Policy and Government Affairs Manager (Government Affairs Manager 3)

Initial posting: 07/31/2026 • Application deadline: 08/24/2026

About the Role

Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader to shape the agency’s government relations strategy and champion policies that drive economic opportunity across Oregon. The Policy and Government Affairs Manager will play a vital leadership role within Business Oregon, guiding the agency’s comprehensive government relations strategy across federal, state, and local levels. This position leads and coordinates legislative activities that advance Oregon’s economic growth, business development, and infrastructure priorities. As a key member of the leadership team, the Policy and Government Affairs Manager will direct the development and implementation of Business Oregon’s state and federal legislative agenda and serve as a strategic advisor on policy issues that shape the agency’s mission and impact.

This is a hybrid position that may have the ability to work from home, with the expectation of an in-office presence as needed to support business operations.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Director and department employees on state legislation, public policy, and department-wide program and policy issues.
• Review legislative concepts, bills, and amendments to determine agency impacts and evaluate potential effects of bills.
• Evaluate and formulate recommendations for legislation and policy planning.
• Manage and coordinate department policy options, legislative and budget processes, and strategy.
• Conduct broad-based policy issue analysis with state impact.
• Coordinate relationships with department partners, advocates, and advisory organizations.
• Coordinate department legislative relations, such as monitoring the process, evaluating and testifying on legislative proposals.
• Work with agency leadership and staff to coordinate and prepare testimony before the Oregon Legislature.
• Assist the Director and Deputy Director in carrying out priority work.
• Represent the agency in various public venues.
• Manage development of the department’s administrative rules and internal agency policies.

Requirements

• Seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; OR
• Four years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of some or all the following skills:

• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process at the state level and working with legislative bodies at all levels (local, state, and federal).
• Experience in policy recommendations, strategic agendas, and legislative strategies for an agency.
• Experience in developing, recommending, or implementing laws, rules, policies, or procedures to address organizational or statewide needs.
• Experience preparing and delivering testimony and supporting legislative efforts that advance executive priorities.
• Experience collaborating and building relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor’s Office, federal officials, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience in economic development principles through a variety of industry sectors.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple complex initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations.

We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of these requested skills.

About Business Oregon

The mission of the Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD), dba Business Oregon, is to invest in Oregon’s businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. Business Oregon is the economic development agency for the state of Oregon, with about 200 team members. We work with communities and businesses to enhance and expand infrastructure and community safety with projects such as water/wastewater systems, seismic rehabilitation for schools, or rural broadband development. Our mission is carried out with an agency strategic plan and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to advance prosperity for all Oregonians.

Benefits

• Work/life balance with generous benefit package.
• 11 paid holidays a year, plus 3 paid personal days.
• Flexible work schedules and paid leave.
• Employer contribution retirement plan (PERS).
• Pension plan and deferred compensation packages.
• Professional development, mentoring, and coaching.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

Pay

$8,299 – $12,835 per month.

A pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine the specific pay step offered to the successful candidate, based on relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt, management service position. Employees new to the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) will receive a 6.95% base salary increase and will pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS after an initial six-month waiting period.