Council Operations Manager

Salary: $121,659.20 - $172,140.80 Annually
Location : 1221 SW 4th Ave, OR
Job Type: At Will
Job Number: 2025-00452
Bureau: Council Offices
Opening Date: 04/21/2025
Closing Date: 5/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position
About the position

Job Appointment: Full Time, At Will

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8-5, work hours may extend beyond this as needed for special events. Beginning April 2025 all manager and supervisor positions will be expected to report to their worksites full time. Alternate schedules may be available, but the typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional after-hours work required to support critical projects or address system issues. Remote workdays remain an option, to accommodate travel, or occasionally focus on major work projects.

Work Location: 1221 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefit for this position

Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for for qualifying employees

Union Representation: At Will position, non union represented. .

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal. You will need respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.
Position Summary
The Council Operations Manager is a strategic leadership position reporting to the City Council President. Operating with a high degree of independence and discretion, this role is responsible for overseeing the Council Operations team, which serves as the backbone of legislative support for the Portland City Council. The Council Operations Manager ensures Council members are equipped with timely, accurate, and politically neutral legislative, operational, and administrative support in a fast-paced and highly visible environment. Acting as a key liaison between the legislative and executive branches of City government, the role provides strategic counsel, legislative coordination, and program oversight-often navigating competing priorities, public scrutiny, and sensitive political dynamics.
The Council Operations Manager has authority to:

• Direct the exploration, planning, drafting, vetting, and presentation of legislation to City Council, ensuring it is aligned with policy goals, legally sound, and administratively feasible.

• Coordinate Council requests for information with the City Administrator and administrative staff, often navigating politically sensitive or high-profile topics.

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of team programs and functions that directly support the City's legislative processes.

• Develop unit goals, staff work plans, deadlines, workflows, and performance standards to ensure consistent and equitable delivery of support to all Council offices.

• Oversee budget development and administration, vendor contracts, and resource planning in an environment of public scrutiny and evolving policy priorities.

As a Council Operations Manager, you will:
Leadership and Team Management

• Manage daily operations and supervise Council Operations staff, ensuring continuity of service across multiple Council offices and adapting to changing priorities.

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management for direct reports, fostering a high-performing and resilient team capable of navigating a dynamic political environment.

• Establish performance standards, work schedules, and development goals to support both operational effectiveness and individual growth.

• Promote an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that reflects the City's values and the communities Council serves.

Legislative Operations and Policy Support

• Direct staff in legislative research, policy analysis, and drafting of issue papers to support Council decision-making on complex and often controversial topics.

• Oversee onboarding and continuous education for Council members and their staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of legislative tools, protocols, and strategic options.

• Recommend the formation of standing or ad hoc committees to support Council objectives, providing analysis on their potential structure, scope, and effectiveness.

• Present pros and cons of legislative proposals in writing and in public forums, offering clear, balanced, and data-informed perspectives.

Communication, Coordination, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as liaison between Council and the City Administrator, City leadership, and external stakeholders, building strong partnerships while maintaining Council's legislative independence.

• Represent Council Operations in public and internal meetings, media engagements, and community outreach, including in moments of crisis or heightened public interest.

• Maintain clear and open communication with elected officials and City staff, ensuring timely and equitable dissemination of information and resources.

Budget, Compliance, and Program Evaluation

• Lead Council Operations budget development, monitoring, and forecasting, including responding to mid-year shifts in policy direction or fiscal outlooks.

• Conduct cost-benefit and resource analyses; oversee vendor and professional service contracts, ensuring alignment with Council objectives and public accountability.

• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and administrative rules, and proactively identify risks or operational vulnerabilities.

• Identify service gaps and propose resources or strategies to improve Council support, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and equity.

Have a question?

Contact Information:

Jamaal Anthony, Recruitment Supervisor

Bureau of Human Resources

Jamaal.Anthony@portlandoregon.gov
To Qualify
The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

Experience maintaining effective and politically neutral communication with elected officials, leadership, and stakeholders.

Experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing staff in an equitable and inclusive environment.

Demonstrated expertise in legislative operations, municipal budgeting, and public administration.

Experience performing policy analysis and utilize technical expertise to make recommendations to Council on complex and controversial topics.

Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and the ability to interpret and apply them.

Demonstrated experience collaborating with communities of color and people traditionally underrepresented in local decision-making; facilitating inclusive participation in programs and activities; and communicating cross-culturally.

The Recruitment Process
STEP 1: Apply online between April 21, 2025- May 12, 2025

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Answer to the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials:

• If you wish to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your veteran documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) by the recruitment's closing date.

We have recently updated our veteran preference process. Starting March 3rd, 2025 If you made the eligible list and met the eligibility to receive veteran preference, you will no longer need to submit veteran documents for future recruitments.
If you need to update or remove your veteran preference for a specific recruitment or from your master profile, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.
Application Tips:

• Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
• Your rsum should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.

• How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all your relevant experience.

• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
• You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage using AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
• All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.
• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Week of May 12

• An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and supplemental questions, weighted 100%.
• Your rsum and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of May 19

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. (Update if a Ranked list or other type of list is used)

Step 4: Selection (Interview): Mid/Late May - Early June

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview

Step 5: Offer of Employment: Mid/Late June

• Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment. (Include if requires an in-depth background investigation.)

Step 6: Start Date: Late June/Early July

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information
Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer
A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

• Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
• Carrot Fertility
• Wellness Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
• Family Medical Leave
• City Paid Parental Leave

AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.
01

Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step to assist us in determining if you have the minimum qualifications to succeed in the posted vacancy.
Write specific and unique responses to each question. Answering "No", to any of the Yes/No questions or answering an essay question with the following "See resume", or entering "N/A" for any of the minimum qualifications listed in the "To Qualify" section may eliminate you from further consideration.
Note: If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure to upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.
Have you read and understood all the information listed above?

• Yes
• No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.

02

Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
03

The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate:(Answer will not disqualify you from the process)

• My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
• You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.

04

Do you have experience maintaining effective and politically neutral communication with elected officials, leadership, and stakeholders?

• Yes
• No

05

Provide a detailed example(s) of your experience maintaining effective and politically neutral communication with elected officials, leadership, and stakeholders.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
• Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
• The impact and/or results of your of experience.
• Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
• Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.

06

Do you have experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing staff in an equitable and inclusive environment?

• Yes
• No

07

Provide a detailed example(s) of your experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing staff in an equitable and inclusive environment

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
• Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
• The impact and/or results of your of experience.
• Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
• Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.

08

Do you have demonstrated expertise in legislative operations, municipal budgeting, and public administration ?

• Yes
• No

09

Provide a detailed example(s) of your demonstrated expertise in legislative operations, municipal budgeting, and public administration.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
• Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
• The impact and/or results of your of experience.
• Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
• Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.

10

Do you have experience performing policy analysis and utilize technical expertise to make recommendations to Council on complex and controversial topics ?

• Yes
• No

11

Provide a detailed example(s) of your experience performing policy analysis and utilize technical expertise to make recommendations to Council on complex and controversial topics.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
• Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
• The impact and/or results of your of experience.
• Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
• Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.

12

Do you have knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and the ability to interpret and apply them ?

• Yes
• No

13

Provide a detailed example(s) of your knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and the ability to interpret and apply them.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
• Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
• The impact and/or results of your of experience.
• Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
• Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.

14

Do you have demonstrated experience collaborating with communities of color and people traditionally underrepresented in local decision-making; facilitating inclusive participation in programs and activities; and communicating cross-culturally ?

• Yes
• No

15

Provide a detailed example(s) of your demonstrated experience collaborating with communities of color and people traditionally underrepresented in local decision-making; facilitating inclusive participation in programs and activities; and communicating cross-culturally.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

• Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability.
• Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
• The impact and/or results of your of experience.
• Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
• Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.

Required Question