State and Federal Policy Advisor

Initial Posting Date:

07/23/2026

Application Deadline:

08/03/2026

Agency:

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

Salary Range:

$7,537 - $11,098

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

State and Federal Policy Advisor (Operations & Policy Analyst 4)

Job Description:

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

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) has a new and exciting career opportunity as a State and Federal Policy Advisor (Operations and Policy Analyst 4) in our office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD).

This is a full-time permanent position headquartered at HECC’s Salem Office and is not represented by a union.  This position is required to either possess and maintain a valid driver's license by the state of residence or provide an acceptable mode of alternative transportation, in order to travel to required training and meetings. The successful candidate may be eligible for in-state hybrid work, which consists of performing duties onsite in a standard office environment and working remotely. Currently, CCWD has a 1-day a week, in office requirement.

Why Join Us

The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) envisions a future where all people benefit from the economic, civic, and cultural impact of high-quality postsecondary education, training, and workforce development. Come work with a team that values equity, collaboration and empathy within beautiful Salem, Oregon!

Our amazing benefits include:

• Competitive medical, vision and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members.

• Opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation savings program.

• A fabulous retirement program.  Click here to visit our full benefits website.

•  Work-life balance!

  • 11 paid holidays per year.

  • 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year.

  • 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month.

  • Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 10 hours per month, with increases every 5 years.

  • Hybrid remote work options

What You Will Be Doing

You will provide leadership and strategic guidance to improve student outcomes in CCWD programs by collaborating with local providers to ensure alignment with state and federal rules, policies, and performance expectations. You will lead and support statewide initiatives that apply evidence-based practices to strengthen assessment, curriculum, instruction, professional development, data collection, and student progression including successful transition to postsecondary credit-bearing programs and career pathways.

This role also plays a critical part in informing and shaping state and federal policy agendas related to adult education, workforce development, and postsecondary access. Functioning as a key advisor within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and HECC’s Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD), this role works across agencies and sectors engaging with local, state, and federal partners to ensure policies and practices advance equity, compliance, and continuous improvement across Oregon’s postsecondary and adult education system.

The Work at a Glance

State & Federal Policy Advice and Development - Provide senior leadership in complex policy analysis, strategic planning, and research initiatives by developing policy recommendations, legislative concepts, implementation strategies, and operational frameworks that shape Oregon's postsecondary education, workforce development, career and technical education (CTE), and adult education systems.

Statewide Strategic Direction  - Provide statewide leadership and strategic direction by leading statewide planning, policy development, and systems alignment efforts for Career and Technical Education (CTE), adult education, workforce development, and postsecondary alignment initiatives that support Oregon's education and workforce goals.

Program Evaluation and Organizational Improvement - Conduct comprehensive studies and evaluations of statewide education, workforce, adult education, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) policies, programs, and systems to assess effectiveness, outcomes, and alignment with legislative and agency priorities. Lead organizational and systems improvement efforts.

Building Collaborative Partnerships  - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with various education and partners. Represent the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) on statewide, regional, and national committees, interagency initiatives, advisory groups, and partner forums related to postsecondary education, workforce development, adult education, and Career and Technical Education (CTE).

For a complete list of duties and working conditions, please contact the recruiter for the position description.

What We Need (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 five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
OR;

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of administering or leading education, workforce, or public programs, including leadership, policy, or program management responsibilities.

Desired Attributes/Skills

If you have these abilities, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!

• Preferred: Master’s degree in education, public administration, public policy, workforce development, or a related field.

• Strategic policy analysis and development.

• Building and maintaining collaborative partnerships.

• Project leadership and organizational management.

• Written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

• Knowledge of workforce, higher education, economic development, or public sector systems.

• Adaptability, initiative and sound judgement in a dynamic environment.

Equitable Recruiting

The HECC 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. 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 these positions, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

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 non-traditional background.

How to Apply

Current State of Oregon Employees: State Employees Apply for Jobs Guide

External Candidates: Application Guide for External Applicants

Application Materials: The hiring manager has requested the following materials be included with your application:

• Resume

• Cover letter - no more than two (2) pages and clearly demonstrates how your education and work experience meet the desired attributes of this position.

Help Your Application Rise to the Top!

Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience, making you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be screened for completeness, consistency, and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.)

Need help?

For questions about the recruitment and selection process, or to request an alternate format, please contact the recruiter: Jenny Chadwick – [email protected]/ 971-372-1275.

The Fine Print

Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.

Future Vacancies: We may use the candidates from this posting to fill future vacancies. 

Veterans: If you are a veteran you may receive preference. A request will be sent to your applicant inbox to submit your veteran’s DD214 form.   Click here for more information about veterans’ preference.

Visa Sponsorship: We do not offer Visa sponsorships. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US.

The HECC is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HECC does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.