Central Services Division Policy & Operations Manager (Business Operations Manager 2)
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a full-time Central Services Division Policy & Operations Manager to lead the Operations & Policy section. The position is based at DEQ headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and may be eligible for hybrid work. The Central Services Division supports agency programs throughout Oregon in areas including accounting and budgeting, information systems, human resources, health and safety, training, policy and organizational development, purchasing, and facilities management. Its services support more than 800 positions across the state. The manager leads a team responsible for data governance, public records management and coordination, facilities operations, fleet services, agency reception, emergency management and continuity of operations, and agency-wide policy management and development. The role sets the section’s vision and direction, develops goals and objectives, tracks progress, and helps staff prioritize work. It also involves coaching and developing professional and technical staff, hiring and onboarding, providing feedback, resolving complex operational and administrative challenges, and supporting clear and responsive statewide rules, procedures, and guidance. The manager ensures the section delivers timely, service-oriented work aligned with DEQ’s commitments to equity, accessibility, and high-quality customer service. The position calls for a people-centered leader who models proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen. The manager is expected to support staff with appropriate resources and information; establish clear objectives and expectations; address performance with care and accountability; and foster team cohesion, collaboration, and a culture of service and continuous improvement. Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting with multiple demands, tight deadlines, and changing priorities. The position may involve occasional official travel, including travel for meetings, conferences, trainings, and public hearings; some travel may involve evenings, weekends, or overnight stays. Extended hours may occur during legislative sessions, inclement weather, and emergencies. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds is required. DEQ provides hardware for work from home, and onsite workspace may be shared.
Requirements
- At least 6 years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; or 3 years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree.
- For the desired supervisory attributes, direct supervision experience includes responsibility for hiring, performance management, coaching, employee development, and other personnel decisions.
- Ability to apply equity and inclusion principles to policy, operations, supervision, and personnel management.
- Ability to develop employees and build a 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 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 and collaboration skills across teams, roles, and perspectives.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to advise executives and explain complex information.
- Valid driver’s license if driving a motor vehicle; otherwise, an alternate method of transportation is required. Drivers of state-owned vehicles must complete a defensive driving safety class every two years.
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.
- Oversee data governance, public records management and coordination, facilities operations, fleet services, agency reception, emergency management and continuity of operations, and agency-wide policy management and development.
- Set the section’s vision and direction by developing goals and objectives, tracking progress, and helping staff prioritize work.
- Hire, onboard, coach, mentor, and develop professional and technical staff; provide regular feedback and support employee growth.
- Set clear work objectives, goals, and expectations, and address performance in a timely and accountable manner.
- Resolve complex operational and administrative challenges.
- Support the development of clear, responsive statewide rules, procedures, and guidance.
- Ensure work is timely, service oriented, and aligned with DEQ’s equity, accessibility, and customer service commitments.
- Foster team cohesion, belonging, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Lead policy development and support policy implementation and change management.
- Manage operational workloads and performance with a focus on outcomes, metrics, and continuous improvement.
- Build relationships across teams and advise executives on operational or organizational impacts.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 11 paid holidays
- Vacation leave: 10 hours per month, available as accrued
- Sick leave: 8 hours per month, available as accrued
- Personal business leave: 24 hours per fiscal year, available after 6 months of service
- Optional life insurance packages
- Flexible spending accounts
- Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) membership
- Optional deferred compensation retirement program
- Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Continuous growth and development opportunities
- Opportunities to serve the community through meaningful work
- Healthy work/life balance, including flexible schedules and hybrid work options for many positions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
