Policy Advisors
Position summary
Policy Advisors directly supports one elected Metro councilor by serving as a professional resource, performing a variety of complex duties.
The ideal candidate will have advanced communication skills, a strong understanding of the current political environment, and a strong aptitude for recognizing and handling confidential matters with discretion. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment while maintaining a high level of attention to detail, and providing information and excellent customer service to a wide range of people. Supervision is received from the Council Program Director.
This recruitment will be used to fill three positions supporting councilors representing districts 1, 3 and 4.
To learn more about the Metro Council, our councilors and district boundaries visit https://www.oregonmetro.gov/regional-leadership/metro-council.
At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.
- Uses a strong understanding of the councilor's goals, perspectives and opinions to act as a resource for others concerning the interpretation of agency policy and objectives.
- Serves as a liaison between the councilor and agency staff, staff at Metro's partner jurisdictions, and the public.
- Represents councilor's perspectives and opinions by preparing letters for signature, responding directly to phone calls and sending email correspondence to Metro departments, other agencies and the general public.
- Compiles data from narrative and statistical reports, and analyzes data to prepare councilor for meetings, speaking engagements, and other functions; drafts memos and talking points; provides content for social media and other public communication.
- Solicits ideas, opinions and suggestions from agency staff and constituents as needed.
- Provides support to councilor by maintaining calendar and appointments, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, assisting with administrative tasks and coordinating general office operations.
- May attend meetings to gather information for or represent a councilor or accompany her/him both at Metro and in the councilor's district.
- Participates in the Council Office team, including attending weekly policy team and staff meetings.
- Assists the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner.
- Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self and co-workers.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
This position is not represented and is classified as a Policy Advisor II (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the position(s).
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in public affairs, political science or a related field, and
- Three years of progressively responsible and complex policy and administrative support experience required.
- OR -
- Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of current office procedures and general administrative tasks.
- Knowledge of the councilor's work and the agency in general.
- Knowledge of public administration principles and practices with emphasis on legislation and policies.
- Skill to provide in-depth expertise concerning council's perspective, opinion and policy formulation.
- Knowledge of transportation, climate change, or solid waste and recycling policy a plus.
- Knowledge of issues and connections with individuals or organizations in specific councilor district a plus.
- Sense of humor and grace under pressure a plus.
- For district 4 councilor, bilingual in Spanish and Latinx bicultural background a plus.
- Ability to perform research and analysis and evaluate policy.
- Ability to manage complex relationships among Metro's jurisdictional partners, occasionally with competing priorities.
- Ability to effectively use business computer software.
- Ability to organize and conduct research, projects and business activities.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with Metro councilors, managers, staff and the public.
- Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.
- Ability to act independently and make frequent decisions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, volunteers, vendors and others encountered during the course of work.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service by meeting the needs of and interacting with employees, volunteers, vendors, the public and others encountered during the course of work in a courteous and professional manner.
- Ability to work in a safe manner and follow Metro safety policies, practices and procedures.
- Ability to foster workplace diversity and forward Metro's commitment to racial equity.
- Ability to fulfill Metro's employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.
If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer