Criminal Justice Policy Advisor (OPA4)

Oregon Department of Human Services; Salem (VA); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Schedule

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Generous Paid Time Off

Carpool/trip planner

Job summary

Oregon Criminal Justice Commission in Salem, OR, is seeking a Criminal Justice Policy Advisor (OPA4) to lead statewide criminal justice policy development and to coordinate the administration of the Oregon Sentencing Guidelines. This hybrid, full-time role requires strategic oversight and expert analysis of criminal justice policy across the state.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and substantial experience in policy administration, with preference for

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.
• Five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work in Criminal Justice policy administration.
• Or; Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work experience in Criminal Justice policy administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives and activities of the agency.
• Develop and maintain statewide criminal justice policies and administer sentencing guidelines.
• Coordinate agency rulemaking related to criminal justice.
• Advise the Executive Director on strategic initiatives and policy development.

Skills

Policy analysis

Sentencing policy

Administrative law

Public meeting laws

Legislative process

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration/related field

Juris Doctor (JD) preferred

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 10/06/2026

Application Deadline: 10/19/2026

Agency: Oregon Criminal Justice Commission

Salary Range: $7,537 - $11,098

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Criminal Justice Policy Advisor (OPA4) Job Description: Criminal Justice Policy Advisor Salem, Oregon – Hybrid

The mission of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) is to improve the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Oregon’s state and local criminal justice systems by providing a centralized and impartial forum for statewide policy development and planning. The CJC supports their mission through a diverse range of activities including research, data analysis, grant administration, and collaborative policy leadership. This creates a unique atmosphere of 35 professionals working to advance a future in Oregon where every aspect of the criminal justice system is equitable, efficient, and worthy of confidence.

McGilchrist House

What You’ll Do

As the Criminal Justice Policy Advisor, you will lead strategic initiatives and activities of the agency established in ORS 137.656 and 137.667, including the development and maintenance of statewide criminal justice policies, the administration of the Oregon Sentencing Guidelines, and the coordination of agency rulemaking related to criminal justice. You’ll serve as the agency’s lead expert on sentencing and criminal justice policy by directing statewide policy development and legislative analysis, advising the Executive Director on strategic initiatives that ensure the agency fulfills its statutory responsibilities and adapts to changes in Oregon’s criminal justice system. Review the full position details, duties and working conditions here.

This Is What You Need to Qualify

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 five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work in Criminal Justice policy administration. OR; Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work experience in Criminal Justice policy administration.

The ideal candidate will possess the following desired skills and attributes

• Professional-level knowledge in the principles of criminal law, sentencing policy, and criminal justice systems
• Professional-level knowledge in the principles of administrative law, public meeting laws, and rulemaking
• Experience and knowledge of Oregon legislative process, public administration, and how to apply statutory and regulatory frameworks to the operations and compliance outcomes of an executive branch, public-facing agency
• Demonstrated strong public relations skills; excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to understand varying needs and perspectives
• Experience facilitating meetings, collaborating with groups of opposing views, and achieving mutually desired outcomes
• Preference may be given to candidates with a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

Benefits of Joining Our Team

We believe hiring highly skilled, diverse employees is key to cultivating positive results, well-informed outcomes, and value the unique skill set and perspective of all our team members. Additionally, the CJC campus is in the North Capitol Mall Heritage Park in three historic Salem houses. Natural light and a park outside your office door is a nice perk of working at CJC.

Our amazing benefits include:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include term life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
• Optional benefits including life insurance, disability, FSA, and more
• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Get There – Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: You may qualify for the PSLF program
• Hybrid Work Opportunity: This position supports a hybrid work schedule. You can expect to work in the office 2-3 days per week. Additional days in the office and occasional travel may be required based on program needs. Work arrangements are periodically reviewed to ensure business needs are met

Additional Details

This announcement is for one, full-time, Permanent, Management Service, Criminal Justice Policy Advisor (Operations & Policy Analyst 4) position and may be used to fill future vacancies. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time. Employee will be required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides. Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification. The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. 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.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B)

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Criminal Justice Commission core values. The agency strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

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.