Council Operations Manager

The Position

About The Position

Job Appointment: Full Time, At Will

Work Schedule: M-F 8-5, work hours may extend beyond this as needed for special events

Work Location: Hybrid- include address for in person work Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington. For more information, click here .

Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefit for this position

Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees (Classifications identified as eligible use “This Position is”, all other classifications use “This position may be”. This must be included on all announcements.)

Union Representation: At Will position, non union represented. .

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.

Position Summary

The Council Operations Manager is a strategic leadership position reporting to the City Council President. Operating with a high degree of independence and discretion, this role is responsible for overseeing the Council Operations team, which serves as the backbone of legislative support for the Portland City Council. The Council Operations Manager ensures Council members are equipped with timely , accurate , and politically neutral legislative, operational, and administrative support in a fast-paced and highly visible environment. Acting as a key liaison between the legislative and executive branches of City government, the role provides strategic counsel, legislative coordination, and program oversight—often navigating competing priorities, public scrutiny, and sensitive political dynamics.

The Council Operations Manager Has Authority To

• Direct the exploration, planning, drafting, vetting, and presentation of legislation to City Council, ensuring it is aligned with policy goals, legally sound, and administratively feasible .
• Coordinate Council requests for information with the City Administrator and administrative staff, often navigating politically sensitive or high-profile topics.
• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of team programs and functions that directly support the City's legislative processes.
• Develop unit goals, staff work plans, deadlines, workflows, and performance standards to ensure consistent and equitable delivery of support to all Council offices.
• Oversee budget development and administration, vendor contracts, and resource planning in an environment of public scrutiny and evolving policy priorities.
  
  

As a Council Operations Manager, You Will

Leadership and Team Management

• Manage daily operations and supervise Council Operations staff, ensuring continuity of service across multiple Council offices and adapting to changing priorities.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management for direct reports, fostering a high-performing and resilient team capable of navigating a dynamic political environment.
• Establish performance standards, work schedules, and development goals to support both operational effectiveness and individual growth.
• Promote an equitable , inclusive, and collaborative work environment that reflects the City’s values and the communities Council serves.
  
  

Legislative Operations and Policy Support

• Direct staff in legislative research, policy analysis, and drafting of issue papers to support Council decision-making on complex and often controversial topics.
• Oversee onboarding and continuous education for Council members and their staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of legislative tools, protocols, and strategic options.
• Recommend the formation of standing or ad hoc committees to support Council objectives , providing analysis on their potential structure, scope, and effectiveness.
• Present pros and cons of legislative proposals in writing and in public forums, offering clear, balanced, and data-informed perspectives.
  
  

Communication, Coordination, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as liaison between Council and the City Administrator, City leadership, and external stakeholders, building strong partnerships while maintaining Council’s legislative independence.
• Represent Council Operations in public and internal meetings, media engagements, and community outreach, including in moments of crisis or heightened public interest.
• Maintain clear and open communication with elected officials and City staff, ensuring timely and equitable dissemination of information and resources.
  
  

Budget, Compliance, and Program Evaluation

• Lead Council Operations budget development, monitoring, and forecasting, including responding to mid-year shifts in policy direction or fiscal outlooks.
• Conduct cost-benefit and resource analyses; oversee vendor and professional service contracts, ensuring alignment with Council objectives and public accountability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and administrative rules, and proactively identify risks or operational vulnerabilities.
• Identify service gaps and propose resources or strategies to improve Council support, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and equity.
  
  

Have a question?

Contact Information

Jamaal Anthony, Recruitment Supervisor

Bureau of Human Resources

Jamaal.Anthony@portlandoregon.gov

To Qualify

Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

• E xperience maintaining effective and politically neutral communication with elected officials , leadership , and stakeholders.
• Experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing staff in an equitable and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in legislative operations, municipal budgeting, and public administration.
• Experience perform ing policy analysis and utilize technical expertise to make recommendations to Council on complex and controversial topics.
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and the ability to interpret and apply them.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with communities of color and people traditionally underrepresented in local decision-making; facilitat ing inclusive participation in programs and activities; and communicat ing cross-culturally.
  
  

The Recruitment Process

STEP 1: Apply online between April 21, 2025- May 12, 2025

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Answer to 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. Starting 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.

If you need to update or remove your veteran preference for a specific recruitment or from your master profile, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

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.
• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note, 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 using 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.
• E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
  
  

Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Week of May 12

• An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and supplemental questions, weighted 100%.
• Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions 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 result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.
  
  

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of May 19

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. (Update if a Ranked list or other type of list is used)
  
  

Step 4: Selection (Interview): Mid/Late May - Early June

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview
  
  

Step 5: Offer of Employment: Mid/Late June

• Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment. (Include if requires an in-depth background investigation.)
  
  

Step 6: Start Date: Late June/Early July

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
• Timeline is approximate and subject to change.
  
  

Additional Information

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
  
  

An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer