Council Policy Analyst

Salary: $84,489.00 - $119,558.00 Annually
Location : 1221 SW 4th Ave, OR
Job Type: At Will
Job Number: 2025-00406
Bureau: Council Offices
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position
About the position

Job Appointment: Full Time, At Will
This position is exempt from Civil Service and is an "At Will" position. It serves at the discretion of the hiring authority, subject to City of Portland Human Resources Administrative Rules and Portland City Charter and Code.
Work Schedule: Hybrid schedule available.Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. May occasionally require working in the evening.
Work Location: Hybrid- Employee will report to City Hall,1 221 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204.Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington. For more information,
Benefit: Please check our benefit tab for an overview of benefits for this position.
Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position may be eligible for for qualifying employees.
Union Representation: This classification is not represented and is at will.

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.
Position Summary
The Council Policy Analyst is critical to support the legislative process, policy work, committee meetings, and work sessions of the 2025 City Council. The Council Policy Analyst reports to the Council Operations Manager and plays an important role performing policy research and analysis, drafting, and presenting briefings to City Councilors. Under the supervision of the Council Operations Manager, the Council Policy Analyst works with staff across the city to inform and prepare for City Council committee meetings and work sessions. The position works closely with staff in the Council president's office and other Council Offices as required to help achieve the Council's policy objectives.

The Council Policy Analyst has the authority to:

• Decide how to structure and approach policy research and analysis, what policy options to elevate, as well as timing and method to elevate issues of concern to the Council, Council President or committee that originated the work.
• Decide the method of compliance with local, state, and federal law, the method of communication about complex issues, project management, and scope of work plan decisions.
• Decide how to resolve politically sensitive issues and uses their political acumen to remain impartial and non-partisan in their approach and recommendations.

The Council Policy Analyst can make recommendations to the Council Operations Manager on Council policy and procedures. For example, they could recommend a change to committee procedures that may solve an issue or provide a benefit. When requested by a Council member, the role can make policy recommendations on a wide range of issues varying in complexity in support of City Council's role as Portland's legislative decision-making body. For example, they could recommend peer cities to refer to for best practices related to a policy interest of a councilor. The Council Policy Analyst can make recommendations on panelists for committee testimony, order of presentations and testimony on a given topic, as well as recommendations on legislation and community engagement and communications approaches.
As a Council Policy Analyst, you will:
Policy Research and Analysis

• Provide impartial, advanced policy research, analysis, and evaluation in support of council responsibilities and legislative priorities.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of policy options and issues that may be considered controversial and/or complicated.
• Identify and evaluate both internal and external policy and the impacts, consequences, and risks associated with legislative proposals and Council-directed initiatives.
• In alignment with the Council's work plan, assist committees and City Councilors with consideration of legislative issues that are in alignment with the Council's strategic priorities by providing impartial information and analysis and providing subject-area knowledge.

Communication, Presentation and Professional Relationships

• Support clear, frequent, and transparent communication with Councilors, Council Staff, the Mayor's Office, other City stakeholders, and legislative colleagues.
• Effectively communicate to Council on policy development involving broadly defined subject matters, services, and processes.
• Assist the sponsor of legislation present research and analysis of policy alternatives, draft legislation, and amendments to legislation in council committees and other public settings as well as in private briefings.
• Prepare clear written materials including summary emails, descriptive and analytical policy memos, presentation materials and on-page summaries of complex information.
• Cultivate, foster, and maintain positive working relationships with City Council, Council staff, relevant subject matter experts in the administration, and external experts to develop policy options and advance Council's legislative agenda.

Legislative Drafting and Process Expertise

• At the direction of the Council, Council President or majority of a committee, draft proposed legislation or legislative amendments in consultation with Council Offices or by assisting Council Aides to draft legislation themselves.
• Support the legislative process by liaising with the Council President and Vice President and their staff as well as partnering with the City Attorney's Office and Council Clerk.
• Act as technical expert in the City's legislative process and advise on responses to questions form Council and other staff as appropriate.
• Provide training and skill building, as appropriate, to administration and Council Offices on the legislative process.

Comply with all local, state and federal laws and administrative rules

• Preserve the integrity of democratic governance processes in full compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Make recommendations for changes in procedures and processes to enhance the functioning of the legislative branch of the City and ensure that City Council powers and duties are preserved of strengthened according to Charter.

Have a question?
Contact Information:
Loan Tran Polanco, Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of change management and the social, political, intergovernmental, and operational issues influencing City and Council operations.

