Policy and Government Affairs Director; Consultant Advisor

Policy and Government Affairs Director (Consultant Advisor
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Are you looking for a high‑impact role where your leadership will influence legislation, guide strategic decisions, and deliver meaningful results? Are you passionate about building partnerships and shaping policies that create opportunities for all? If you’re ready to lead with a purpose and make a lasting impact, apply today and help us turn vision into action and advance policies that support businesses, promote employment, and strengthen Oregon’s economic future!

• Initial Posting Date: 01/07/2026
• Final date to receive applications: 02/04/2026
• Agency: Employment Department
• Salary Range: $8,097 – $12,522
• Position Type: Employee
• Position Title: Policy and Government Affairs Director (Consultant Advisor
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• Lead and manage a comprehensive government relations program for OED, encompassing federal, state, and local legislative and liaison activities aligned with OED’s mission.
• Develop, direct, and implement OED’s legislative strategies and programs at both the state and federal levels.
• Build and maintain high‑level partnerships with key stakeholders to advance state and federal policy initiatives.
• Identify and engage cross‑sector partners, broker strategic commitments, and drive collaborative efforts to achieve OED’s strategic goals.
• Provide expert consultation that informs department goals and guides the Director’s decision‑making, balancing legislative priorities, public expectations, legal requirements, and financial considerations.
• Act as the agency’s primary representative for government relations, speaking on behalf of the OED Director to legislators, business partners, and other state agencies.
• Play a key role in setting internal and external policy direction, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team to shape public policy, resolve policy and program conflicts, and lead change management efforts that enhance agency operations and impact.
• Contribute to the development of agency‑wide policies, budgets, and strategic goals.
• Lead the creation and execution of legislative and government affairs agendas in coordination with OED leadership.
• Represent the agency on legislative and interagency councils, committees, and work groups, ensuring alignment with OED’s overall legislative strategy.
• Carry out the agency’s affirmative action, diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and responsibilities.

• Seven years of executive‑level policy development or foundational experience directly related to the position being recruited; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the legislative process at the state level and experience working with legislative bodies at all levels.
• Ability to exercise considerable independent professional judgment in dealing with collaborators in a highly competitive and politically‑charged environment.
• Experience negotiating and advocating for legislative concepts and state agency rules.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn a wide variety of policy and program areas including workforce, benefit programs, and other core areas of the agency.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex issues to external parties.
• Ability to follow through on many work streams under short timelines in a fast‑paced legislative environment.
• Demonstrated comfort with ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• Ability and skill in collaborating and achieving results through people who do not report to this position.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and promoting inclusion.

• A workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment and encourages learning and mentoring.
• Rewarding work in a dynamic and creative environment with colleagues who are passionate about public service.
• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity.
• Oregon’s easy‑to‑use carpool matching tool and trip planner.

• Attach a resume and cover letter. The cover letter must not exceed two…