Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 2)

State of Oregon; Salem; On-site; INR 6,783,000 - 9,205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Hybrid and flexible work opportunities

10 paid holidays annually

Professional Development

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking a diligent Policy Analyst to support policy and operations efforts by researching, developing, and maintaining policies and procedures. The role coordinates annual policy reviews and communicates findings to the Policy Team, while collaborating across sections to update guidance and ensure documents are accessible on internal and external sites.

The position emphasizes analytical evaluation, stakeholder collaboration, and strong written

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and maintain policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and monitor the annual policy review process; analyze and communicate results to the Policy Team and agency management.
• Collaborate with staff across sections to update policies and procedures and develop new guidance as needed.
• Ensure policies and procedures are accurately maintained and accessible by posting/updating approved documents on SharePoint and the external agency website.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research & evaluation

Policy coordination

Stakeholder collaboration

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration/ Social Sciences/ Finance/ Political Science

Tools

SharePoint

Job description

Policy Analyst (OPA2)

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!

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.

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

• 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

• 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

Eligibility and Compliance

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.

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.

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

About Oregon State Government

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon flies with her own wings.