Operations & Policy Liaison (OPA2)

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Operations & Policy Liaison (OPA2)

Permanent | Full Time | Salem, OR

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Operations & Policy Liaison to join our Policy team. This position plays an important role in supporting agency wide policy development, review, and continuous improvement. If you enjoy researching and evaluating information, working collaboratively across an organization, and turning complex requirements into clear, practical guidance, we encourage you to apply!

Position: Operations & Policy Liaison (OPA2)

• 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 is a hybrid position.

Location: Salem, Oregon

Salary Range: $5,893–$8,703

What You Will Do

As the Operations & Policy Liaison, you will support agency wide policy development, review, and maintenance. You will work with the Policy team and staff across OPDC to evaluate existing policies and procedures, identify areas that may need clarification or revision, and help develop guidance that supports agency operations and organizational objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate the agency’s annual policy review process, including monitoring review activities, gathering and analyzing feedback, and communicating results to the Policy team and agency management.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate policies and procedures to assess their effectiveness, identify gaps or opportunities for improvement, and support alignment with agency requirements and operational needs.
• Collaborate with staff across agency sections to review existing policies and procedures, develop new guidance as needed, and coordinate updates through the policy review process.
• Translate complex information into clear, practical guidance that staff can understand and apply in their work.
• Maintain accurate and accessible policy resources by posting and updating approved policies and procedures on the agency’s internal SharePoint site and external website.

This position requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively with colleagues across the agency.

For the full position description, please send your request to: opds.hr.info@opds.state.or.us

Minimum Qualifications

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 two (2) years of professional-level evaluative, analytical, and planning work.

OR

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to five (5) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

Desired Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1. Policy Research, Analysis, Development, and Continuous Improvement

• Experience researching, analyzing, developing, reviewing, or evaluating policies, procedures, administrative rules, or business processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, administrative rules, legislative changes, or other requirements to agency programs and operations
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate existing policies and processes, identify gaps or opportunities for improvement, research best practices, and recommend practical solutions that support agency and program objectives.

2. Policy Coordination, Communication, and Implementation

• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, subject matter experts, and staff across an organization to develop, revise, implement, and communicate policies and procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, understandable guidance for varied audiences.
• Experience coordinating projects or review processes, managing documentation and policy records, and maintaining electronic information resources such as SharePoint or similar platforms.
• Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, and communicate information and updates effectively.

What’s in it for You

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Generous Paid Leave

• 10 paid holidays annually
• 3 personal business days each year
• Vacation leave that increases every 5 years of service
• Monthly sick leave accrual

Professional Development

• Training and continuing education opportunities
• Career growth and advancement pathways
• Leadership development opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Work-Life Balance

• Hybrid and flexible work opportunities, when operationally appropriate
• Employee wellness resources

Recruitment Process Timeline

These dates are approximate and may change.

• Recruitment Closes: Sunday, 11/22/26 @ 11:59P PST
• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: Ongoing
• Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: Ongoing
• Round 1 Interviews: Week of 11/30/2026
• Round 2, In-Person Assessment and Presentation: Week of 12/7/2026

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply" link above to complete your online application and submit by the posted closing date and time. For step-by-step instructions click apply to work for the state or current state employee.

Required Application Materials

Resume & Cover Letter

• Your application materials should clearly demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed in this announcement.
• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum qualifications and desired skills listed above. Failing to attach required documents may result in disqualification of your application.
• 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.
• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.
• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all required documents listed above. Applications missing required documents will not be advanced in the recruitment process.

Additional Information

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. OPDC does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. OPDC is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.
• Finalists will be subject to reference checks.
• If you need an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, Kelli Rodrigues: Kelli.A.Rodrigues@opdc.state.or.us or the Human Resources Inbox: OPDS.HR.Info@opds.state.or.us.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Pay Equity

The Oregon Public Defense Commission is an Equal Opportunity; Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity. At the Department of Administrative Services, we embody the value of hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce revitalizes our state. We value diversity and foster a positive and welcoming environment where all employees can thrive.

About Us

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative.

We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars.

After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move?

Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background.

If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between.

Oregon “flies with her own wings.”