Senior State Policy Manager, Office of Government Relations

About the position 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

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