Government Relations Assistant (CSA II) presso City of Portland, OR

About the Department

The Office of Government Relations (OGR) is seeking applicants for a Community Service Aide II (Government Relations Assistant) to support the Office of Government Relations State Relations Program. This position is part-time and limited duration. The State Relations Program coordinates the City’s engagement with the Oregon state legislature, the state executive branch, and state agencies. Most of this work is accomplished through the development and advocacy of a state legislative agenda that is developed in collaboration with the Mayor, City Council, bureaus, and other key stakeholders. The State Team also supports special projects and initiatives that require multi-jurisdictional coordination. 

The Government Relations Assistant provides organizational, administrative and communications support to the Director of OGR and the State Relations Team.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Schedule and coordinate meetings and events with elected officials, bureau staff, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Draft, process and disseminate documents including correspondence, reports, newsletters and testimony.
• Maintain and update centralized lists and databases of elected officials, committee members, legislative and agency staff, and bureau liaisons.
• Provide administrative support for Citywide bill-tracking software: input users, troubleshoot issues, complete data entry, ensure data accuracy, communicate review deadlines, and distribute daily and weekly reports. 
• Take high-quality notes during City Council meetings, legislative hearings, and other meetings. Organize and distribute notes promptly. 
• Conduct research on policy issues and constituent casework as assigned. 
• Draft content for newsletters, correspondence, legislative updates, talking points, and testimony. 
• Assist the State Team with other administrative and project-based tasks as needed. 

Work Location & Schedule:

• This position will work up to 35 hours per week or less for a maximum of 40 weeks throughout any given fiscal year.
• Preferred Term: December 1, 2025 - March 15, 2026 (shortly before and after the state legislative short session) 
• Additional support will be sought for November 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027 for the long state legislative session.

Position Duties

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their résumé and responses to the supplemental questions how their education, training, work experience, and/or lived experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications: 

1. Describe your experience performing administrative tasks and providing technical support experience. 
2. Describe your experience demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills.
3. Describe your experience using Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel proficiently. 
4. Describe your ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, follow instructions and work independently. 
5. Describe how you have demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm, and reliability in your work. Ability to follow instructions and work independently. 
   
   
   
   

Minimum Qualifications

STEP 1: Apply online between October 1st - October 13th 
 

• Required Application Materials:
  

  • Resume
  • Answer the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)
    

  Optional Application Materials:
  • If you wish to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your veteran documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) by the recruitment's closing date.
    
    We have recently updated our veteran preference process. As of March 3rd, 2025 if you made the eligible list and met the eligibility to receive veteran preference, you will no longer need to submit veteran documents for future recruitments.

Application Tips:

• Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
• Your résumé should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.

• How We Determine Pay: The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying.  It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid, regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all your relevant experience.
• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note that all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
• You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage the use of AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
• All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. 

• An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and cover letter, is weighted 100%.
• Your resume and cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required before the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.

• The hiring bureau will review and select candidates to interview.
• Please note, that the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

Other Qualifications

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations