Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 2)

Oregon Public Defense Commission; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Basic life insurance

FSA benefits

Professional development opportunities

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) in Salem, OR seeks a detail-oriented Policy Analyst to join our Policy team. This hybrid, full-time role supports policy and operations by turning complex requirements into clear guidance and maintaining internal and external policies and documents.

Responsibilities include coordinating policy reviews, developing guidance, and ensuring accessibility of approved documents on SharePoint and the agency website.

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 (5) years of experience OR combination of experience and education equivalent to five years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and maintain agency policies and procedures.
• Coordinate annual policy review process and communicate results to the Policy Team.

Skills

Policy analysis

Policy development

Stakeholder collaboration

Policy writing

SharePoint or document mgmt

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration/Behavioral or Social Sciences/Finance/Political Science

Tools

SharePoint

Job description

Position Title Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 2)

Initial Posting Date 10/09/2026

Application Deadline 10/18/2026

Agency Oregon Public Defense Commission

Salary Range $5,893 - $8,703

Position Type Employee

Job Description

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 essentialcomponentof 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 DataCollection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.

OPDCis 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

Skills

• 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

• 10paid holidays annually
• 3 personal business dayseach year
• Vacation leave that increasesevery 5years 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

Additional Information

• Applicants mustbe authorized towork in the United States.OPDC does not offer visa sponsorships.On the first day of employment, all hires will berequiredto 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 thatestablishemployment authorization and identity. OPDC is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hiresare authorized towork in the United States.
• Finalists will be subject to reference checks.
• If you need an application in an alternate formatin order tocomplete the process or for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may contact the Recruiter, Kelli Rodrigues: [e-mail] or the Human Resources Inbox: [e-mail]

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