Legislative Assistant

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

2d•$4,080 - $6,119•Onsite

About The Position

The office of Senator Sara Gelser Blouin is hiring a team-oriented Legislative Assistant for the 2027 Legislative Session. The role supports the Senator’s office and provides experience with the legislative process, policy research and writing, event coordination, communications, and public policy focused on equity, independence, and self-determination for Oregonians. This is a full-time, limited-duration, in-person position at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. It begins no later than December 2026 and ends June 30, 2027. The Legislative Assistant shares in the day-to-day work of the office, including tracking legislation, attending workgroup meetings, staffing the Senator for meetings and presentations, and meeting with constituents, members, and lobbyists as assigned. The position works under the supervision of the Chief of Staff. The role requires flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends, and willingness to travel within Oregon. Reliable transportation to Salem, Senate District 8, and relevant events across the state is required. The posting notes that an employee may be required to report to the Capitol on short notice, even if a remote work agreement is granted.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the position’s duties.
Strong communication skills and ability to listen effectively.
Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a positive approach.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, multitask, prioritize rapidly shifting priorities, and meet short deadlines.
Comfort working with constituents from diverse backgrounds, including youth, people experiencing mental illness, and people with disabilities.
Flexibility to work non-traditional office hours, including nights and weekends.
Willingness to travel within Oregon and reliable transportation to Salem, Senate District 8, and relevant events across the state.
Application must include a resume and cover letter explaining applicable experience.
Valid email address and authorization to work in the United States; the Legislature does not offer visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Strong written and oral communication skills with high attention to detail.
Self-motivation, excellent judgment, and commitment to confidentiality, accuracy, and hospitality.
Exceptional organizational skills.
Ability to process incoming information accurately and quickly, prioritize tasks with sound judgment, and manage workflow in a fast-paced, rapidly shifting environment.
Ability to adapt to changing deadlines and priorities.
Demonstrated ability to produce excellent and accessible written and visual content across platforms, including newsletters and social media.
Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and rapidly gain proficiency in new applications and technology.
Familiarity with the people and issues of Senate District 8 and ability to travel independently to and within the district.
Proficiency with trauma-informed practices and ability to navigate sensitive situations involving topics of harm and injustice toward vulnerable populations.
Commitment to open and respectful communication with people of all political affiliations, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.
Dynamic, positive, highly motivated, responsible, punctual, and reliable.
Familiarity or experience with human services, disability justice, foster care, education, and mental health policy.
Lived experience, which the posting notes may be as valuable as educational or employment experience.

Responsibilities

Maintain a welcoming, accessible, and hospitable office environment, including primary responsibility for the coffee and refreshment station and office-hosted Capitol community-building events.
Attend workgroup meetings and meetings with lobbyists and constituents as assigned.
Collaborate on the creation and delivery of a bi-weekly constituent newsletter.
Document the legislative process and the Senator’s activities by taking video and photographs.
Draft one-pagers, talking points, and memos on policy issues and legislation.
Manage the Senator’s phone system and ensure timely responses to constituent phone calls.
Staff Senator Gelser Blouin at town halls and community events in her legislative district.
Develop content for social media communications and press releases.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Honorary Page program and other special visitors to the Capitol.
Respond to constituent emails.
Assist with maintaining bill files.
Track legislation, attend workgroup meetings, staff the Senator for meetings and presentations, and meet with constituents, members, and lobbyists as assigned.