Deputy Director (Deputy/Chief 6)

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a full-time Deputy Director based in its Director’s Office at DEQ Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. The Deputy Director is a key strategic partner to the Director, helping lead a statewide environmental agency and shape agency priorities, organizational strategy, programs, operations, and workforce. The position oversees implementation and enforcement of state and federal environmental laws covering air, land, water, and environmental cleanup, including authorities delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It also advances integration of environmental justice in agency programs and decisions, represents DEQ in high-level partnerships and public forums, serves on behalf of the Director in Governor’s Cabinet activities, and supports coordination with Oregon’s other Natural Resource Agencies. The Deputy Director supports the Director and Environmental Quality Commission by providing leadership and guidance to employees statewide, fostering organizational health, and building relationships with communities, regulated entities, elected officials, tribal governments, partner agencies, and other interested parties. The role is an executive-service supervisory position that manages a major agency organizational component and reports directly to an executive or administrative officer. It serves at the pleasure of the agency appointing authority. The position is based at DEQ Headquarters in Portland and may be eligible for hybrid work, subject to arrangements with the hiring manager and changing business needs. Most work takes place in a professional office setting, frequently under tight deadlines. Frequent official State travel is required, including meetings, conferences, site visits, trainings, and public hearings; some travel may involve evening or weekend work and overnight stays. Extended hours may occur during legislative sessions, severe weather, and emergencies. Site visits may expose the employee to pollutants, chemicals, contaminants, and inclement weather. Occasional lifting is required, and the position requires driving a state vehicle with a valid driver’s license.

Requirements

Progressive executive-level management experience in a government agency or government 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 in the environmental or natural resources sector.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with ORS 807.020 (1); completion of a defensive driving safety class every two years is required for drivers of state-owned vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing strategic plans and long-term vision.
Regulatory and policy development experience, especially in public-sector institutions.
Experience making high-level decisions on complex, precedent-setting issues.
Executive-level management experience with statewide environmental or natural-resources programs and operational priorities.
Experience leading and administering a government agency division or organization in ways that build teamwork, foster effective communication, and deliver quality results.
Demonstrated 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.
Experience fostering organizational health and managing recruitment, hiring decisions, and personnel actions.
Skill in coaching, mentoring, performance management, and developing current and future leaders while fostering employee growth, engagement, and accountability.
Experience leading and 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.
Demonstrated 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.
Experience building effective relationships with local government officials, state agencies, environmental groups, and communities, and collaborating with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Director to lead the statewide agency and help shape agency priorities, organizational strategy, and long-term direction.
Provide leadership across DEQ’s programs, operations, and workforce.
Oversee implementation and enforcement of state and federal environmental laws governing 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.
Support the Director and Environmental Quality Commission by providing leadership and guidance to employees statewide.
Foster organizational health and build effective relationships with communities, regulated entities, elected officials, tribal governments, partner agencies, and other interested parties.
Model the competencies of proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
11 paid holidays.
10 hours of vacation leave 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, available 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 Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Continuous growth and development opportunities.
Opportunities to serve the community and contribute through meaningful work.
Work/life balance, including flexible schedules and hybrid work options for many positions.