Deputy Director (Deputy/Chief 6)

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a Deputy Director (Deputy/Chief 6) to apply leadership skills to protecting and enhancing Oregon’s environment. DEQ strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity, fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This full-time position is based at DEQ’s Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. The Deputy Director will be part of the Director’s Office and the Agency Leadership Team, which provides policy formation, guidance, goal development, problem-solving, conflict resolution, leadership, and accountability for the agency's program efforts. The team focuses on long-term strategic thinking and planning, ensuring DEQ’s priorities align with its mission, vision, and organizational design principles, grounded in anti-racist principles and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

Requirements

Progressive management experience in a government agency or organization.
Demonstrated leadership and commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Proven experience developing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Progressive experience managing multiple large, complex programs, divisions, and services, preferably in the environmental / natural resources sector.
Strategic planning, long-term visioning, and policy development experience, especially within public institutions.
Experience with high-level decision-making on complex, precedent-setting issues.
Experience with executive-level management of statewide programs and operational priorities.
Ability to act on behalf of the Director, including participation in Governor’s cabinet and interagency coordination.
Ability to lead and oversee regulatory programs across air, water, land, waste, enforcement, and cleanup.
Dedication to scientific integrity and evidence-based decision-making.
Ability to integrate Environmental Justice into agency programs, decision-making, and operations.
Ability to amplify impacted voices, build trust, and embed equitable practices in hiring, supervision, and service delivery.
Strong active listening and inclusive communication skills.
Experience supervising managers and overseeing large teams (direct supervision of 8; indirect oversight of 200+) in a unionized environment.
Ability to manage recruitment, hiring decisions, and personnel actions.
Skill in coaching, mentoring, performance management, and employee development.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally under pressure.
High emotional intelligence and judgment when navigating sensitive or controversial issues.
Ability to build effective relationships with local government officials, state agencies, environmental groups, and communities.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups.
Valid driver’s license.
Must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

Lead and direct the administration of implementing and enforcing laws regulating air, water, and land pollution.
Administer authorities delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Administer state statutes including air, water, waste, and environmental cleanup.
Ensure the integration of environmental justice across agency programs.
Serve on behalf of the Director as an attendee of the Governor’s cabinet.
Assist on behalf of the Director in efforts to coordinate Natural Resource Agencies.
Support the Director, Environmental Quality Commission (EQC), and overall effectiveness of the Agency by providing leadership and guidance to DEQ employees statewide.
Foster organizational health and represent the Agency to constituent groups, interested parties, elected officials, and other partners.
Develop proficiency in and model proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring & developing others, stewardship, and business acumen.
Ensure staff are supported and have the tools, learning, and equipment necessary to perform their duties.
Coach, mentor, and motivate staff; meet regularly with staff to provide leadership, guidance, and feedback, and to encourage skill development and career growth.
Set clear work objectives, goals, and expectations for staff; evaluate performance and address performance in a timely manner.
Build team cohesion; encourage collaboration and ensure staff are cross-trained.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
11 paid holidays
10 hours of vacation per month, eligible to be used as accrued
8 hours of sick leave per month, eligible to be used as accrued
24 hours of personal business leave per fiscal year, eligible to be used 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
Opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Continuous growth and development opportunities
Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
A healthy work/life balance, including flexible schedules and hybrid work options for many positions