Ability to preserve the integrity of democratic governance processes in full compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations.

Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret complex data in statistical and narrative forms using quantitative and qualitative analysis, tools, and modeling to provide impartial, advanced research, analysis, and evaluation of policy solutions to controversial and/or complex issues.

Ability to analyze, interpret, explain, and evaluate relevant laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures to provide fact-based, politically neutral conclusions and recommendations.

Ability to communicate complex analytical topics verbally, in writing and prepare documents such as comprehensive reports, correspondence, summary emails, memos, and documents involving legislative, administrative, organizational, technical, budgetary, and financial data to non-technical audiences.

Ability to cultivate, foster, and maintain positive working relationships with City Council, Council staff, relevant subject matter experts in the administration, external experts and others encountered in the course of work to develop policy options and advance Council's legislative agenda.

Ability to exercise independent judgment, problem-solve, and take initiative within established procedures and guidelines.

Although not required, you may have one or more of the following:

• College degree or some college or equivalent
• Legislative experience
• Experience working with elected officials.

The Recruitment Process

STEP 1: Apply online between 04/07/2025 to 04/14/2025

Required Application Materials:

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

Optional Application Materials:

• If you would like to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your Veteran documents (ex, DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter, etc) by the closing date of the recruitment.

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.
• Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis: Please note per the your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent 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.
• 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 04/14/2025

• 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 04/21/2025

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.

Step 4: Selection (Interview): Late April/May 2025

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview.

Step 5: Offer of Employment: May 2025

Step 6: Start Date: May/June 2025

• 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 knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of change management and the social, political, intergovernmental, and operational issues influencing City and Council operations?

• Yes
• No

05

Provide a detailed example(s) of your knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of change management and the social, political, intergovernmental, and operational issues influencing City and Council operations.

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).
• 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 the ability to preserve the integrity of democratic governance processes in full compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations?

• Yes
• No

07

Provide a detailed example(s) of your ability to preserve the integrity of democratic governance processes in full compliance with all applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations.

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).
• 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 the ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret complex data in statistical and narrative forms using quantitative and qualitative analysis, tools, and modeling to provide impartial, advanced research, analysis, and evaluation of policy solutions to controversial and/or complex issues?

• Yes
• No

09

Provide a detailed example(s) of your ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret complex data in statistical and narrative forms using quantitative and qualitative analysis, tools, and modeling to provide impartial, advanced research, analysis, and evaluation of policy solutions to controversial and/or complex issues.

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).
• 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 the ability to analyze, interpret, explain, and evaluate relevant laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures to provide fact-based, politically neutral conclusions and recommendations?

• Yes
• No

11

Provide a detailed example(s) of your ability to analyze, interpret, explain, and evaluate relevant laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures to provide fact-based, politically neutral conclusions and recommendations.

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).
• 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 the ability to communicate complex analytical topics verbally, in writing and prepare documents such as comprehensive reports, correspondence, summary emails, memos, and documents involving legislative, administrative, organizational, technical, budgetary, and financial data to non-technical audiences?

• Yes
• No

13

Provide a detailed example(s) of your ability to communicate complex analytical topics verbally, in writing and prepare documents such as comprehensive reports, correspondence, summary emails, memos, and documents involving legislative, administrative, organizational, technical, budgetary, and financial data to non-technical audiences.

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).
• 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 the ability to cultivate, foster, and maintain positive working relationships with City Council, Council staff, relevant subject matter experts in the administration, external experts and others encountered in the course of work to develop policy options and advance Council's legislative agenda?

• Yes
• No

15

Provide a detailed example(s) of your ability to cultivate, foster, and maintain positive working relationships with City Council, Council staff, relevant subject matter experts in the administration, external experts and others encountered in the course of work to develop policy options and advance Council's legislative agenda.

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).
• 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.

16

Do you have the ability to exercise independent judgment, problem-solve, and take initiative within established procedures and guidelines?

• Yes
• No

17

Provide a detailed example(s) of your ability to exercise independent judgment, problem-solve, and take initiative within established procedures and guidelines.

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).
• 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.

18

Please note the following questions will not be considered during minimum qualification review. The information provided will be reviewed after the eligible list is created.

College degree or some college or equivalent

Legislative experience

Experience working with elected officials.
(Enter N/A if you do not have relevant experience)

Required Question