elected leaders establish policy while professional administrators oversee operations. This shift requires more than a new organizational chart. It requires a new way of thinking, leading, collaborating, measuring success, and delivering public services. The Chief Strategy & Change Management Officer will become the architect behind that transformation. Working alongside the City Administrator, executive leadership team, bureau directors, elected officials, and community stakeholders, this executive will establish the strategic planning framework, accountability systems, governance processes, and organizational capabilities needed to align dozens of bureaus and service areas around a shared vision. The position will also build the City’s long-term strategy function and determine the resources and structure needed for its continued success.
The ideal candidate is a highly accomplished and visionary executive who excels at leading organizational strategy, transformation, and continuous improvement across complex organizations. This individual will be a collaborative leader with a history of driving meaningful change, building alignment among diverse stakeholders, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. The successful candidate will have extensive experience integrating strategic planning, budgeting, governance, and performance management into a cohesive organizational framework while effectively navigating political, operational, and labor-related complexities. They will be a trusted advisor to executive and elected leadership, bringing exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, political savvy, and a systems-thinking approach to solving challenges and advancing organizational priorities. Above all, the ideal candidate will be a relationship builder who can unite teams around a common vision and successfully guide the organization through periods of growth and transformation.
This recruitment will remain open until filled, with a first review of applications on Friday, October 9, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply early for full consideration.
To learn more or apply, visit: https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2649
For confidential inquiries or additional information about this position, please contact:
Abby Ackers
Principal Executive Recruiter
aackers@cpshr.us
Teddi Anderson
Project Consultant/ Recruiter
tanderson@cpshr.us
For over 40 years, CPS HR Consulting has delivered trusted HR solutions that strengthen the public sector.
As a public agency ourselves, we bring unmatched insight into the challenges government organizations face. With 120+ employees and 200+ consultants, we support 2,700+ public agencies, including federal, state, local, special district, higher education, and nonprofit organizations through:
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