JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: LEGISLATIVE and POLICY ADVOCATE – Portland, Oregon
Position -- The Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a full-time legislative and policy advocate. This position provides an exciting opportunity for an experienced advocate to work as part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of low-income Oregonians.
Background -- OLC is a legal services program committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon by providing a full range of the highest quality civil legal services. OLC does not receive funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation. Program priorities are client-based. OLC operates 11 regional offices, a state substantive law support unit, a public affairs and legislative advocacy unit, and a statewide farmworker program. OLC works closely with other partners in Oregon’s coordinated civil legal services delivery system.
The legislative advocacy team is based in Portland and consists of 2 positions. This advertised position reports to and is supervised by the director of public affairs and legislative advocacy. The office shares space with a regional OLC client-service office, as well as with statewide staff. The position requires working in Salem (about 50 miles south of Portland) on a daily basis during legislative sessions and at other times as necessary.
The Oregon Legislature invites participation by a broad range of stake-holders, including advocates who speak on behalf of low-income clients. The two legislative advocates at OLC work with client groups, the 11 OLC client-service offices, the statewide specialty task forces, the state support unit, and other community partners to develop and advocate for client-based legislative priorities adopted by the OLC Board.
Responsibilities -- Provide high quality legislative advocacy for low-income people living in Oregon. Help the Oregon legislature understand the needs of low-income people in Oregon and the impact various proposals could have on low-income people. Work effectively with legislators, legislative staff, and interim committees. Prepare testimony and information for legislative committees and staff, analyze measures, negotiate solutions, and track priority bills. Work effectively with agency and community partners. Help legal services advocates understand the legislative process, and legislative changes that impact clients.
Requirements – Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income individuals and communities. Good judgment and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Evidence of high degree of initiative and willingness to work collaboratively. Exceptional prior relevant work experience. Strong interpersonal skills, sense of humor, positive personality. Creative thinker and problem-solver. Ability to work longer hours during the legislative session.
Preferences – Oregon-based legislative advocacy experience or legal services experience. Experience with legislative and agency budget negotiations. Background in health care, consumer protection, affordable housing, public benefits, or other poverty issues. Personal experience with poverty, disability, or any other minority status or affiliation. Legal training and OSB membership preferred but not required. Two to ten years of experience.
Send letter of interest, resumé, and list of three references to: [email protected], or mail to Sybil Hebb, Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Advocacy, Oregon Law Center, 522 SW 5th Ave, Suite 812, Portland, OR 97205
Applications encouraged by September 15th, 2017. Job open until filled.