Criminal Justice Policy Advisor; OPA

Final date to receive applications: 10/19/2026

Agency:
Oregon Criminal Justice Commission

Salary Range: $7,537 - $11,098

Position Type:
Employee

The mission of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) is to improve the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Oregon’s state and local criminal justice systems by providing a centralized and impartial forum for statewide policy development and planning. The CJC supports their mission through a diverse range of activities including research, data analysis, grant administration, and collaborative policy leadership. This creates a unique atmosphere of 35 professionals working to advance a future in Oregon where every aspect of the criminal justice system is equitable, efficient, and worthy of confidence.

McGilchrist House

As the Criminal Justice Policy Advisor, you will lead strategic initiatives and activities of the agency established in ORS 137.656 and 137.667, including the development and maintenance of statewide criminal justice policies, the administration of the Oregon Sentencing Guidelines, and the coordination of agency rule making related to criminal justice. You’ll serve as the agency’s lead expert on sentencing and criminal justice policy by directing statewide policy development and legislative analysis, advising the Executive Director on strategic initiatives that ensure the agency fulfills its statutory responsibilities and adapts to changes in Oregon’s criminal justice system.

Review the full position details, duties and working conditions here.

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work in Criminal Justice policy administration. OR;
Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work experience in Criminal Justice policy administration.

• Professional-level knowledge in the principles of criminal law, sentencing policy, and criminal justice systems
• Professional-level knowledge in the principles of administrative law, public meeting laws, and rule making
• Experience and knowledge of Oregon legislative process, public administration, and how to apply statutory and regulatory frameworks to the operations and compliance outcomes of an executive branch, public-facing agency
• Demonstrated strong public relations skills; excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to understand varying needs and perspectives
• Experience facilitating meetings, collaborating with groups of opposing views, and achieving mutually desired outcomes
• Preference may be given to candidates with a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

We believe hiring highly skilled, diverse employees is key to cultivating positive results, well-informed outcomes, and value the unique skill set and perspective of all our team members. Additionally, the CJC campus is in the North Capitol Mall Heritage Park in three historic Salem houses. Natural light and a park outside your office door is a nice perk of working at CJC.

Our amazing benefits include:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage:
  Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include term life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and…