Strategic Initiatives Advisor

Oregon Department of Transportation – Delivery and Operations Division, Region 1 Policy & Development (Portland / Hybrid)

About the role

In this highly visible role, you will serve as the primary staff and advisor for the region’s Policy & Development Manager. You will undertake special initiatives related to transportation policy and projects, represent the agency on various committees and multi-agency efforts, coordinate major cross-disciplinary initiatives, and help find resolutions to challenges related to project development. This position calls for a flexible, entrepreneurial, and collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop policy and strategy options for unique issues and evaluate and recommend the best course of action.
• Identify and track projects and initiatives designed to advance the agency mission and goals.
• Organize and guide multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional policy group and team projects that deal with complex and politically sensitive issues.
• Serve as the regional liaison to external and internal efforts and standing groups and provide support for ODOT advisory committees.
• Respond to priority requests from state and agency leadership, the legislature, and outside agencies, including evaluating proposed legislation.
• Help evaluate grant funding and political support requests made by outside parties.
• Prepare and conduct briefings and presentations to committees and elected officials.
• Develop and maintain communication materials such as reports, presentations, handouts, and talking points.
• Take on ad hoc assignments from section and regional leadership as needed.

Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment with frequent phone and in-person contact. This position requires the ability to work flexible hours to accommodate early morning or evening meetings, and occasional travel is required. Hybrid work options are available.

Requirements

• Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of experience in transportation planning, public policy, or a similar field.
• A bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, business or public administration, behavioral or social sciences, finance, economics, political science, or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years of professional-level evaluative, analytical, and planning work.

Special Qualifications

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in the analysis and writing of transportation policy.
• Experience with regional politics and the process of influencing multi-agency decision making, including being comfortable engaging senior agency staff and elected officials.
• A history of developing innovative solutions and working collaboratively.
• Experience as a project manager working in a demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under changing conditions with conflicting deadlines.

Pay

Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the range of $7,537 – $11,098 per month (non-PERS). If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Benefits

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and flexible work schedules.
• Paid leave and additional benefits (learn more about working at ODOT and the benefits offered).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity.