Deputy Director of Policy and Programs

The Oregon Just Transition Alliance seeks a Deputy Director of Policy and Programs to lead policy, advocacy, and research efforts focused on climate justice in Oregon. This leadership role involves community engagement, political campaigning, and collaboration with staff and partner organizations. Responsibilities include developing legislative strategies, supervising staff, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The position is primarily remote, requiring occasional in-person meetings across Oregon.
About the position

The Oregon Just Transition Alliance (OJTA) is seeking a passionate and experienced individual for the role of Deputy Director of Policy and Programs. This position is pivotal in shaping the alliance's policy, advocacy, and research priorities, with a strong focus on advancing climate justice in Oregon. The Deputy Director will work closely with the executive director and other staff to develop and implement legislative and administrative strategies that align with OJTA's mission. This role requires a deep commitment to community engagement and the ability to mobilize political campaigns effectively. In this leadership position, the Deputy Director will oversee the development and deployment of power-building strategies that empower frontline communities. The role involves supervising staff and contractors, collaborating across teams, and ensuring that the organization's programs and policies are aligned with its strategic objectives. The Deputy Director will also play a crucial role in advocating for policies that promote environmental justice and a Just Transition, working closely with partner organizations to achieve shared goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civic engagement, political campaigns, and advocacy, particularly within communities of color. They should possess a passion for policy innovation and a willingness to explore new ideas to achieve climate and environmental justice goals. This position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings and events required throughout Oregon, particularly during legislative sessions.

Responsibilities
• Identify policy goals, strategies, and timely research priorities in collaboration with other staff and under the supervision of the executive director.
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• Oversee legislative and administrative advocacy efforts on issues impacting the electoral process and democratic practice.
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• Provide written and oral testimony to policymakers, monitor and lobby relevant stakeholders, and coordinate closely with the communications director on digital advocacy strategies.
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• Coordinate with partner organizations on shared advocacy goals and strategies.
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• Supervise research related to issues impacting the rulemaking process and legislative priorities for OJTA.
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• Develop a legislative work plan that includes legislative projects, research projects, session dates, campaign timelines, and deliverables.
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• Oversee public-facing, written research pieces ranging from brief analyses to longer reports.
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• Assist with message development related to research findings and policy goals.
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• Collaborate with the executive director to develop and implement the organization's strategic plan.
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• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the Just Transition and environmental justice fields.
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• Help set organizational goals, objectives, and performance metrics.
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• Monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed.
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• Oversee and manage the organization's programs and policy team related to just transition and environmental justice.
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• Provide strategic program development, implementation, and evaluation.
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• Ensure that programs align with the organization's mission and strategic objectives.
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• Supervise policy and program staff, providing guidance, support, and performance evaluations.
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• Monitor program and policy budgets and ensure effective resource allocation.
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• Manage policy and programs staff and resources, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
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• Maintain strategic relationships with OJTA policy and program consultants, and negotiate contracts and scopes of work as needed.
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• Support the communications team in overseeing the development and execution of communication strategies, including narrative strategy for OJTA's policy and legislative agenda.
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• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure effective messaging and monitor the impact of communication strategies.

Requirements
• Strong commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Oregon Just Transition Alliance, particularly in advancing racial equity and working for frontline communities of color.
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• Passion for making justice central to the climate and environmental conversation.
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• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Master's degree preferred).
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• Strong understanding of environmental justice, climate change, and Just Transition principles.
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• Three to five years of experience in lobbying, public policy, legislative affairs, or grassroots coordination and/or advocacy.
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• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.
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• Ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of professionals.
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• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
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• Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice, particularly for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and low-income rural communities in Oregon.
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• Demonstrated multicultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience working with and taking direction from frontline communities and community-based organizations.
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• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, collaboration, and transparency.
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• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
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• Ability to work independently; a self-starter with a high level of motivation, creativity, and proactivity.

Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost for the employee.
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• 401k plan with matching 100% of salary deferrals up to the first 5% of eligible compensation.
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• An annual office closure for summer and winter (three weeks total).
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• Four weeks paid vacation.
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• 14 holidays.
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• 12 paid sick days a year.
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• Five paid well-being hours weekly.