Job Description
Field Representative
Portland, Oregon
United States Senator Jeff Merkley is seeking a qualified candidate to lead his outreach to stakeholders in Clackamas, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties. This post requires outreach experience, professional government or community relations background or organizing experience, familiarity with or relationships within the region, and being a committed team player with strong organizational skills. The Field Representative’s duties include establishing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders in the region. This staff person will be responsible for communicating the Senator’s positions and actions to community stakeholders and soliciting input to inform the team’s deliberations, and advising the Senator and other staff regarding the potential impacts on and perspectives of relevant leaders.
The Field Representative portion of the assignment serves as the Senator's liaison to city, county, regional, and legislative governments; institutions of higher education and school districts; and a wide range of community and constituency groups. This staff person is responsible for monitoring developments within their assigned counties and identifying opportunities and challenges that the Senator or his team may want or need to address.
This position involves developing strategic outreach priorities, representing the Senator in a range of settings and to a wide diversity of constituencies, and working collaboratively with staff across Oregon and in Washington, DC. It requires frequent evening and weekend work, and may require occasional travel around the state. A successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record balancing numerous competing priorities, working on tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail, and operating in highly collaborative environments.
Skills and Requirements:
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information and produce high-quality written materials with little notice.
- Keen listening skills, a customer-service orientation, and the ability to communicate on a variety of topics in a professional and gracious manner.
- Demonstrated experience with outreach to diverse communities and a commitment to seeking out opportunities to support traditionally underserved constituencies.
- Careful attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
- Ability to work closely with team members as well as work independently.
- Ability to make decisions quickly under changing circumstances.
- Experience working in the realm of policy and politics; demonstrated sound political judgment.
- Ability to quickly acquire and master technical skills in an evolving office environment.
- Experience with event planning.
The office of Senator Merkley is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve. The office does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or uniformed service. Members of all diverse communities are encouraged to apply.
The salary range for this position is $70,000-$75,000 with potential for higher compensation depending on outreach and labor experience. The U.S. Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, student loan repayment, and retirement.
Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter by Tuesday, January 20th to Stacey Jochimsen, State Director at Oregon_jobs@merkley.senate.gov.