Policy Advisors

Overview

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Council Office is looking for strategic, organized, and relationship‑driven Policy Advisors to serve as a partner to a Metro Councilor. In this role, you will shape policy direction, identify and solve complex problems, and ensure Councilors are equipped to make informed, timely, and effective decisions. You will synthesize complex technical information into clear decision frameworks, identify trade‑offs and risks, and anticipate policy implications.

As a Policy Advisor, you will play a key role in communicating policies and processes in service of Council and agency staff. You will bridge the work of Metro with the broader community and help advance Councilors' goals and priorities, building credibility and trust within the organization and the communities they serve. This high‑visibility role presents a unique opportunity to assist Metro’s work in regional land use and growth management, solid waste and recycling, housing, transportation, parks and natural areas, and more, while helping Councilors deliver on their commitments with equity, transparency, and community voice.

• Strategic Policy Development & Decision Support – owns the development of clear, effective policy strategy and equips Councilors to promptly address issues, make progress on their priorities, and make informed decisions.
  • Conduct policy research and feasibility analysis at the direction of individual Councilors
  • Work with agency staff to support alignment between Council direction and administrative decisions
  • Synthesize complex technical information into clear decision‑making frameworks that are responsive to Councilor needs and stakeholder communication
  • Draft policy proposals, resolutions, and amendments aligned with Councilor priorities
• Regional Strategy & External Affairs – positions Council and the agency for long‑term success in regional initiatives and external partnerships.
  • Support strategy and readiness for major regional funding efforts (e.g., bonds, levies, measures)
  • Build and maintain relationships with external government partners (cities, counties, state, federal, Tribes, special districts) in coordination with agency staff
  • Help position Councilors and the agency as credible, trusted regional leaders
  • Contribute to and maintain a dynamic stakeholder map/tracker (jurisdictions, community groups, business, advocacy, etc.)
• Communication & Constituent Relationship Management – understands and implements effective communication and relationship development.
  • Prepare concise talking points for meetings, public engagement opportunities and immediate responses to constituent inquiries
  • Translate complex policy into clear, compelling communication for internal and external audiences
  • Provide advice to Council and staff regarding effective communication and outreach
  • Proactively build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to support policy goals through Councilor schedule management and regular communication
• Cross‑Departmental Leadership & Agency Navigation – breaks down silos and ensures accurate, timely, and coordinated information flow across the organization.
  • Build strong working relationships with department directors and subject matter experts
  • Proactively close communication gaps between Council Office, departments, and leadership
  • Coordinate across departments to gather accurate, timely information
  • Ensure department‑led briefings are:
    • Well‑structured
    • Outcome‑oriented
    • Supported by clear follow‑through
• Councilor Effectiveness & Time Prioritization – maximizes the impact of Councilor time and attention by focusing on high‑value activities.
  • Act as a strategic gatekeeper, not an administrative scheduler
  • Evaluate meeting requests and provide clear recommendations (attend, delegate, decline)
  • Monitor agendas and provide input to ensure Council meetings are an effective use of Council time and reflect the full lifecycle of policy decisions, including key decision points
  • Consider when and how Councilor would prefer to receive…