Senior Legislative & Government Relations Strategist (OPA4)

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Job Description:

OHCS commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Our Vision is that all Oregonians can pursue prosperity and live free from poverty.

Our Mission is to provide stable and affordable housing and engage leaders to develop an integrated statewide policy that addresses poverty and provides opportunity for Oregonians.

Our Core Values:  Collaboration – Compassion – Equity – Integrity – Leadership – Transparency.

• Hybrid > This position is a combination of hybrid and remote.
• This is a permanent, full-time management service position.
• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• This position will involve travel on official State business. Should you choose to drive a motor vehicle you must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. If not, you must have an alternate method of transportation.
• This position requires both a resume and a cover letter, the cover letter will need to address the desired attributes listed in this job posting.

The Senior Legislative and Government Relations Strategist works within the Government Relations Section and provides support across OHCS programs, staff, and with executive leadership. This role actively contributes to the development and implementation of local, state, and federal legislative strategies that directly support the mission, vision, priorities and goals of the agency. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Government Relations, this highly independent position strategically plans, advises, and orchestrates the agency legislative agenda and other government relations’ priorities with the Oregon State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, local governments and industry advocates to facilitate successful and efficient progression of agency programs.

The position's primary responsibilities include proactively monitoring legislative committees, engaging with partners and local governments, participating in legislation development, ensuring effective cross-department coordination, preparing agency leadership for legislative presentations and policy analysis related to potential legislation impacting OHCS. The Government Relations Strategy lead works closely with local governments and monitors the impacts of federal legislation and federal rules on OHCS programs, offering expert advice to the Assistant Director of Government Relations on communicating the effects of federal and state actions to local partners and to our Congressional delegation and federal advocacy partners. Lastly, the position is the lead on coordinating agencywide legislative projects and guarantees that legislative intent is met in implementation and that legislators and partners are engaged effectively. 

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
-OR-
Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

For a copy of the Position Description please contact: HCS_HR.Solutions@hcs.oregon.gov

• Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
• External applicants: View this application instructional video. A PDF is also available by clicking here.
• REQUIRED: Attach your most up-to-date Resume. Please ensure your Workday profile matches your submitted resume.
• REQUIRED: Attach a Cover Letter that demonstrates how you meet the “Desired Attributes” for this position.

• A Cover Letter that does not meet the required criteria will be graded as ineligible.

If you have questions about the job announcement, or need an alternate format to apply, please contact the HR Solutions Inbox at: HCS_HR.Solutions@oregon.gov

The most competitive candidates will possess the following attributes, experience, and knowledge:

• Knowledge of public and legislative procedures, with a focus on housing and community service policies.
• Analyze complex policies and effectively communicating analyses to stakeholders including delivering reports for legislative purposes.
• Ability to cultivate relationships and work effectively and respectfully with politically, ideologically, culturally, and geographically diverse people and communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social justice issues, a deep commitment to equity and social justice in strong alignment with OHCS values, and an understanding of how racism impacts housing outcomes.
• Expert oral and written communication for public participation and other government processes.
• Ability to disseminate complex information in plain language, including agency policies, statutes, and industry reports. 

You will become part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!

• A positive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and cross-training.
• An agency that supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness.
• Generous benefits package including, employer-paid health insurance, vacation, and sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS).

• The posted salary range is the total possible range for the classification. Candidates are screened through a Pay Equity process that evaluates various factors. Please see the Pay Equity website for more information.

*These dates are approximate and may change. * 

• Recruitment Closes: 10/14/26

• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going
• Hiring Manager Screening for Requested Skills: On-going
• 1st Round of Interviews: Week of 10/19/26
• 2nd Round of Interviews: TBD if needed
• Anticipated Start Date: 11/16/26

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is Oregon’s housing finance agency. We provide financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of lower and moderate incomes. Our vision is that all Oregonians can pursue prosperity and to live free from poverty. Across Oregon, housing has emerged as a paramount concern. The lack of available housing, high rents and high home prices are driving rapid increases in housing instability and homelessness. The data is clear: too many Oregonians are without a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

OHCS is placing greater emphasis on strategic planning and the way we invest our resources. Recently, we have restructured, refocused, and reimagined our agency. Our work has led to an increased emphasis on data, research, and customer service. We are carrying that effort forward with the Statewide Housing Plan. The plan articulates the extent of Oregon's housing problem and what we can do to address it. OHCS committed to the Housing Stability Council and our stakeholders that the plan will be responsive to the needs of the state.

OHCS released its Building Oregon's Future: 2023 Annual Report to update the agency’s significant progress in meeting the goals outlined in the 2019 Statewide Housing Plan. We are now more than halfway into the five-year plan.

To learn more about Oregon Housing and Community Services, visit our website: https://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/pages/index.aspx

The Public Affairs Division promotes OHCS’ core services, programs and mission by leading internal/external government relations, strategic communications, and engagement. The Division serves as a bridge between policymakers, public interest, and partner organizations to promote stable housing. Public Affairs actively strives to center equity and racial justice and to form deep partnerships across the housing continuum to achieve equitable and affordable housing outcomes for all Oregonians.

·        If you need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please send your request to HCS_HR.Solutions@hcs.oregon.gov and include the job requisition number.

·        The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

·        Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference as it may not be available to view after the job closes.

·        Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

·        Work Authorization: Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) does not offer VISA sponsorships.  Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form containing authorization to work in the United States.  OHCS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

·        Veteran’s Preference: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section.

·        The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Emails

·        HCS_HR.Solutions@hcs.oregon.gov

Links

·        Application Instructional PDF

·        Application Instructional Video

·        Benefits Information

·        Classification and Compensation Page

·        OHCS Website

·        Oregon’s Statewide Housing Plan – Halfway Progress Report

·        Oregon’s Statewide Housing Plan – Full Plan

·        Pay Equity

·        Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

·        Veterans Resources