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State Affairs Manager

State Affairs Manager

Government JobsPortland, OR, US
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The Position

We're hiring a State Affairs Manager for the Port of Portland! In this role, you'll represent the Port's needs in state government and work on a wide array of issues. You'll collaborate with lawmakers, state agencies, and key partners to influence legislation, secure funding, and drive strategic policy decisions.

From the Hiring Manager : "Come join the Government Affairs team at the Port! As the State Affairs Manager, you'll be responsible for advancing the Port of Portland's needs in the Oregon Legislature and in partnership with state agencies."

About the Port of Portland : The Port of Portland is a gateway to global opportunity and a powerful economic engine for the Pacific Northwest. We manage marine terminals, industrial parks, and Portland International Airport (PDX)consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Our mission is to promote economic growth and improve our region's quality of life, while upholding our values of integrity, inclusion, and innovation. At the Port, we believe in doing meaningful work that connects people, drives commerce, and builds community.

We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that combines work-life balance with team collaboration. You'll be in the office Tuesday through Thursday to engage with colleagues and support our business lines, with the flexibility to work from home on Mondays and Fridays.

Essential Job Duties

State Government Affairs

  • Develop, represent, and advance the Port's priorities, positions, and funding needs in the Oregon Legislature.
  • Review bills and state regulatory initiatives to determine impact and opportunities for the Port, ensuring appropriate vetting among diverse internal subject matter experts.
  • Maintain excellent working relationships with the Executive Branch, including the Governor's Office, members of the Legislature and staff, state agencies, boards and commissions.
  • Effectively communicate legislative and state priorities to a wide range of audiences and venues, including legislative committees, agency forums, Port leadership, and external stakeholders.
  • Manage contract lobbyists and other consultants.
  • Develop and manage partnerships and coalitions with key external stakeholders on common state positions.

Cross Functional Policy Development

  • Quickly synthesize complex information, manage consistent understanding among external partners and colleagues, maintaining clear messaging throughout.
  • Research issues, assess context and tradeoffs to support informed and efficient internal decision-making on business related public policy matters.
  • Develop, present, and disseminate research and other written materials to Port leadership and staff teams, present at public agencies, Port Commission, and other external venues, as necessary and appropriate.
  • Serve as a senior member of several internal Port working groups spanning financial, regulatory, planning, and business needs.
  • In partnership with Planning and Development, Environmental Operations, and Port Business Lines, investigate project funding alternatives, solicit various third parties to obtain funding sources, and garner necessary support from elected and agency partners.

    • Integrated Government Affairs

  • Maintain proficiency in overall Government Affairs agenda and program, providing support and partnership with managers at the regional and federal levels.
  • Support alignment and consistency in policy positioning at all levels of government.

    • Minimum Qualifications

    Education, Experience, & Certifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Politics, Policy, Planning, or related field.
  • Master's Degree in Public Policy, Law, or related field is desired.
  • Minimum eight (8) years of experience in a senior level position in government affairs, policy development, or related field; or, the equivalent combination of education and / or relevant experience.
  • Maintain a valid state driver's license is required.
  • Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required.

    • Demonstrated Knowledge & Skills

  • Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
  • Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
  • Deep understanding of Oregon's government structure, political landscape, legislative and regulatory processes.
  • Expertise in complex policy development, capital program planning, and land use / transportation systemsespecially within Oregon's unique governance model.
  • Skilled in leading cross-functional initiatives, managing sensitive projects, and aligning programs with strategic priorities.
  • Strong communicatorable to distill complex ideas for diverse audiences across written, verbal, and formal presentation formats.
  • Proven ability to build relationships, navigate intergovernmental partnerships, and influence outcomes with diplomacy.
  • Strategic thinker with advanced problem-solving skills, able to translate broad goals into tangible policy and program results.
  • Proficient in managing budgets, information systems, and operational tools to support decision-making and program execution.
  • Quick to learn and apply relevant legal frameworks, procedures, and compliance requirements.

    • Supplemental and Selection Information

    Compensation : Our organization adheres to established salary ranges for each position to ensure equitable pay practices. However, final offers are determined based on various factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and considerations of internal pay equity.

    Selection Process (tentative schedule) :

  • A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of August 4, 2025.
  • A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials.
  • Our goal is to schedule virtual first round of interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation as soon as possible.

    • About us : At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region's success. With YOUR help together with our partners, customers, and community we'll help drive meaningful change!

    Do you have questions about this job? Contact us : careers@portofportland.com

    Safety : The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.

    Equal Opportunity Employer : The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.

    Veterans Preference : Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran's preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

    Background Checks and Drug Testing : The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and / or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

    ADA Accommodation : Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources : call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.

    At the Port of Portland, we strive to offer a holistic and comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families. We care about your health by offering highly-subsidized healthcare plans that include alternative care. We look out for you and for family by paying for life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage. We participate in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement program. We provide access to additional coverage and benefits including pre-tax spending accounts, voluntary term life insurance, a

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