Government Affairs and Policy Development (GAPD) Coordinator

Hello, we’re Metro! 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.

Metro is looking for a Government Affairs and Policy Development (GAPD) Coordinator to play a key role in supporting a dynamic, high-level team. If you enjoy being organized, bringing people together, and keeping important work moving, this is a great opportunity to contribute to initiatives that shape the greater Portland region.

As part of the Government Affairs team, you’ll support work that connects Metro with local, state, and federal partners, strengthens tribal relationships, and advances regional priorities. In this role, you’ll coordinate meetings and events, manage logistics, and help keep projects on track. You’ll also serve as a go-to point of contact, prepare clear and professional materials, and collaborate with colleagues and partners across the region.

This position offers variety, visibility, and the chance to be involved in meaningful public-facing work. You’ll join a collaborative and supportive environment where your contributions help the team operate smoothly and effectively. The role is part of a broader administrative support group that partners across multiple departments, offering a unique view into Metro’s work and impact.

As the GAPD Coordinator you will:

• Keep the team organized and moving forward by managing calendars, tracking budgets, coordinating contracts, and handling day-to-day administrative needs.
• Serve as a key point of connection between staff, leadership, elected officials, partners, and community members.
• Oversee the lobbyist registration process and track compliance with agency policies.
• Plan and facilitate engaging meetings and events, from small workgroups to large, multi-stakeholder gatherings; across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.
• Support program operations by coordinating committees, maintaining records, and helping implement processes and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and reports and serve as a resource to help others understand agency policies and priorities.
• Contribute to agency-wide initiatives, including participation in the sponsorships team.
• Take initiative on special projects, helping move ideas from concept through execution.
• Prepare polished, professional materials such as presentations, correspondence, and reports, and respond to inquiries from staff, partners, and the public.
• Collaborate across the team, providing backup support when needed and contributing to a strong, connected administrative community.

Attributes for success:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and take pride in supporting work that benefits the greater Portland region.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing, speaking, and digital formats, especially when managing timelines and deliverables.
• Collaborate effectively while working both independently and as part of a team, using good judgment to decide when to act and when to seek input.
• Organize and prioritize work to ensure administrative details are handled accurately, efficiently, and on time.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing needs and deadlines.
• Handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Build respectful and effective relationships with colleagues, partners, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Take initiative to identify opportunities, solve problems, and support team success.
• Utilize common workplace tools and technology, including Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheets, video conferencing platforms, and document sharing systems, and apply familiarity with public sector work as a plus.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications:

• Five years of progressively responsible administrative support experience; support at the executive-level preferred, and
• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Office Management or related field OR applicable certification, or
• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required: 

• The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Hybrid Telework

This position is designated as “hybrid telework.” You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Previous experience working with elected officials, in a political office or in a legislative setting.
• Previous experience performing public engagement or outreach or coordinating events.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A complete online application.  
• A cover letter that describes your experience as it relates to the job duties. Generic cover letters that do not address the requirements of this position will not be considered.
• Answers to supplemental questions.

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference check 
• Background check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $75,144.30 to step 7: $100,700.05 annually. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $75,144.30 to the equity range of step 4: $86,846.23 annually. 

This position is not eligible for overtime and is not represented by a union. It is classified as an Administrative Assistant IV.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann

Email: carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
  

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

Government Jobs

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.   

Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

Salary : $75,144 - $100,700