Initial Posting Date:

09/26/2025

Application Deadline:

10/26/2025

Agency:

Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office

Salary Range:

$7,981 - $12,342

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Executive Director

Job Description:

Exciting Opportunity!

State of Oregon Advocacy Commissions Executive Director

Salary Range: $7464.00 - $11,539.00

Location: Salem, Oregon

Apply Today: The State of Oregon is seeking an Advocacy Commissions Executive Director.  If you are a forward-thinking community advocacy leader with a passion for public service, we want to hear from you!

Join us in our mission of researching issues, educating the public, and providing advice to state policy and decision makers, including the Governor, legislators, and state agencies. The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office(OACO) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join as the Executive Director.

The OACs are continually looking for ways to improve the lives and livelihoods of all Oregonians and encourage diverse leadership in state government.

The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office (OACO) was established to support the statutory work of all four OACO’s which serve as the liaisons between communities of color, women and government entities, advising on equitable public policy. The OACO directly supports the Commissions as they strive for implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal and political equality for communities of color and women in Oregon.  Collectively, the four commissions comprise the Oregon Advocacy Commissions (OACs):

• Oregon Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs (OCAPIA)
• Oregon Commission on Black Affairs (OCBA)
• Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs (OCHA)
• Oregon Commission for Women (OCFW)

What You Will Be Doing:

As the Executive Director (ED) you will report to the Chairs of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions (OACs) and work directly with the commission members to accomplish the statutory work of the Commissions. The ED leads the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office (OACO) and directs its staff to advancing the work and representing the interests of the Advocacy Commissions with the Governor’s Office, before the Oregon legislature and its committees, and with the leadership of State agencies

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement the vision and direction of the Advocacy Commissions in collaboration with commissioners.
• Serve as the liaison between Commissions and the Governor’s Office, Legislature, and other stakeholders.
• Supervise and manage OACO staff and ensure alignment with agency goals.
• Coordinate public policy analysis, advocacy strategies, and communications.
• Lead public engagement efforts with historically underserved communities.
• Oversee budgeting, grant writing, and administrative operations.

What We Are Looking For

A bachelor’s degree and 10 years of progressive professional experience. To include a minimum of 5 years in management and public administration.

Also bringing at least 5 years of impactful community advocacy and leadership experience, with a strong track record of leading community engagement initiatives, cultivating partnerships with diverse populations, including tribal nations and historically marginalized communities, and shaping public policy or driving meaningful community outcomes. Demonstrated expertise in leading statewide outreach efforts, fostering inclusive engagement, and advancing advocacy initiatives across Oregon.

Desired Attributes:

• Proven ability to provide visionary and strategic leadership grounded in equity, cultural responsiveness, and community empowerment.
• Experienced in leading collaboratively across diverse teams and community partners and groups, fostering inclusive decision-making and shared ownership.
• Demonstrated financial and operational acumen, with a strong understanding of how resource stewardship supports community-centered outcomes.
• Effective and values-driven manager, skilled in setting clear goals, guiding policy research, and executing advocacy strategies that reflect the priorities of historically underserved communities.
• Extensive experience in public policy and advocacy, including navigating legislative processes and administrative rulemaking with a focus on equity and justice.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a strong foundation in base-building and power-shifting strategies that elevate community voices.
• Proven ability to build and sustain coalitions, working in partnership with grassroots organizations, tribal nations, and advocacy groups to co-create policy and research that reflect lived experiences and community wisdom.

Application Details and Instructions

• Please visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application for the position. Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and include a current copy of your resume and cover letter.
• This announcement is for one (1), full-time, permanent, Agency Head 9 with the Classification: Executive Director (Agency Head 9 MEAH 7589- HA-32-X, and the Salary Range: $7464.00 - $11,539.00.
• If you have questions about the job announcement, or how to apply, please contact the Executive Recruiter John Paschal at: John.Paschal@das.oregon.gov | 971-493-9589

The Benefits of Joining Our Team:

The State of Oregon strives to create an environment that is supportive and encourages work-life balance and innovation.

• 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon
• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon

Application Details and Instructions:

• The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project.
• Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources:

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!

The Department of Administrative Services is an Equal Opportunity; Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity. At the Department of Administrative Services, we embody the value of hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce revitalizes our state. We value diversity and foster a positive and welcoming environment where all employees can thrive.