Director or Senior Director for Legislative Policy

Department: Government and Community Relations
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $95,000 - 120,000 per year for Director; $120,000 - $150,000 per year for Sr. Director
Compensation Band: OS-OA10-Fiscal Year 2025-2026
FTE: 1.0

This position can be based in Eugene or Portland.

Application Review Begins

May 11, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application which includes:
1) An online application;
2) A current resume that address how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications.

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications—use your application to let us know what is meaningful to you about the role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.

If you have questions about the application process or the position, please reach out to fass@uoregon.edu

Department Summary

Government and Community Relations (GCR) supports the University of Oregon’s (UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching, discovery, and service by strategically positioning the university to create awareness, build long-term relationships, and secure resources that increase understanding and further its aims. The unit comprises approximately a dozen employees primarily working out of Eugene, with additional offices in Portland. We are committed to fostering equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment that recognizes the value of all members of our community.

The Federal Affairs, State Affairs, Community Relations, and Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships programs together form the Office of Government and Community Relations (GCR). Government and Community Relations coordinates the University of Oregon’s legislative and advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, including the university’s sponsorship and community engagement programs, and strategic relationships with companies, economic and business community engagement organizations, corporate foundations, and government groups. GCR’s mission is to build and strengthen relationships with the university’s constituencies and encourage investment in and support for the university, its programs, and its initiatives.

State Affairs at the University of Oregon is responsible for all university matters related to the Oregon Legislative Assembly, statewide elected offices and officials, state agencies including the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, state boards and commissions.

Federal Affairs at the University of Oregon has direct oversight of all university matters relating to the federal government, US Congress, members of the Oregon congressional delegation, other federal officials, federal agencies and advisory boards. This office assesses implications and opportunities for the university of federal legislation and other activities, and develops and maintains close relationships with elected officials, their staff, and federal agency staff to create awareness and generate support for the university’s federal priorities and initiatives. Federal Affairs is responsible for coordinating the university’s responses to policy issues and directs the university’s engagement with federal officials, agencies, events, and activities.

Position Summary

The Director or Senior Director of Legislative Policy serves a critical role in advancing the success of University of Oregon (UO), and its students, faculty, and staff through legislative lobbying at the state and federal levels.

This position works closely with university leadership to promote the UO’s value and secure sustained and increased investments in public higher education. The director/senior director serves as a strategic partner to both the Associate Vice President for State Affairs, and Executive Director of Government and Community Relations and the Senior Associate Vice President for Federal Affairs in advancing the UO’s legislative agenda and enhancing awareness among lawmakers and public officials of the UO’s strengths and contributions.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for State Affairs, and Executive Director of Government and Community Relations, this position will enhance impact across the State and Federal portfolios by aligning strategy and engagement on campus.

In coordination with the Associate Vice President for State Affairs and the Senior Associate Vice President of Federal Affairs, the director/senior director ensures the alignment of strategies and engagement efforts across state and federal portfolios. A key responsibility is working with state legislative staff to monitor and assess legislation, budget, proposals, and agency initiatives to articulate their impact on, and opportunities for, the university.

The position will be expected to travel to Salem daily when the legislature is in session and maintain a regular office presence in Eugene or Portland when not in Salem. Occasional travel outside of Oregon is required to support federal legislative efforts.

Candidates residing outside of these communities who can commute to an office location and the Oregon State Capitol will be considered.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qualifications for the Director level:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Five years of experience in legislative affairs, staff to agency or public official, and/or legislative or political campaign advocacy.
• Three years of experience working with government agencies, budgets, and legislative processes.

Minimum Qualifications for the Senior Director level:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Seven years of experience in legislative affairs, staff to agency or public official, and/or legislative or political campaign advocacy.
• Five years of experience working with government agencies, budgets, and legislative processes.

Professional Competencies

• Deep knowledge of political dynamics and legislative process.
• Ability to motivate and work well with students, faculty, staff, business and community leaders, and volunteers to build public and political support for the university.
• Ability to quickly develop deep knowledge of unfamiliar subject matter and the ability to understand and communicate complex topics.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
• Ability to quickly adapt to new information and anticipate needs of decision-makers.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage confidential or sensitive information and issues responsibly.
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications for the Director level:
• Advanced degree.
• Demonstrated leadership experience working with multiple stakeholders to advance a specific initiative or agenda.
• Knowledge of policies and initiatives involving higher education.
• Seven years of experience in state or federal legislative processes.
• Experience working with Oregon policymakers.

Preferred Qualifications for the Senior Director level:
• Advanced degree.
• Demonstrated leadership experience working with multiple stakeholders to advance a specific initiative or agenda.
• One year of working with Oregon policymakers
• Two years of experience working with policies and initiatives involving higher education.
• Ten years of experience in state or federal legislative processes.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

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