Central Services Division Policy & Operations Manager (Business Operations Manager 2)

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is hiring a full-time Central Services Division Policy & Operations Manager to lead the Operations & Policy section. The position is based at DEQ’s Portland headquarters and may be eligible for hybrid work. The section supports agency-wide functions including data governance, public records management and coordination, facilities operations, fleet services, agency reception, emergency management and continuity of operations, and policy management and development. The manager sets the section’s vision and direction, develops goals and objectives, tracks progress, and helps staff prioritize work. The role supervises and develops a diverse team of professional and technical staff, including hiring and onboarding, providing feedback, and supporting employees’ skill and career development. The manager also resolves complex operational and administrative challenges; supports clear, responsive statewide rules, procedures, and guidance; and ensures timely, service-oriented work aligned with DEQ’s commitments to equity, accessibility, and high-quality customer service. The role is expected to model proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen. The manager supports a culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and helps ensure internal operations reflect DEQ’s commitments to fairness, transparency, accessibility, trust, and serving all Oregon communities.

Requirements

At least 6 years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience, or 3 years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree.
The position requires direct supervision responsibilities; the posting defines direct supervision experience as including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee development, and other personnel decisions.
If driving a motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license is required; otherwise, an alternate method of transportation is required.
Drivers of state-owned vehicles must complete a defensive driving safety class every two years.
Ability to apply equity and inclusion principles to policy, operations, supervision, and personnel management.
Ability to develop employees and build healthy team culture through coaching, mentorship, accountability, conflict navigation, and empowerment.
Ability to lead diverse operational functions through direct supervision, guide subject-matter experts, make informed decisions without necessarily being the technical expert, and ensure coordinated, customer-focused service delivery.
Experience leading policy development, overseeing policy implementation and change management, and advising executives on operational or organizational impacts.
Ability to manage complex operational functions, staff, workloads, and performance with a focus on outcomes, metrics, and continuous improvement.
Strong relationship-building skills with supervised teams and ability to collaborate across diverse teams, roles, and perspectives.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including advising executives and explaining complex information.

Nice To Haves

Project management experience is valuable, but is not considered equivalent to direct supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the Operations & Policy section within the Central Services Division.
Set the section’s vision and direction by developing goals and objectives, tracking progress, and helping staff prioritize work.
Supervise, coach, and empower professional and technical staff, including hiring, onboarding, providing regular feedback, and supporting skills and career development.
Support staff with the tools, resources, and information they need to succeed.
Set clear work objectives, goals, and expectations, and address performance with timeliness, care, and accountability.
Foster team cohesion, belonging, collaboration, and cross-coverage among staff.
Resolve complex operational or administrative challenges.
Support development of clear and responsive statewide rules, procedures, and guidance.
Ensure the division’s work is timely, service-oriented, and aligned with DEQ’s commitments to equity, accessibility, and customer service.
Guide agency-wide functions including data governance, public records management and coordination, facilities operations, fleet services, agency reception, emergency management and continuity of operations, and policy management and development.
Strengthen the Central Services Division’s culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
11 paid holidays.
10 hours of vacation per month, available for use as accrued.
8 hours of sick leave per month, available for use as accrued.
24 hours of personal business leave per fiscal year, eligible for use after 6 months of service.
Optional life insurance packages.
Flexible spending accounts.
Membership in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
Optional deferred compensation retirement program.
Potential eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Continuous growth and development opportunities.
Opportunities to serve the community and make an impact through meaningful work.
Work/life balance, including flexible schedules and hybrid work options for many positions.