Senior State Policy Manager, Office of Government Relations

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$0.00 - $0.00 Annual

Department:

Non-Departmental

Job Type:

Elected Official Staff

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

December 02, 2025

The Opportunity:

Salary Range: $110,000 to $130,000

 

OVERVIEW

Multnomah County, the most populous county in Oregon, is home to approximately 766,135 residents and responsible for providing a wide array of services to our diverse communities in an equitable and inclusive way. One of the keys to effective government is creating pathways for our diverse community to impact what we do and let us know what their priorities and needs are. At the County, we operate to foster safety, trust and belonging for our community throughout the work, services, and programs we provide. 

We are seeking a talented, experienced professional for the position of Senior State Policy Manager in the Office of Government Relations. This is a fast-paced position that requires excellent interpersonal and communications skills, extensive legislative experience, strong writing and outstanding policy development skills. You will work closely with the county board of commissioners, county departments, community stakeholders, and other constituents to develop and execute a comprehensive and strategic government relations plan that advances the county’s mission and goals. 

Job responsibilities will include:

• Lobbyist

  • Represent Multnomah County at hearings, meetings and other legislative activities during the state legislative session. 

  • Represent the County in formal and informal interactions and negotiations with legislators, members of the executive branch and other local government officials, as appropriate. 

  • Work with the Multnomah County Attorney’s Office to draft legislation and solicit legal interpretation of legislation. 

  • Collaborate with legislators and interest groups to get legislation introduced, passed and signed by the Governor. 

  • Work to defeat or modify bills contrary to Multnomah County’s interests.

• Legislative Analyst

  • Track, analyze and interpret proposed legislation on relevant matters. 

  • Manage bill tracking software and provide legislative updates for commissioners and departments on state and federal bills and budgets. 

  • Draft position papers, correspondence and testimony.

• Board Legislative Liaison 

  • Work with commissioners and departments to identify and refine proposed issues to be included in the legislative agenda presented to the board. 

  • Conduct research and follow-up on proposed legislative issues.

  • Contribute to report at the conclusion of the legislative session 

• Political Advisor

  • Assess policy and political positions, provide advice, counsel and formulate suggested strategies for a wide range of complex and sensitive legislative issues. 

  • Prepare talking points on legislative bills for use by commissioners, legislators, and the public.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Equity Driven - You are familiar with using an equity or racial justice lens in decision making processes and knowledgeable about the principles and practices of collaborative decision-making. You have experience facilitating and engaging in conversations about race, social justice, economic mobility and/or other intersectional experiences that play a critical role in engaging a diverse community.

• Communication -  You have excellent verbal and written skills and are able to interact with others with diplomacy and tact. You have experience in public speaking and facilitating large group discussions. Knowledge of communications portals and web-based resources for legislative activity.

• People-Focused - You love working with people and are committed to public service. You’re able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated skill in collaborating with staff, community stakeholders and public officials to advance the county’s agenda.

• Knowledge of legislative process and protocols.

• Experience passing legislation and/or developing policy proposals on a range of issues.

• Experience working with and lobbying elected officials.   

• Strong attention to detail and strong work ethic.

• Ability to manage stress and remain flexible in a changing environment.

• Passion for county issues.

• Have knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant sections of local, regional, state and federal mandates. 

• Knowledge of Multnomah County government, its mandates and functions and familiarity with the regional and local policy issues and challenges that affect Multnomah County is a plus.

• Ability to remain objective in a political environment and to properly handle private and confidential matters.

• Be flexible and adapt as required, while working in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment.

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 about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values.

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.

• Three (3) years of experience working in a legislative and/or public policy making position. 

• Experience in public, community and/or government relations.

• Familiarity working with community groups, government entities, and/or elected officials.  

• Demonstrated experience effectively communicating politically sensitive information.

• Experience developing briefing materials and talking points. 

• Demonstrated organization and project management skills and abilities. 

• A valid driver’s license. 

• Pass background and professional reference checks.

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

 

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet consists of the following. Keep in mind we use your application materials as evaluation tools. The quality and strength of your application will determine if you move forward in the process. Respond to each section completely and concisely. Refer to your relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and training.

Application Packet: Your completed application must include the following items:   

• A completed online application and/or a resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, the number of employees under your supervision.

• An uploaded cover letter that expands on your resume and addresses:

  • The ways that your personal and professional experience supports your qualifications for this role.

  • Project management.

  • Communication skills in developing briefing materials and talking points.

  • Experience in public, community and/or government relations.

  • Ability to incorporate diverse perspectives in work. 

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process. 

The Selection Process and Timeline: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications: We may do an additional preferred review and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified.

• Consideration of top candidates: We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing/writing samples to determine the best candidates for a position.

• Background check and reference checks: All finalists must pass background and reference checks.

• The hiring manager is flexible with the start date

Type of Position: 

• This is a 1.00 FTE salaried position and it is not eligible for overtime. 

Schedule:

• Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

• This position will be a hybrid of telework and in office.

• May require some evening and/or weekend commitments.

• The hiring manager is flexible with the start date

Work Location: Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214. 

Additional Information: 

• This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, regular, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions.

In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter:

Norman Ross

Email:

norman.ross@multco.us

Phone:

+1 (503) 9882568 x82568

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile:

9400 - Staff Assistant