Policy Manager

Summary

This position oversees and manages agency-wide and governance-related strategic initiatives that support an innovative, effective agency and the growth of an equitable economy for the City of Portland. This position leads a team that manages cross-functional projects, policy, and programs related to policy, agency governance, government affairs, and data collection, measurement, analysis, and reporting for Prosper Portland.

Prosper Portland seeks an experienced policy manager to lead the policy team within our Equity, Policy, and Communications department. This position plays a critical role in the developing, planning, managing, and delegating of agency-wide policy and inter-departmental initiatives. They will manage primary aspects of board engagement, ensuring our commissioners feel supported, empowered, and informed on all agency matters. This role will support thriving relationships between Prosper Portland and other City of Portland bureaus, agencies, and partners.

The ideal candidate will have strong prior experience navigating federal, state, and/or local government environments, and will continuously interface with the City of Portland’s new governmental structure. Demonstrated political awareness, intentional communication, and proactive collaboration will serve this candidate well as they lead a team of subject-matter data and policy professionals through a shifting political landscape. Upon joining, this candidate will assist in the recruitment of an additional Data Analyst to help drive further data collection to inform strategic policy creation.

Note: Position is open until filled. For first consideration, please apply by September 19th, 2025.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversees and leads team in the planning, organization, and management of agency’s strategic internal and external initiatives and projects.
• Coaches, mentors, and empowers direct reports; manages staff performance and supports staff development.
• Manages the Prosper Portland Board process to ensuring timely, quality documents and compliance with policies and procedures. Serves as contact for Board members for all aspects of Board engagement.
• Advises and trains staff on Board process, public speaking skills, and presentation techniques.
• Identifies, develops, and implements improvements to Board-related workflow processes and systems.
• Supports the Executive Team project, policy, and strategy agenda by managing the long-term agenda, coordinating meetings, and facilitating discussion as needed.
• Manages Management Team, Coordination Team, Executive Team Strategy Session meetings.
• Sponsors and/or tracks cross-department strategic initiatives and special project teams.
• Provides clear and timely communication to staff regarding changes, issues, or policies affecting the agency.
• Provides advice and counsel on a wide range of complex strategic, policy, and organizational issues.
• Manages and supports the strategic planning and reporting process. Supports staff and managers in the strategic alignment of work plans and in the timely reporting of progress.
• Manages and oversees the research, analyses, reporting, and information gathering initiatives and systems.
• Leads and/or supports development and amendment of policy and procedures. Seeks integration and coordination of processes, systems, and technologies.
• Manages the agency’s standing Community Budget Committee. Coordinates and strategizes with other departments and directors on meeting content and messaging. Supports committee in drafting recommendation letter on requested budget and priorities.
• Manages agency’s relationship with Mayor’s Office. Ensures discussion and content in regular meetings aligns agency with Mayor’s priorities. Identifies and tracks issues and agenda content with other City elected officials and staff. Coordinates, prepares, and drafts materials for City Council approval.
• Serves as agency’s lead on coordinating with Office of Government Relations, including managing and updating annual intergovernmental agreement; coordinates across departments to refine and communicate agency’s state and federal legislative priorities. Tracks and provides feedback on proposed legislation. Serves as a Tribal Relations Liaison.
• Develops and cultivates relationships with the mayor’s office, city council, city and regional public agencies, and other partners.
• Manages complex, cross-departmental special projects, including amendments to tax increment finance district plans.
• Oversees the development, monitoring, and management of team’s annual budgets.?
• Participates in the identification and/or resolution of key internal and external policy issues and matters affecting the Equity, Policy and Communications Department and the agency.
• Partners on programs, projects, initiatives, and opportunities with other Prosper Portland teams.
• May serve as Acting Department Director in the Department Director’s absence.
• Leads and/or assists the agency with other projects, committees, and other relevant duties as assigned.

Scope

• Operates independently with general director from Equity, Policy, and Communications Director.
• Makes a wide variety of complex decisions that require technical expertise, leadership, initiative, and good judgement. Decisions and errors in work can have significant legal, fiscal, political, and operational impacts to the agency.
• Work involves a high level of complexity due to the advanced technical nature of the work, the difficulty and leadership skill required to lead a team, the level of inter-departmental and external collaboration, the regular and critical interaction with City leaders and the Mayor’s Office, the intense political and community interest in agency projects and programs, and the need to navigate political dynamics and prioritize multiple initiatives.
• Performs a variety of work functions and a varied scope of work that is often complex, new, and or has a high degree of technical difficulty. Position serves as a subject matter expert to the agency.
• Position has full supervisory responsibilities of a team. Oversees the work of consultants, temporary workers, and/or student staff.
• Position has oversight for administration of agency funds, private investment, and city funds; possesses expenditure authority to $10,000.
• Handles sensitive information and must always ensure information security and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Competencies

Putting People First, Inclusion & Collaboration

• Interpersonal Skills: Advanced ability to establish and cultivate authentic and effective working relationships and partnerships. Exercises active listening, tact, patience, diplomacy, discretion, and political awareness.
• Mission-Driven Service: Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and a willingness to help. Ability to train and provide mentorship, guidance, and thought partnership to others.
• Teamwork: Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with others. Resolves conflict and builds consensus.
• Leadership: Ability to lead, organize, review, and support the work of others. Ability to effectively manage staff performance and invest in staff development. Ability to coalesce, motivate, and empower a team.
• Communication: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills. Advanced ability to speak and present in public. Utilizes negotiation, facilitation, and persuasion skills. Ability to organize, simplify, and report complex data and information to a variety of audiences. Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
• Cultural Curiosity and Reflection: Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in interactions and decisions.
• Advancing Equity: Knowledge of and a demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial equity. Actively embeds equity in strategy and practice. Ability to lead others in learning, understanding, and applying the principles and practices of equity to work.

Excellence, Innovation & Learning

• Knowledge:
  • Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of public policy, public administration, and strategic planning.
  • Advanced knowledge and skill in policy development and analysis.
  • Knowledge of Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to areas of responsibility.
  • Understanding of budgeting, project management, business development, and economic development.
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply strategies that center equity in strategy and business practices
  • Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Continuous Learning: Openness to new ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences.
• Problem Solving: Apply advanced research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills. Exercises sound judgement in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to evaluate, and make recommendations related to policy, governance, and data. Ability to interpret and apply law, policy, and procedure.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Ability to work with ambiguity. Perseveres in the face of obstacles.
• Planning and Organization: Ability to oversee complex projects, initiatives, and contracts. Advanced ability to strategize, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate goals, policies, and procedures. Ability to develop and manage a budget.
• Accountability: Takes initiative and responsibility for actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience

Seven years of progressive experience in public policy, public administration, urban planning, real estate development, strategic planning, or equivalent experience. Demonstrated success at advancing social/racial equity. Management experience, while not required, is considered helpful and valuable experience.

Physical Requirements

Position requires ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time along with the ability to frequently move throughout the office. Position often uses a computer and other standard office equipment. Position must communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders often regarding complex issues.

Working Conditions

Normal working hours Monday through Friday [8 AM – 5 PM] in a combination of in-person and remote work; however, additional hours will regularly be needed to meet deadlines. Early morning, evening, and weekend meetings may be necessary. Position may travel to external meetings, properties, or events and may occasionally travel out of the metro area. Assigned work is often politicized, shifting, and complex, which sometimes necessitates working under stressful conditions. Position will be expected to engage in conversation and personal reflection around race, racism, and equity.