Deputy Director (Deputy/Chief 6)

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

1d•$137,148 - $212,448•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a full-time Deputy Director based in its Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Located in the Director’s Office, the Deputy Director serves as a key strategic partner to the Director in leading a statewide environmental agency. The role helps shape agency priorities, guide organizational strategy, and provide leadership across DEQ’s programs, operations, and workforce. The Deputy Director oversees implementation and enforcement of state and federal environmental laws governing air, land, water, and environmental cleanup programs, including authorities delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The role integrates environmental justice into agency programs and decisions, represents DEQ in high-level partnerships and public forums, acts on behalf of the Director in Governor’s Cabinet activities, and supports coordination with Oregon’s other Natural Resource Agencies. The position provides leadership and guidance to employees statewide and supports the Director and Environmental Quality Commission. It fosters organizational health and effective relationships with communities, regulated entities, elected officials, tribal governments, partner agencies, and other interested parties. As a State supervisory administrator, the Deputy Director is expected to develop and model proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen. The position is an unclassified executive-service supervisory role that serves at the pleasure of the agency appointing authority. It is based at DEQ’s Portland headquarters, with possible hybrid work arrangements subject to agreement with the Hiring Manager and business needs. Work is primarily in a professional office setting and includes frequent official travel, sometimes involving evening or weekend work and overnight stays. Extended hours may occur during legislative sessions, inclement weather events, and emergencies. Site visits may involve exposure to pollutants, chemicals, contaminants, and inclement weather, and the role involves occasional lifting. A valid driver’s license and completion of defensive-driving training every two years are required for use of a state vehicle.

Requirements

Progressive executive-level management experience in a government agency or government organization.
Demonstrated leadership and commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, with proven experience developing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Progressive experience managing multiple large, complex programs, divisions, and services in the environmental or natural resources sector.
Valid driver’s license; compliance with ORS 807.020 (1) is required.
Ability to complete a defensive-driving safety class every two years when driving a state-owned vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing strategic plans and long-term vision; regulatory and policy development experience, especially in public-sector institutions; and experience making high-level decisions on complex, precedent-setting issues.
Executive-level management of statewide environmental or natural resources programs and operational priorities; experience leading a government division or organization while building teamwork, effective communication, and quality results.
Ability to act on behalf of a Director, including participation in Governor’s Cabinet and interagency coordination.
Executive-level experience supervising managers and overseeing large teams in a unionized public-sector environment, including fostering organizational health and managing recruitment, hiring, and personnel actions.
Skill in coaching, mentoring, performance management, and developing current and future leaders while fostering employee growth, engagement, and accountability.
Experience overseeing regulatory programs across air, water, land, waste, enforcement, and cleanup.
Experience with evidence-based decision-making and ensuring scientific integrity.
Experience negotiating complex environmental issues, including issues with historical roots, with a wide range of interested parties.
Experience integrating 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; active listening, relationship-building, and inclusive communication skills.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally under pressure, including in contentious situations.
High emotional intelligence and sound judgment when navigating sensitive or potentially controversial issues.
Success building relationships with local government officials, state agencies, environmental groups, and communities, and collaborating effectively with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Director to lead DEQ and shape agency priorities and organizational strategy.
Oversee implementation and enforcement of state and federal environmental laws and programs related to air, land, water, and environmental cleanup, including delegated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency authorities.
Integrate environmental justice into agency programs and decision-making.
Represent DEQ in high-level partnerships and public forums.
Serve on behalf of the Director in Governor’s Cabinet activities and support coordination with Oregon’s other Natural Resource Agencies.
Provide leadership and guidance to employees statewide and support the Director and Environmental Quality Commission.
Foster organizational health and build effective relationships with communities, regulated entities, elected officials, tribal governments, partner agencies, and other interested parties.
Develop and model proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen.
Lead and administer agency programs and operations, including strategic planning, policy development, complex decision-making, and organizational priorities.
Supervise managers and large teams, support recruitment and hiring decisions, manage personnel actions, and develop current and future leaders.
Drive a state vehicle for official duties and complete defensive-driving safety training every two years.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
11 paid holidays
Vacation leave: 10 hours per month, eligible to be used as accrued
Sick leave: 8 hours per month, eligible to be used as accrued
24 hours of personal business leave per fiscal year, eligible to be used after six 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 through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Continuous growth and development opportunities
Opportunities to serve the community and make an impact through meaningful work
Healthy work/life balance, including flexible schedules and hybrid work options for many positions