Policy Advisors

Position Summary: Recruitment will close at 11:59 PM on June 25th, 2026 or after 75 applications, whichever comes first. Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration. Core Functions of a Policy Advisor Strategic Policy Development & Decision Support Conduct policy research and feasibility analysis at the direction of individual Councilors Work with agency staff to support alignment between Council direction and administrative decisions Synthesizes complex technical information into clear decision‑making frameworks that respond to Councilor needs and stakeholder communication Drafts policy proposals, resolutions, and amendments aligned with Councilor priorities Regional Strategy & External Affairs Supports strategy and readiness for major regional funding efforts (e.g., bonds, levies, measures) Builds and maintains relationships with external government partners (cities, counties, state, federal, Tribes, special districts) Helps position Councilors and the agency as credible, trusted regional leaders Contributes to and maintains a dynamic stakeholder map/tracker (jurisdictions, community groups, business, advocacy, etc.) Communication & Constituent Relationship Management Prepares concise talking points for meetings, public engagement opportunities and immediate responses to constituent inquiries Translates complex policy into clear, compelling communication for internal and external audiences Provides advice to Council and staff regarding effective communication and outreach Proactively builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders to support policy goals through Councilor schedule management and regular communication Cross‑Departmental Leadership & Agency Navigation Builds strong working relationships with department directors and subject matter experts Proactively closes communication gaps between Council Office, departments, and leadership Coordinates across departments to gather accurate, timely information Ensures department‑led briefings are Well‑structured Outcome‑oriented Supported by clear follow‑through Councilor Effectiveness & Time Prioritization Acts as a strategic gatekeeper, not an administrative scheduler Evaluates meeting requests and provides clear recommendations (attend, delegate, decline) Monitors agendas and provides input to ensure Council meetings are an effective use of Council time and reflect the full lifecycle of policy decisions, including key decision points Considers when and how Councilor would prefer to receive information and makes recommendations about when work sessions or individual briefings are needed Governance, Authority & Accountability Maintains strong understanding of Council authority (code, IGAs, governing documents) and Council rules and procedures Tracks commitments, Council direction, and decisions across Resolutions Work sessions Formal actions Advises Councilors on how to adhere to Council rules, Metro policies, and other elected official requirements as part of their official duties Ensures all items tied to Council authority (e.g., code, IGAs, required actions) are timely, visible, and actionable Attributes for Success Proactive, self‑directed approach to completing work, with the ability to track agency programs and assist in moving Councilor initiatives forward Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and communications, often with shifting priorities Excellent interpersonal skills and developing political acumen, with the ability to earn and maintain trust with elected officials, internal staff, and external stakeholders Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill and relay complex topics with clarity Strong sense of ownership and accountability, especially in representing Council Office with care, tact, and alignment Commitment to equity and inclusion, especially when engaging the public and crafting communications Familiarity with project management practices, social media tools, and community engagement strategies Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree Three years of related and progressively responsible experience Any combination of education, professional, volunteer, and lived experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities Mandatory Screening The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check prior to hiring. Criminal convictions are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. Hybrid Telework This position is designated as “hybrid telework.” Employees will be required to work onsite and may work away from the assigned location at times. The schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager at the offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision health insurance Paid sick leave Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave Paid parental leave Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement No‑cost TriMet Hop Pass Employee Assistance Program Training opportunities Flexible schedules depending on position and department Equal Employment Opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected class. Metro is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Employment decisions must not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Metro will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants or employees with disabilities. Veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference under Oregon law. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Santa Fe Springs