Professional Standards Division Director - Compliance & Regulatory Manger 3

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is hiring a regular, full-time Executive Service director for its Professional Standards Division in Salem, Oregon. The role provides enterprise-level leadership for statewide certification, licensure, compliance, and regulatory programs supporting Oregon’s public and private safety professions. As a member of the agency Leadership Team, the Director sets strategic direction, turns statutory and regulatory requirements into effective programs and policy, and ensures consistent, fair, transparent, and well-reasoned operations. The Director leads managers and multidisciplinary teams, aligns fiscal and operational resources with agency priorities, and advises executive leadership on legal risk, regulatory action, workforce strategy, and organizational performance.

The Director represents DPSST and builds relationships with public safety partners, regulatory and advisory bodies, legal and judicial professionals, elected officials, associations, and the public. The position provides executive oversight of decertification matters involving Criminal Justice and Private Security/Investigator Certification and Licensing programs; oversees agency boards and committees; leads legislative initiatives and administrative rulemaking; and serves as the agency’s records custodian. The role calls for timely judgment on sensitive matters, clear communication of complex issues, collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups, and continuous improvement of statewide programs.

The position is located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, OR. Following the initial training period, hybrid work may be available subject to operational needs and Agency Director approval. A cover letter and resume are required. Candidates are subject to a computerized criminal history check. Preference is given to candidates with a Juris Doctor degree.

Requirements

• At least seven years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience; or four years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience leading complex statewide regulatory, certification, licensing, compliance, or professional standards programs and translating strategic priorities into measurable operational direction.
• Demonstrated success leading managers and multidisciplinary teams, coordinating across organizational units, handling complex personnel matters, and cultivating an accountable, respectful, collaborative workplace.
• Advanced knowledge and practical experience interpreting and applying statutes, administrative rules, the Administrative Procedure Act, public records requirements, and related governmental policies.
• Experience developing and implementing administrative rules, organizational policies and procedures, legislative concepts, strategic plans, and statewide program standards.
• Sound, timely decision-making in high-risk and sensitive matters, including certification and licensure actions, confidentiality, legal exposure, grievances, and potential litigation.
• Experience developing and administering budgets, monitoring expenditures, forecasting needs, approving expenditures, and aligning resources with organizational priorities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including preparing reports and studies, presenting to public officials and stakeholders, providing testimony or formal information, and explaining complex regulatory matters.
• Ability to establish credibility and sustain productive relationships with public safety organizations, regulatory boards, legal and judicial professionals, government officials, legislators, associations, and the public.
• Ability to evaluate program quality and performance, identify risks, set priorities, use evidence to guide decisions, and recommend improvements to policies, standards, processes, and resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, confidentiality, fairness, customer service, and respectful workplace practices.
• Successful candidates must undergo a computerized criminal history check.
• Submit an updated resume, cover letter addressing the requested skills and desired attributes, and the required application questionnaire.

Nice To Haves

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Professional Standards Division’s statewide certification, licensure, compliance, and regulatory programs.
• Establish strategic direction and translate statutory and regulatory requirements into programs and policy.
• Lead managers and multidisciplinary teams, and align fiscal and operational resources with agency priorities.
• Advise executive leadership on legal risk, regulatory action, workforce strategy, and organizational performance.
• Represent DPSST and build productive relationships with public safety partners, regulatory and advisory bodies, legal and judicial professionals, elected officials, associations, and the public.
• Provide executive oversight of decertification matters related to Criminal Justice and Private Security/Investigator Certification and Licensing programs.
• Oversee agency boards and committees.
• Lead legislative initiatives and administrative rulemaking efforts.
• Serve as the agency’s records custodian.
• Evaluate program quality and performance, identify risks, and lead continuous improvement across statewide programs.
• Make timely decisions in sensitive matters and communicate complex regulatory issues clearly.

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays each year, plus paid sick leave, vacation, and personal leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and eligible family members.
• Optional benefits, including flexible spending accounts and term life insurance.
• Automatic enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); the announcement states that participating members have base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution.
• Eligibility for membership in the Police & Fire Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Free parking, an onsite cafeteria, and onsite wellness options.
• Work/life balance and a supportive working environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director