Strategic Initiatives Advisor

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Oregon in Portland is seeking an Operations & Policy Analyst 4 – Strategic Initiatives Advisor to support the Policy & Development Manager. You will drive transportation policy initiatives, coordinate cross‑disciplinary projects, and represent the agency on committees and multi‑agency efforts.

The role requires entrepreneurial, collaborative thinking and the ability to manage complex, politically sensitive initiatives while supporting regional leadership and ongoing program development.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in transportation planning, public policy or a similar field.
• Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, business or public administration, behavioral or social sciences, finance, economics, political science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.

Responsibilities

• Develop policy and strategy options for unique issues and evaluate and recommend the best course of action.
• Identify and track projects and initiatives designed to advance the agency mission and goals.
• Organize and guide multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional policy group and team projects that deal with complex and politically sensitive issues.
• Serve as the regional liaison to external and internal efforts and standing groups and provide support for ODOT advisory committees.
• Respond to priority requests from state and agency leadership, the legislature and outside agencies, including evaluating proposed legislation.
• Help evaluate grant funding and political support requests made by outside parties.
• Prepare and conduct briefings and presentations to committees and elected officials.

Skills

Policy analysis

Transportation planning

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, business or public administration

Job description

Job Description

Operations & Policy Analyst 4 – Strategic Initiatives Advisor

Delivery and OperationsDivision–Region1

Policy & Development

Initial Posting Date 08/21/2026

Application Deadline 09/10/2026

Agency Department of Transportation

Salary Range $7,537 - $11,098

Position Type Employee

Position Title Strategic Initiatives Advisor

Location Portland / Hybrid

In this highly visible role, you will serve as the primary staff and advisor for the region’s Policy & Development Manager. You will undertake special initiatives related to transportation policy and projects and represent the agency on various committees and multi‑agency efforts. In addition, you will coordinate major cross-disciplinary initiatives and help find resolutions to various challenges related to project development. This job calls for a flexible, entrepreneurial and collaborative approach and someone who can see possibilities and multiple paths to desired outcomes. We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

A Day In The Life

• Develop policy and strategy options for unique issues and evaluate and recommend the best course of action.
• Identify and track projects and initiatives designed to advance the agency mission and goals.
• Organize and guide multi-disciplinary, multi‑jurisdictional policy group and team projects that deal with complex and politically sensitive issues.
• Serve as the regional liaison to external and internal efforts and standing groups and provide support for ODOT advisory committees.
• Respond to priority requests from state and agency leadership, the legislature and outside agencies, including evaluating proposed legislation.
• Help evaluate grant funding and political support requests made by outside parties.
• Prepare and conduct briefings and presentations to committees and elected officials.
• Develop and maintain communication materials such as reports, presentations, handouts and talking points.
• Take on ad hoc assignments from section and regional leadership as needed.
• Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment with frequent phone and in-person contact.
• This position requires the ability to work flexible hours to accommodate early morning or evening meetings and occasional travel is required. Hybrid work options are available.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s In It For You

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
• The salary range listed is the non‑PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of experience in transportation planning, public policy or a similar field

A bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, business or public administration, behavioral or social sciences, finance, economics, political science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional‑level evaluative, analytical and planning work.

Special Qualifications

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre‑employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

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