Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Manager

Do you have experience in public policy and legislation, and a passion for protecting the environment? Apply to be our next Government Relations Manager by August 18th, 2026! This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule reporting to our Salem office 2 days per week on average; 5 days per week during legislative sessions.

Make a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state's waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Government Relations Manager, you will too.

The primary purpose of this position is to lead the department's policy and legislative work. This includes providing guidance and assistance to all levels of leadership on policy, legislative, land management and regulatory issues concerning the Department's authorities, responsibilities, and resources as directed by the Director and the State Land Board. As the Government Relations Manager, this position also serves as the Department's Tribal Liaison.

This position is statewide and will report directly to our Salem office. This is a management services supervisory position not represented by a union, with a one (1) year trial service period.

We invite you to join us for an informational session to learn more about this opportunity.

What's in it for you?

• Utilize your skills and experience in Oregon legislature to support a small team in the state's oldest natural resource agency!
• Receive 1-on-1 mentoring and support from natural resource experts.
• Join an organization with collaborative and engaged co-workers who care about Oregon's economy, environment, and communities, and their co-workers.
• Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.

• Accrue at least 8 hours of sick leave and at least 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years.
• Receive 11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, 3 personal business days and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• Automatically enroll into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after 6 months of full-time service.
• Earn the initial monthly salary range for this position starting at $7,537- $11,657 for employees new to public service; current PERS employees start at $8,060 - $12,469.
• Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate's education and experience. Visit our Pay Equity and Classification and Compensation pages for more details.

Working Conditions:

This position involves frequent contact with executives, management, legislative offices, Tribal executives, external partners, and staff across the agency and statewide, requiring the incumbent to exercise a high level of diplomacy, professionalism, and discretion. This role requires maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive information and working effectively with a wide range of people, perspectives, and situations, including those that may be tense or emotionally charged, while maintaining composure and sound judgment.

The position requires managing multiple tasks simultaneously, often within short time frames, and coordinating complex work streams with tight deadlines and frequent interruptions. Travel to meetings, hearings, and stakeholder engagements is regularly required, with frequent travel for training and/or statewide coordination. DSL provides agency-maintained vehicles, reimbursement for field gear, and travel expenses for authorized, on-the-job travel. The position may involve non‑traditional working hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet legislative schedules, customer needs, or agency deadlines, and the incumbent may receive communications outside normal hours, including nights and weekends, when urgent issues arise.

This position is eligible for remote work; however, in person work is mandatory during the legislative session to support real-time coordination, stakeholder engagement, and agency representation. The role requires significant use of a computer, videoconferencing tools, and digital communication platforms.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the development of legislator initiated and agency legislative concepts, as well as budget proposals, ahead of each legislative session.
• Coordinate bill reviews, draft and deliver testimony, and manage legislative engagement during sessions.
• Track post‑session bill impacts and ensure follow‑up on commitments and required actions.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Governor's Office, legislators, and key stakeholders for legislative updates.
• Advise and brief the Director and executive leadership on emerging issues, political context, and stakeholder perspectives.
• Draft complex internal policies,…