Strategic Initiatives Advisor

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

1d•$7,537 - $11,098•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Delivery and Operations Division – Region 1, Policy & Development is seeking a Strategic Initiatives Advisor for their Portland / Hybrid location. In this highly visible role, you will serve as the primary staff and advisor for the region’s Policy & Development Manager. You will undertake special initiatives related to transportation policy and projects and represent the agency on various committees and multi-agency efforts. In addition, you will coordinate major cross-disciplinary initiatives and help find resolutions to various challenges related to project development. This job calls for a flexible, entrepreneurial and collaborative approach and someone who can see possibilities and multiple paths to desired outcomes. ODOT provides a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

Requirements

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of experience in transportation planning, public policy or a similar field OR A bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, business or public administration, behavioral or social sciences, finance, economics, political science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in the analysis and writing of transportation policy.
Experience with regional politics and the process of influencing multi-agency decision making, including being comfortable engaging senior agency staff and elected officials.
A history of developing innovative solutions and working collaboratively.
Experience as a project manager working in a demanding environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently under changing conditions with conflicting deadlines.

Responsibilities

Develop policy and strategy options for unique issues and evaluate and recommend the best course of action.
Identify and track projects and initiatives designed to advance the agency mission and goals.
Organize and guide multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional policy group and team projects that deal with complex and politically sensitive issues.
Serve as the regional liaison to external and internal efforts and standing groups and provide support for ODOT advisory committees.
Respond to priority requests from state and agency leadership, the legislature and outside agencies, including evaluating proposed legislation.
Help evaluate grant funding and political support requests made by outside parties.
Prepare and conduct briefings and presentations to committees and elected officials.
Develop and maintain communication materials such as reports, presentations, handouts and talking points.
Take on ad hoc assignments from section and regional leadership as needed.