Legislative and Policy Advocate

Position Description

Oregon Law Center (OLC) seeks a full‑time state Legislative and Policy Advocate. This position provides an exciting opportunity for an experienced advocate to work as part of a team dedicated to improving the lives of low‑income Oregonians. Legislative and administrative advocacy at OLC focuses on issues related to poverty, including family law, employment, farm worker justice, civil rights, human services and public benefits, consumer law, landlord‑tenant, affordable housing and homelessness, healthcare, and domestic and sexual violence survivor advocacy.

The Legislative and Policy Advocate will be responsible for moving forward a portion of OLC’s legislative and policy priorities. OLC’s agenda is non‑partisan and established through a priority setting process approved by OLC’s Board. This process incorporates input from our clients and client communities, the eleven OLC offices, OLC’s litigation support unit, community partners, and the legal community. Advocacy issues and responsibilities are shared, with each member of the legislative team playing a role with subject‑matter specialization and focus.

The position is a full‑time, exempt position that reports to and is supervised by the Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Advocacy. The position will join the director and two legislative advocates, to make a team of four. The position requires working in Salem on a daily basis during legislative sessions and at other times as necessary. OLC operates a hybrid work model, blending in‑office and remote work.

• Provide high quality legislative and administrative advocacy for OLC’s client communities.
• Help policy makers understand the needs of low‑income people in Oregon and the impact various proposals could have on low‑income people.
• Craft strategic legislative, administrative, and budget priorities designed to be effective in both the short and long term.
• Conduct policy research to assist with the development of policy priorities.
• Work effectively with legislative counsel, legislators, OLC lawyers, community partners and other stakeholders to draft priority legislation and amendments.
• Use independent judgment, in a fast‑paced environment, to further the policy goals of OLC.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with the Governor’s office, legislators, and legislative staff, as well as community partners, agencies, coalitions, and the civil legal community.
• Direct policy work of OLC employees, to ensure coordinated implementation of OLC’s legislative policy agenda.
• Prepare high‑quality expert testimony and information for legislative committees and staff, analyze measures, negotiate solutions, and track priority bills.
• Help legal services advocates and community partners understand the legislative process, and legislative changes that impact client communities.