Public Policy Director

Imagine for a moment, a world where every single person feels equal to another and every person feels a sense of belonging in their communities, places of work and among others.

At Disability Rights Oregon, this is more than just a dream. This is our life’s work. We envision a world in which people with disabilities have equal opportunity, full participation in our communities, and the ability to exercise meaningful choice. Every day, we strive to make Oregon a more welcoming place for people with disabilities.

Disability Rights Oregon is seeking a Public Policy Director who thrives in a team environment and has the drive and determination to advocate for people with disabilities.

The Public Policy Director leads legislative lobbying, coordinates public policy within Disability Rights Oregon, develops strategic alliances with other policy organizations, and advises on policy and politics.
What you can expect to accomplish:

Provides strategic direction and leadership in implementing DRO’s public policy efforts at the state and federal levels.

Oversees the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of DRO’s overall public policy agenda; assuring that DRO’s mission, priorities and interests in protecting the rights of people with disabilities are promoted.

Educates policymakers on policy issues, legislation, and public policy options, along with the potential impact on Oregonians with disabilities.

Oversees all DRO lobbying efforts with the Oregon Legislature, along with the supervisory responsibility and corresponding assignment authority over one additional full-time lobbyist at Disability Rights Oregon, Contractors, and other DRO staff working on policy to ensure success in our legislative agenda.

Monitors, tracks, and prepares informational testimony before committees and/or public hearings consistent with DRO’s mission and values.

Analyzes proposed legislation and regulatory/policy changes impacting the rights of individuals with disabilities. Systematically tracks legislation and develops/recommends official positions to be taken by DRO.

Participates in various outreach activities, including coordination with the Communications Director related to public and media relations.

What we are looking for:

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year university and five (5) or more years of experience in public policy advocacy, lobbying local, state or federal government, or working on the staff to the Oregon legislature. An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable, but paid work experience in lobbying is required.

Experience developing legislative concepts and drafting legislation, including work with coalitions.

Extensive knowledge of the legislative process and public policy development. A strong understanding of the public policy issues impacting persons with disabilities preferred.

Demonstrated advocacy and/or social services experience preferred.

Experience in civil rights, disability law, and/or other public interest policy/law preferred.

Supervisory experience, preferred.

What we offer (besides a rewarding job!):

35-hour workweek is full time at DRO when the Oregon Legislature is not in Session

Flexible cafeteria benefit plan to use for employer sponsored Medical and Dental insurance

14 paid holidays including floating holidays

Vacation time starting at 12 days in your first year (and going up to 16 days in your second year with continuous increases capping at 30 days per year)

15 days paid sick leave per year

Employer funded retirement account

Cafeteria/flexible spending accounts

Competitive compensation

Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and short-term disability insurance

Malpractice insurance

Paid association dues and professional development opportunities

Where is this position located?

This position is hybrid-eligible within the State of Oregon. During the Oregon Legislative Session, the Public Policy Director will need to frequently be in Salem, Oregon. During other parts of the year, work can be done remotely in a home office or at Disability Rights Oregon’s office in Portland.
Pay Equity

To ensure pay equity among our staff, DRO pays employees strictly based on years of relevant experience. For this position, the salary range is $80,000 to $105,000 depending on experience.
Interested?

We can’t wait to hear from you! For consideration, please complete our application and submit your resume, list of potential references and a cover letter with relevant experience as soon as possible. This position is open until filled.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

Disability Rights Oregon is committed to creating a diverse workforce to strengthen our organization and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our employees invest in their work helps shape the culture here at Disability Rights Oregon. We strive to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve.

We strongly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. All employment decisions at Disability Rights Oregon are based on job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (18 and over), veteran status, uniform service member status, unemployment status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender-related identity and gender expression), marital status, family status, or an individual having been a victim of sexual abuse, including domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.

If you meet key qualifications for the job, and believe you would be the best fit, we would encourage you to apply; please use your cover letter to explain how you will accomplish parts of the job for which you have less experience. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please apply.

Bargaining Unit Position: No