Program and Policy Coordinator (Program Analyst 4)

Do you have a passion for helping communities through infrastructure investment? Do you have excellent written and verbal communication skills? And would you like to make a difference in Oregon communities by building strong relationships with partners and guiding state policy for agency infrastructure funding? If so, Business Oregon has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team!

Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, is currently hiring one (1) permanent, full-time Program and Policy Coordinator (Program Analyst 4). Business Oregon helps communities access funding for needed infrastructure. This position will provide technical expertise in the development, operation, and evaluation of the state’s Special Public Works Fund (SPWF). SPWF is a program critical to the agency’s ability to support vibrant communities. This position plays a pivotal role in developing the policies needed to connect communities to funding under SPWF and other programs.

The goal of this recruitment is to fill this position at a Program Analyst 4 (PA4) level. However, we encourage candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for a Program Analyst 3 to apply, as we may consider underfilling the position until the selected candidate meets the minimum qualifications for a Program Analyst 4. Underfill applicants must meet the higher level within 36 months.

Note: We value our employees and want to encourage work-life balance and flexibility. This is a hybrid position that requires travel to our Salem office and throughout Oregon depending on business needs. To be considered for this position, you must reside in the state of Oregon or be willing to relocate to Oregon.

What you will do:

• Act as the Department’s in-house expert for the Special Public Works Fund (SPWF) and other public works funding programs. Duties include interpreting rules and statues, recommending changes for effective administration of the programs, and proposing legislative concepts and budget option packages.
• Write recommendations for the Department’s managers and teams regarding programmatic changes, restrictions, and innovation opportunities to ensure prudent management of program funds and to improve customer usability.
• Propose policy and design procedures for infrastructure programs brought about by changes in controlling regulations, new legislation, results of monitoring, internal evaluation, and the Department’s mission.
• Participate in the development and delivery of statewide initiatives which includes developing policies, programs, and processes that implement the agency’s mission, reduce barriers, and focus on meeting customers’ needs.
• Provide technical assistance and interpretation to Department staff on state and federal legislation and regulations.
• Research and write program handbooks and materials to assist Department staff and funding recipients to implement the SPWF and other public works funding programs.
• Work with other staff and agency partners to develop methods for delivering services through contracts with local and regional partners.
• Initiate internal and external policy dialogue and participate in hearings, including testifying and some advocacy-related efforts during the development of state planning efforts and program guidelines.
• Liaison with other agencies and partners (such as the Infrastructure Finance Authority Board, advisory committees, and legislative committees) by presenting Department programs and accomplishments. Share information and resources with staff of federal and other state agencies involved in similar or related programs.

Business Oregon strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application. 

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of some or all of the following skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of infrastructure needs and issues in the state.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information and interpret findings to document procedures for internal workflow and draft resources to clarify processes for external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with attention to tact and diplomacy.
• Experience with program or project administration.
• Experience working with state or federal agencies and the ability to maintain collaborative partnerships with advisory committees, legislative committees, and other groups to meet the program goals and objectives.
• Experience in economic and community development.

Please note:  If you are interested in applying for this position, you must attach your current cover letter and resume to your application. The cover letter should address how your education and/or experience relates to the requested skills listed above and should not exceed two pages. Failure to submit the required resume and cover letter may remove your application from consideration.

WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY:

Minimum Qualifications for Program Analyst 4 (PA4):
Salary Range:  $6,020 – $9,252 (per month)

A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills; AND five (5) years of experience coordinating or administering a program

OR;

Any combination of experience or education equivalent to eight (8) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification.

Minimum Qualifications for Program Analyst 3 (PA3):
Salary Range:  $5,478 – $8,408 (per month)

A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills; AND four (4) years of experience coordinating or administering a program

OR;

Any combination of experience or education equivalent to seven (7) years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification.

What Business Oregon does:
Business Oregon is the economic development agency for the state of Oregon. We have about 180 people on our team, and we work with communities and businesses. We use our programs and expertise to help businesses grow, so they can in turn add jobs, diversify the economy, and increase Oregon prosperity. We work with communities to enhance and expand infrastructure and community safety with projects such as water/wastewater systems, seismic rehabilitation for schools, or rural broadband development. This also sets the stage for future business development. Our mission is to invest in Oregon’s businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy, all carried out with an agency strategic plan.

The Economic Development Division (EDD) promotes business and economic development opportunities by removing barriers to business growth and job creation/retention and meeting community infrastructure investment needs. EDD services include assisting Oregon businesses and communities to access State incentive programs for public and private sectors. Incentive programs and assistance include business finance programs, global trade assistance, infrastructure financing, and other community and economic development programs. Recruitment Officers, Regional Development Officers, Regional Project Managers, Global Trade Specialists, analysts, program specialists and coordinators, and loan officers work collectively in partnership with Oregon businesses and local communities to achieve the State’s economic development goals.

How to Apply:
Please Note: Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM PST on August 29th, 2024. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday account through Jobs Hub.

• Click the “Apply” button above to complete your online application.
• Attach your current cover letter and resume. Failure to submit the required resume and cover letter may remove your application from consideration. Clearly demonstrate in your cover letter how you meet all the minimum qualifications and requested skills listed above.
• Complete the questionnaire. Warning – Workday will timeout due to inactivity and will not save your application progress unless you use the “save for later” function. If you need to take a break, please be sure to click the save for later button to save your progress.
• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing.
• The candidates whose work experience most closely matches the qualifications and skills of this position will be invited to interview.

What’s in it for you:

• Family Friendly Work Life Balance: Paid time off, 11 holidays, 3 personal days & optional short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Take Care of Yourself and Your Family: Comprehensive employee benefits, choice of medical plans, vision plan, life insurance, and employee assistance program.
• Invest in Your Future: Pension plan, deferred compensation plan, short- and long-term disability plan, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Be Appreciated: Employee recognition events, agency-unique employee recognition program allowing for additional leave options such as vacation buy-out and sick leave roll-over, and dynamic employees doing impactful work.
• Inclusion: At Business Oregon, we value community and foster a sense of belonging for our employees.

Additional Information:

• It is our policy to provide reasonable accommodations to all applicants who may need them. Should you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact Employee Services at Biz.HumanResources@biz.oregon.gov to discuss how we can best meet your needs.
• Veterans’ Preference – Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans’ preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, we will ask you for your documents later in the process. Click on the Veterans’ Preference link for additional information.
• Criminal Records Check – Hiring of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the results of a Criminal Background Check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.
• Work Authorization – The Oregon Business Development Department (dba Business Oregon) does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current position and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• This position is classified, full-time, exempt and not represented by a union.
• PERS – This is a PERS qualifying position. After a six-month waiting period, eligible Management Service, Executive Service, and Unrepresented employees will have their base pay increased by 6.95% and the 6% PERS contribution deducted from their base pay rather than a direct 6% contribution by the State of Oregon to the employees PERS account. This will mirror the bargained SEIU and AFSCME PERS process.
• Are you looking to live in and experience Oregon? Learn more about life in Pendleton, Salem, and Portland.

Need help?

For questions about this job, contact Kristin Heying, HR Analyst in Employee Services, at 971-345-1964 or email kristin.heying@biz.oregon.gov.

Business Oregon is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.