Federal Affairs Advisor - Metro Regional Government, OR

Title: Federal Affairs Advisor
Type: Legislative/Government Relations
Date Posted: March 23, 2023
Organization: Metro Regional Government, OR
Website: Click here for more information or to apply
Email Contact: Megan.Warneke@oregonmetro.gov


Description:


Federal Affairs Advisor

Salary 

$97,124.00 - $137,945.00 Annually

Location 

Portland, OR

Job Type: Full Time

Flexible/Hybrid

Department: Council

Job Number: 2023-1231-COU

Closing Date:

4/6/2023 5:00 PM Pacific

Position summary

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers. 
 
Metro’s Government Affairs and Policy Development (GAPD) team is hiring for a Federal Affairs Advisor. In this role you will work with the GAPD team to strategically advise the Metro Council and Metro department leaders in developing and supporting a set of federal policy priorities. Which includes the collaboration and a strategy to advance those priorities.  The successful candidate for this role will need to have the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with members of congress, staff to the congressional delegation, and other key federal staff. This role will provide regular updates to federal and local partners about projects and policy initiatives; support efforts by Metro and local partners to seek federal grant and allocated funding; and support advocacy in Washington DC including periodic local delegates trips and management of Metro’s ongoing contract for federal representation.
 
The Federal Affairs Advisor will also support the GAPD team in advancing regional initiatives, in collaboration with county, city, and other local government partners. High levels of discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality are required.
 
As the Federal Affairs Advisor, you will:

  • Provide exceptional government affairs, policy analysis and political communications services in support of the Metro Council’s policy objectives 
  • Collaborate with the Government Affairs team, departments and external partners to advance Metro’s policy and funding priorities in the legislative and regulatory arenas. Build, advance and participate in strategic coalition efforts to further Metro’s priorities 
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key federal elected officials and staff, the Metro Council and agency leadership
  • Effectively communicate policy positions, analysis and advocacy strategy to a wide array of internal and external stakeholders including delivering and preparing presentations and briefings, policy research papers and strategic communication 
  • Work closely with the departments that rely on federal government policy and/or funding to implement Metro’s work
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Attributes for Success:

  • Knowledge of federal executive and legislative decision-making process and regulatory procedures
  • Clear understanding of local and regional political issues and the Oregon political landscape
  • Can speak to Metro’s functions and portfolio of programs and services
  • Knowledge of political and regulatory environment affecting Metro and its various operating units
  • Experience and knowledge with the priorities and values in Metro’s Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Is able to use a racial equity lens in all aspects of their work
  • Ability to plan, organize, and implement complex political strategy and projects to advance policy priorities
  • Understands the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making, and correctly assess the political and institutional environment in which decisions are made and implemented
  • Ability to engage others in the policy development process; build alliances and support with multiple stakeholders
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, external partners, volunteers, and others encountered during the course of work
  • Ability to communicate policy positions and Metro’s vision clearly and persuasively to a wide spectrum of individuals and groups, including understanding complex ideas and summarizing main points
  • Skill and knowledge to work independently and collaboratively with internal staff, and with Metro’s partners and stakeholders, including elected officials and senior level decisionmakers.
  • Use high level of discretion with confidential and sensitive matters
  • Work in a safe manner and follow safety policies, practices, and procedures

Diversity and inclusion:  At Metro, we are committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
 
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications: 

  • A Bachelor’s Degree and
  • Four years of directly related and progressively responsible and complex experience providing government affairs, policy analysis and/or political communications services; or
  • Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position’s duties and responsibilities

Working schedule:
This position is a hybrid working model, with some items that can be completed in a home office and other items that need to be complete on a work site. The schedule of this role is flexible, but is dependent on project and business needs, so some night, weekend and holiday work occasionally needed.
 
COVID-19 vaccination requirement:
 Metro is committed to ensuring the health and safety for our employees and our community. As a part of this commitment, Metro has implemented a vaccine requirement policy for employees, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers.  
 
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants. This proof will be requested during the hiring process.
 
If you require an accommodation under this policy for a medical condition or disability, or sincerely held religious belief, please email benefits.help@oregonmetro.gov.
 
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

  • Experience with legislative advocacy, political strategy  
  • Experience in campaign management 
  • Experience at a federal level 

 
COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made between $97,124.00 - $117,535.00 annually. The full-salary range for this position is $97,124.00 – $137,945.00 annually.
 
This position is not eligible for overtime and is not represented by a union. It is classified as Policy Advisor II (Download PDF reader)I. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

  • Attachment of a resume 
  • Attachment of a cover letter describing how your qualifications relate to this role.
  • Attachment of three references (name, contact information, and relationship. We will not call until final step in the process) 

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

  • Initial review of minimum qualifications
  • In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
  • Consideration of top candidates/interviews
  • Testing/assessments (if applicable)
  • References check 

Questions?
Recruiter: Megan Warneke
Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

 

Additional Information

COVID-19 safety: The health and safety of our employees and community is a top priority for Metro. Employees will be required to follow all Metro COVID-related policies and procedures, which may meet or exceed guidelines set forth by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and other federal, state and local jurisdictions. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/COVID-19
 
Equal employment opportunity:  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
 
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
 
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.
 
Pay equity at Metro: Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
 
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement, Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.  
 
Veterans' preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.


Job Post Expiration Date April 6, 2023

  All jobs are considered open until filled, unless otherwise posted.