Hybrid Information Technology Change Manager en Port of Portland, OR

About the Department

The Port of Portland is hiring a Change Manager: Digital Transformation

This is a Limited Duration role currently budgeted for 4 years. The duration of the role may be subject to change based on business needs. 

Join the team leading ‘Port Forward – Transform with Purpose’ the Port of Portland’s bold transformation journey. This position is responsible for leading the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive organizational change management (OCM) strategies for the Port’s large-scale digital transformation efforts. Using Prosci methodologies, including the ADKAR® Model, this role will ensure the successful adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working across diverse business units and stakeholder groups.

From the Hiring Manager: "Ready to lead a major transformation? This isn't just a change management role—it's a chance to be at the center of one of the most ambitious digital business transformations in the Port of Portland’s history. As our new Change Manager, you'll be the champion of people, helping our teams navigate the shift to new ways of working, new tools, and a future-forward mindset. 

You'll lead the human side of our digital journey, creating and executing a change management strategy that ensures our employees are engaged, prepared, and excited for what's next. Your work will directly impact how we operate, innovate, and grow, making you a key player in shaping the future of our business. If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for people and a knack for inspiring change, we want to hear from you."

You’ll work alongside a collaborative, high-performing team that values curiosity, creativity, and clarity. With executive-level support, Prosci-backed methodology, and a clear mandate to transform—not just replace—this is a rare opportunity to shape culture, build momentum, and leave a legacy of sustainable change.

If you're passionate about connecting strategy to action, empowering people through transition, and doing meaningful work that truly moves the needle—this is the place to do it.”

We offer a flexible hybrid schedule to support both work-life balance and team collaboration. Due to the nature of this role, it may require more on-site participation outside of the norm.  This role CANNOT be performed remotely.

Position Duties

Change Management Strategy & Planning 

• Develop and execute structured OCM strategies that address the complexity of the transformation impacts across Port business functions.
• Conduct change impact, readiness, and stakeholder assessments.
• Partner with project teams ensuring change management is integrated into the overall transformation strategies.
• Advise project leadership on change risks, adoption barriers, and mitigation strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Develop and deliver multi-channel communication strategies that address each program's milestones, impacts, and benefits.
• Facilitate two-way feedback loops with stakeholders at all levels to gauge sentiment and adjust messaging.
• Support executive and sponsor communications to reinforce vision and case for change.

Training & Capacity Building

• Work with SMEs and business units to define training needs based on process and role changes.
• Collaborate with training teams and departments to deliver end-user training plans.
• Build change agent networks and equip managers and supervisors to lead through change.

Resistance Management & Reinforcement

Evaluation & Reporting

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Successfully led change management for one or more ERP Projects.
  
• Prosci Certification (preferred).
• Experience in public sector or highly regulated environments.
• Experience supporting ERP (Oracle, Workday, SAP, etc.) rollouts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change in cross-functional teams with matrixed governance.
• Proficient at change enablement, business readiness, large-scale technology transformation, and stakeholder alignment.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED is required. 
  1. A bachelor’s degree in organizational development, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or related field is preferred.
• Five (5) + years of experience in a change management, transformation, or organizational development role.
• 2+ years of recent experience with proven success in supporting large-scale change within complex organizations

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities

• Senior - Organizational change management with an emphasis on enterprise systems implementations 
• Senior –Deep understanding of Prosci methodologies, including the ADKAR® Model, Change Triangle (PCT), and best practices research
• Senior – Experience developing change-related materials including communication plans, FAQs, readiness surveys, and training content.
• Senior - Knowledge of adult learning principles and training best practices
• Senior - Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical or strategic messages into business-friendly language

Other Qualifications

Selection Process: (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of the education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of September 1st.
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials.
3. Our goal is to schedule the virtual first round of interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation the week of September 8th. Panel Interviews will be held the week of September 15th.