Policy Advisors

Policy Advisors

Salary

$86,988.86 - $116,572.71 Annually

Location

Metro Regional Center, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-1171-COU-G

Department

Council

Opening Date

06/18/2026

Closing Date

6/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Max Number of Applicants

75

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM on June 25th, 2026 or once 75 applications have been received, whichever occurs first. Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure consideration.

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Council Office is looking for strategic, organized, and relationship-driven Policy Advisors to serve as a partner to a Metro Councilor. In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape policy direction, identify and solve complex problems, and ensure Councilors are equipped to make informed, timely, and effective decisions. This includes synthesizing complex technical information into clear decision frameworks, identifying trade-offs and risks, and anticipating policy implications.

As a Policy Advisor, you will play a key role in effective communication of policies and processes in service of Council and agency staff. As part of Metro's evolving leadership presence in the greater Portland metropolitan region, you will play a critical role in bridging the work of Metro with the broader community and will help advance Councilors' goals and priorities, building credibility and trust within the organization and the communities they serve. This high-visibility role presents a unique opportunity to assist Metro's work in regional land use and growth management, solid waste and recycling, housing, transportation, parks and natural areas, and more, all while helping Councilors deliver on their commitments with equity, transparency, and community voice.

If you are energized by public service, excited to work at the intersection of policy and community impact, and motivated to help elected leaders succeed, we encourage you to apply and make a meaningful difference.

Core functions of a Policy Advisor include:

• Strategic Policy Development & Decision Support - owns the development of clear, effective policy strategy and equips Councilors to promptly address issues, make progress on their priorities, and make informed decisions.

• Conducts policy research and feasibility analysis at the direction of individual Councilors

• Works with agency staff to support alignment between Council direction and administrative decisions

• Synthesizes complex technical information into clear decision-making frameworks that are responsive to Councilor needs and stakeholder communication

• Drafts policy proposals, resolutions, and amendments aligned with Councilor priorities

• Regional Strategy & External Affairs - positions Council and the agency for long-term success in regional initiatives and external partnerships.

• 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), in coordination with agency staff

• 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 - understands and implements effective communication and relationship development.

• 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 - breaks down silos and ensures accurate, timely, and coordinated information flow across the organization.

• 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 - maximizes the impact of Councilor time and attention by focusing on high-value activities.

• 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 make recommendations about when work sessions or individual briefings are needed.

• Governance, Authority & Accountability - ensures Council actions are aligned with legal authority, commitments, and organizational obligations.

• 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:

• A proactive, self-directed approach to completing work, with the ability to track agency programs and assist inmoving 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.
• A 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.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and

• Three years of related and progressively responsible experience, and

• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required:

• The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Hybrid Telework

This position is designated as "hybrid telework." You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.

Like to have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• In depth knowledge of the district in which the councilor serves including established relationships with jurisdictional partners and community stakeholders.

• Awareness of local issues within the district relevant to Metro's lines of business.

• At least two years' experience supporting and advising senior leadership or elected officials.

• In depth knowledge and experience relevant to issues of regional importance including economic development, transportation planning, affordable housing, supportive housing services, land use policy, regional solid waste and recycling, visitor venues and/or environmental conservation.

• Experience conducting public engagement activities and communicating with constituents.

• Experience preparing communications materials including talking points, scripts or content for social media on behalf of an organization or individual.

• Experience coordinating projects from concept development, implementation, monitoring to closure.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• Complete responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Background check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $86,988.86 to step 7: $116,52.71 annually. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $86,988.86 to the equity range step 4: $100,700.05 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is not represented by a union. It is classified as a Policy Advisor II.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Megan Warneke

Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

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 for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Non-discrimination in hiring decisions

Metro is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions-including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation-must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

Government Jobs

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

Metro

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these 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
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

View union contracts here.

01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree
• None of the above

02

Select your years of experience supporting and/or advising an elected official. Make sure this is reflected in the Work Experience section of your application.

• No experience
• 1 year or less of related experience
• 1 year but no more than 2 years of related experience
• 2 years but no more than 3 years of related experience
• 3 years but no more than 4 years of related experience
• 4 years but no more than 5 years of related experience
• 5 years but no more than 6 years of related experience
• 6 years but no more than 7 years of related experience
• 7 years but no more than 8 years of related experience
• 8 years but no more than 9 years of related experience
• 9 years but no more than 10 years of related experience
• 10 or more years of related experience

03

Briefly describe any experience you've had supporting and advising an elected official and the nature of your role.

04

Do you have knowledge of local issues and established relationships with jurisdictional partners and/or community stakeholders within any of the Metro districts? If so, which district and briefly describe.

05

This role requires the ability to work across various departments on initiatives important to the council. Describe how you approach building strong relationships and coordinating with different team members to achieve common goals.

06

What best describes your experience working with public sector or government organizations?

• None
• Limited exposure (internship, coursework, volunteer work)
• Some direct experience in a support role
• Extensive experience supporting government or elected officials

07

Do you have experience coordinating projects or initiatives on behalf of an executive leader, elected official or agency?

• Yes
• No

08

Describe any previous experience leading or supporting public engagement for an agency and what strategies you deployed provided the greatest success.

09

Which best describes your experience writing and preparing scripts, talking points, and/or social media messaging for an elected official?

• No experience
• Limited experience (occasional assignments)
• Moderate experience (regular responsibility in one role)
• Extensive experience (primary responsibility across multiple roles)
• Expert-level experience (strategic lead/advisor for executive leaders and/or elected officials)

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov