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Job Description:

The office of Senator Sara Gelser Blouin is seeking a team-oriented individual to join our team as a Legislative Assistant for the 2027 Legislative Session.  Senator Gelser Blouin is a Democrat that represents Senate District 8, which includes Corvallis, Albany, Tangent, Millersburg, South Salem and unincorporated parts of Marion, Linn and Benton Counties. 

This is an in-person, full-time position in Salem that will begin no later than December of 2026.  The Legislative Assistant will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process, improve research and writing skills, participate in event coordination, strengthen communication, expand their network, and gain experience working on public policy that promotes equity, independence and self-determination for all Oregonians.

Ideal applicants have strong communication skills, are excellent listeners, bring a positive and collaborative approach to their work and are curious about people and ideas. Ideal applicants thrive in a fast-paced work environment, have the ability to multi-task, prioritize rapidly shifting priorities and meet short deadlines.  Ideal candidates will also be comfortable working with constituents from diverse backgrounds, including youth, people experiencing mental illness and people with disabilities.

This position will work under the supervision of the Chief of Staff and will share in the day-to-day work of the office, including tracking legislation, attending workgroup meetings, staffing the Senator for meetings and presentations and meeting with constituents, members and lobbyists as assigned.  

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a welcoming, accessible and hospitable environment in the office which includes primary responsibility for the coffee and refreshment station and Capitol community building events hosted by the office
• Attend workgroup meetings and meetings with lobbyists and constituents as assigned
• Collaborate on the creation and delivery of a bi-weekly constituent newsletter
• Document the legislative process and the Senator’s activities by taking video and photographs
• Draft one-pagers, talking points and memos on policy issues and legislation
• Manage the Senator’s phone system and ensure timely response to constituent phone calls 
• Staff Senator Gelser Blouin at town halls and community events in her legislative district
• Develop content for social media communications and press releases
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Honorary Page program and other special visitors to the Capitol
• Respond to constituent emails
• Assist with maintaining bill files

This is a full-time, limited-duration position beginning in the third quarter of 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. This is an in-person position at the Oregon State Capitol. Flexibility to work non-traditional office hours, including nights and weekends and  willingness to travel within Oregon is required.  Access to reliable transportation to Salem, Senate District 8 and relevant events across the state is also required for this position. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with high attention to detail   
• Self-motivated with excellent judgement and commitment to confidentiality, accuracy and hospitality.
• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to process incoming information accurately and quickly, exercise excellent judgment in prioritizing tasks, and manage workflow in a fast paced, rapidly shifting environment
• Ability to adapt to rapidly shifting deadlines and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to produce excellent and accessible written and visual content across a variety of platforms, including newsletters and social media 
• Ability to use Microsoft office programs and rapidly gain proficiency in new applications and technology
• Familiarity with the people and issues of Senate District 8 and the ability to independently travel to and within the district
• Proficiency with trauma informed practices and the ability to navigate sensitive situations that may include topics of harm and injustice towards vulnerable populations
• Commitment to open and respectful communication with people of all political affiliations, abilities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Dynamic, positive, highly motivated, responsible, punctual and reliable 
• Familiarity or experience with human services, disability justice, foster care, education and mental health policy.
• Lived experiences are often as equally valuable as educational or employment experience; please apply if you think you would be a good fit. 

To review the position description in its entirety, please click here.

How to qualify:

Your application must demonstrate: 

A Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of related experience.  

*An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered. 

Please attach a resume and cover letter that clearly states your experience and how it is applicable to this position.  Applications received without both documents may not be considered.  

 TO APPLY: 

•   IF YOU ARE NOT A STATE EMPLOYEE: To apply for this position, follow the "Apply" link and complete the application & questions online. If this is your first time applying in our new system "Workday", you will need to create a new user profile. You can even drag and drop your resume into Workday and it will read and generate your Work History! Be sure to attach a cover letter and resume. 

• CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using the Career app on your Home Page. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job). 

• Please attach a resume and cover letter that clearly states your experience and how it is applicable to this position.  Applications received without both documents may not be considered.  

• Please monitor your Workday account, as all communication will be sent to you through this system. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply. 

• This announcement closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed. 

SPECIAL INFORMATION:  

• The Capitol building is located at 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR  97301.  Regardless of any remote work agreement granted by your Appointing Authority in accordance with Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 26, you may be required to report to the Capitol Building under short notice.  Every effort will be made to provide reasonable notice.  While working from home, personal, stable, and high-speed internet access will be required to perform the functions of this position. 

• Oregon state government provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235. If you are requesting veterans' preference, you may receive an additional questionnaire in your Workday account. In order to ensure your privacy, we are asking that you complete the Veterans’ Questionnaire and attach your qualifying military documents at that time. This questionnaire will be sent to your Workday account after you submit your application. We ask that you complete the questionnaire before the application deadline; extensions may be granted if necessary and reasonable. For questions about documentation, please visit: Veterans Resources. Or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. 

• The salary in this job posting reflects the base salary without contributions to the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Employees eligible for PERS will have their salary increased by 6.95% and 6% will be automatically be subject to a mandatory employee contribution to PERS. 

• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum qualifications and desired skills listed above. 

• An offer including salary will not be extended until an equal pay analysis is completed pursuant to ORS 652.220 and 659A.357.  An equal pay analysis will be conducted utilizing the education and work experience section of the legislative application. 

• Work Authorization:  The Oregon State Legislature does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. The Oregon State Legislature is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States. 

• If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Aimee Steketee, Human Resource Analyst, at aimee.steketee@oregonlegislature.gov or (503) 986-1373. 

• The Oregon State Legislature is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to Workforce Diversity.