Policy Section Chief (Business Operations Manager 2)

Policy Section Chief (Business Operations Manager 2)

Opportunity awaits! Are you passionate about public service and skilled at navigating complex policies? The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Policy Section Chief (Business Operations Manager 2) in our Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM). In this pivotal role, your leadership will help shape and strengthen Oregon's preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters, making a tangible difference in the lives of Oregonians.

The Office of Resilience and Emergency Management leads ODHS efforts to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards. OREM is the lead state agency for mass care and human services recovery, oversees business continuity across ODHS programs, and coordinates the development of cleaner air shelters, cooling centers, and warming centers during extreme weather events.

Summary of Duties

This position reports to the OREM director, is part of the executive leadership team, and provides specialty expertise, oversight, and direction on legal and legislative issues, policy, program development, grants management, and related functions.

Informational Session

If you're interested in learning more about this position, we invite you to join us for an informational meeting to learn more about the position and address any questions you may have.

This virtual session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 11 : 00 am to 12 : 00 pm PST. Please note, this is not part of the interview process and is open to everyone.

As a Policy Section Chief, you will :

• Coordinate comprehensive studies of policy issues for the purpose of improving services to Oregonians and communities before, during, and after disasters.
• Coordinate with local governments, elected officials, and others to ensure awareness of how policies and processes impact real-world situations and to gain input for improvement.
• Ensure legal rules and other parameters are assessed and addressed in studies and other work.
• Manage the design and analysis of the collection of data to evaluate and identify trends and prepare recommendations for policy development and interpretation, and ensure statutory compliance.
• Monitor other states and the federal government to determine if there are new programs, services, or policies that can improve outcomes for the people, communities, and organizations OREM supports.
• Interpret and maintain knowledge of relevant federal, state, and administrative rules and regulations.
• Coordinate periodic review of existing policies, administrative rules, and regulations; evaluate for alignment with current policy strategies.
• Recommend policy strategies, options, and legislative positions to executive leadership, and formulate plans to change policy direction based on the results of research, evaluation, and analysis.
• Coordinate public notices, meeting schedules, and appropriate coordination with community partners on administrative rule development and related functions.
• Explain policy issues and the effect of proposed legislation to state legislators, legislative committee members, legislative staff, lobbyists, and task forces.
• Draft legislative proposals; review and track state and federal legislation; prepare testimony; analyze bills and propose amendments to pending bills.
• Collaborate with OREM Finance and Administration Chief to prepare and submit legislative documents to the Legislative Fiscal Office.
• Review and monitor federal legislation in matters of state or agency concern; recommend action to executive managers on methods of effective federal representation.
• Coordinate efforts to streamline federal processes affecting OREM's work.
• Collaborate with the Finance and Administration Chief to design strategies to maximize federal funding to state programs.
• Interview, select, and provide training for new employees, volunteers, and interns; provide formal reviews of performance; counsel staff and initiate personnel actions, as needed; and resolve grievances.
• Organize and assign work activities and projects; manage programs, monitor workflow, and review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participate in the preparation of OREM's budget and in forecasting additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Work with the ODHS government relations team, the Oregon Department of Justice, and others to identify and resolve barriers to successful incident response.
• Liaise with and facilitate internal and external community partners to communicate goals and objectives, resolve issues of concern, and educate and inform regarding program activities.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with :

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

Working Conditions

Background Checks and Requirements

Benefits

Employment Preference

Veterans' preference :