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Policy Analyst

Permanent | Full Time | Salem, OR

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking a detail oriented and collaborative Policy Analyst to join our Policy team. If you enjoy turning complex requirements into clear, practical guidance and helping shape policies that support meaningful public service, we encourage you to apply!

Position: Policy Analyst (OPA2)  

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.  

• This is a hybrid position   

Location: Salem, Oregon 

Salary Range: $5,893- $8,703 

About the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC)  

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.  

OPDC negotiates contracts with trial-level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The Agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the Agency include Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.        

OPDC is dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for individuals who are constitutionally entitled to counsel. OPDC works to strengthen Oregon's public defense system through direct representation, statewide coordination, oversight, policy development, and collaboration with justice system partners.  

What you will do   

This position supports the agency’s policy and operations efforts by researching, developing, and maintaining policies and procedures. The position coordinates and monitors the annual policy review process, analyzes and communicates review results to the Policy Team and agency management, and collaborates with staff across sections to update existing policies and procedures and develop new guidance as needed.

The Policy Analyst position is also responsible for ensuring policies and procedures are accurately maintained and accessible by posting and updating approved documents on the agency’s internal SharePoint site and external agency website.

For the full position description, please send your request to:  [email protected]  

Minimum Qualifications   

A bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science, or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and two (2) years of professional-level evaluative, analytical, and planning work.  

OR 

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to five (5) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.  

Desired Attributes

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes to effectively support policy research, analysis, development, implementation, and continuous improvement:

• Experience researching, analyzing, and developing policies, procedures, administrative rules, and processes, including evaluating existing policies and conducting policy reviews to ensure effectiveness and alignment with agency requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate existing policies and processes, research best practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop solutions that support agency and program objectives.
• Knowledge and understanding of interpreting statutes, regulations, administrative rules, and legislative changes and applying them to agency programs and operations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to develop, implement, and communicate policies and procedures, including providing training, presentations, and guidance to staff and stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear and understandable guidance.
• Experience managing policy records, documentation, forms, and electronic information systems, including SharePoint or similar platforms.

What’s in it for you   

Comprehensive Benefits Package  

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

• Basic life insurance  

• Optional supplemental benefits  

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)  

Generous Paid Leave  

• 10 paid holidays annually  

• 3 personal business days each year  

• Vacation leave that increases every 5 years of service  

• Monthly sick leave accrual  

Professional Development  

• Training and continuing education opportunities  

• Career growth and advancement pathways  

• Leadership development opportunities  

Public Service Loan Forgiveness  

• Positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program  

Work-Life Balance  

• Hybrid and flexible work opportunities, when operationally appropriate  

• Employee wellness resources  

    Recruitment Process Timeline  

  These dates are approximate and may change.  

• Recruitment Closes: Sunday, 10/18/2026 @ 11:59 PM PST

• Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: Ongoing  

• Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: Ongoing  

• Round 1 Interviews: Week of 10/26/2026
• Round 2, In person Assessment & Presentation: Week of 11/2/2026

How to Apply  

Click on the "Apply" link above to complete your online application and submit by the posted closing date and time. For step-by-step instructions click apply to work for the state or current state employee.  

Required Application Materials  

Resume & Cover Letter  

• Your application materials should clearly demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed in this announcement.  

• 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. Failing to attach required documents may result in disqualification of your application.  

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.   

• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.  

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.  Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting in order to have the preference considered.  

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all required documents listed above. Applications missing required documents will not be advanced in the recruitment process. 

Additional Information  

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. OPDC 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. OPDC is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.  

• Finalists will be subject to reference checks.   

• If you need an application in an alternate format in order to complete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, Kelli Rodrigues: [email protected] or the Human Resources Inbox: [email protected]  

Helpful Links & Resources  

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job  

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Pay Equity