Policy Manager (Council Aide)

The PositionJob Appointment: Full-TimeWork Schedule: M onday–Friday, 8 am-5 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.Work Location: 1221 SW 4TH AVE, PORTLAND OR 97204-Benefits: For an overview of the benefits for this position, you can visit our benefits tab .Union Representation: Non-representedApplication Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to attach a resume and a cover letter. The Policy Manager serves as the office’s lead on policy development, legislative strategy, and committee coordination.This role has two main functions: (1) developing and advancing the Councilor’s policy agenda across a wide range of issues, and; (2) managing the Councilor’s responsibilities as Chair of the City Life Committee, including policy coordination and committee operations.The Policy Manager is responsible for moving policy through the legislative process from concept through passage, conducting research and stakeholder engagement, and advising on strategy, amendments, and final votes. The role requires a high level of strategic judgment, political awareness, and the ability to operate across multiple issue areas simultaneously. The Policy Manager also monitors and evaluates policy moving through Council and committees including committees the Councilor does not sit on, providing strategic recommendations, preparing the Councilor for meetings and votes, and ensuring alignment with the Councilor’s priorities and values.As support staff for the City Life Committee, the Policy Manager will assist on a large committee portfolio, with issues including economic development, tourism, and sports; music, arts, and culture; recreational programing within Portland Parks; external investments in internships, apprenticeship, and job training programs; workplace and labor protections; community development; equity and human rights; climate change prevention and mitigation; sustainability; and community resilience.The Policy Manager will report to the Chief of Staff and Councilor and will work collaboratively on a wide range of projects with all members of staff to support the needs of the office.What You’ll Get To DoPolicy Development & Legislative StrategyLead the development and execution of the Councilor’s policy agenda across a broad portfolio, including economic development, labor and workforce, public safety, transportation, climate resilience, and community development.Manage the office’s policy through the full legislative lifecycle, from early concept development and stakeholder engagement to drafting, negotiation, passage, and implementation.Draftordinances, resolutions, amendments, policy memos, and other legislative materials.Develop policy strategies and advise on timing, coalition-building, and other political considerations.Represent the Councilor in policy development spaces, including meetings with bureaus, community organizations, industry stakeholders, and other elected offices.Council Policy Advisory & Legislative SupportServe as the primary advisor on all policies moving through City Council, and advise on votes, amendments, and overall legislative strategy. Staff the Councilor in meetings related to policy development or evaluation.Tracklegislation across committees and provide regular report-outs, summaries, and strategic recommendations.Analyze proposals from other Council offices and bureaus, identifying impacts, risks, and alignment with the Councilor’s priorities.Track relevant local, state, and federal developments and assess implications for the Councilor’s agenda, as needed. City Life Committee Management & CoordinationProvide administrative and logistical support for the Councilor in her role as Chair of the City Life Committee.Set committee agendas in coordination with Council leadership, bureaus, and stakeholders.Coordinate with presenting bureaus and partners to prepare materials and ensure effective, organized committee meetings.Prepare comprehensive briefing materials and provide real-time policy support during committee meetings.Track committee outcomes and ensure follow-up on directives, questions, and policy action items.Council & Committee PreparationPrepare detailed briefing binders for Council and committee meetings, including policy summaries, talking points, stakeholder positions, and recommended actions.Prepare and negotiate amendments in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.Stakeholder Engagement & RepresentationBuild and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including City bureaus, community-based organizations, labor groups, and industry representatives.Convene and facilitate stakeholder discussions to inform policy development and implementation, as needed. Represent the Councilor at meetings, events, and policy discussions, as needed. Attend in-district office hours in collaboration with the Outreach and Engagement Advisor on a monthly basis.Questions?:Terrol JohnsonSenior Recruiterterrol.johnson@portlandoregon.govTo QualifyQualificationsApplicants should specifically address and demonstrate in their cover letter and résumé how their education, training, and/or experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications:Ability to track, analyze, and evaluate legislation and policy proposals across multiple issue areas, and translate findings into clear guidance for policy action.Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear and persuasive policy memos, legislative drafts, briefing materials, and other public-facing documents under tight deadlines.Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and consistency.Demonstrated ability to exercise sound political judgment and strategic thinking, including assessing stakeholder positions, anticipating risks, and advising on policy and legislative strategy.Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, proactively identifying opportunities, solving problems, and advancing work without close supervision.Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism, with the ability to represent the Councilor effectively in meetings with City bureaus, community stakeholders, advocacy groups, and other elected offices.Preferred QualificationsExperience working in local government, legislative offices, or closely related public sector environments, particularly in a policy advisory or legislative role.Experience preparing elected officials or senior leaders for meetings, hearings, and public engagement, including development of briefing materials, talking points, and speeches.Familiarity with the City of Portland’s form of government, bureaus, and key policy issues, including economic development, housing, labor, public safety, or community development.Experience staffing or managing legislative committees, including agenda-setting, stakeholder coordination, and meeting preparation.Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating amendments and working through complex legislative processes.Background in one or more City Life Committee issue areas (e.g., economic development, workforce, arts and culture, parks and recreation, or climate resilience).Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including community-based organizations, labor unions, business leaders, and advocacy organizations.Experience analyzing budgets, program performance, or financial impacts related to policy proposals.Familiarity with Oregon state policy landscape and the interplay between local and state government.The Recruitment Process STEP 1: Apply online between June 1 , 2026 and June 8 , 2026 Required Application MaterialsCover letter.Details are key! The city uses a merit-based system, so your cover letter should be thorough and specifically address each qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section of the job announcement. Your cover letter can exceed one page to ensure you can provide detailed information for every qualification. Follow the instructions, as a subject matter expert will be evaluating your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.ResumeAnswer to Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions) Optional Application Materials:Veteran’s Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date. Update: As of March 3, 2025, if you have already submitted veteran documents and qualified for preference, you do not need to resubmit them for future recruitments.To update or remove veteran preference for this recruitment or from your profile, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.Application TipsYour cover letter can exceed one page but no more than three, to ensure you can provide detailed information for every qualification. A subject matter expert will evaluate your details to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.Your résumé should support the details described in your cover letter.How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act . Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid, regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all your relevant experience.E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.Do not attach any additional documents.Please note that all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage the use of AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. BOLI: Equal Pay for Workers: State of OregonEvery worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Week of June 8 , 2026 An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and cover letter, is weighted 100%. Your resume and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification. You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required before the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection. Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of June 15 , 2026 Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. Step 4: Selection (Interview): TBD The hiring bureau will review and select candidates to interview. Please note, that the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list. Step 5: Offer of Employment: TBDStep 6: Start Date: TBD A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met. Timeline is approximate and subject to change* Additional InformationClick here for additional information regarding the following:City of Portland Core ValuesRecruitment Process - Work StatusEqual Employment OpportunityVeteran PreferenceADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos and offers How to Apply Classes once per month. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement.An Equal Opportunity Employer