Central Services Division Policy&Operations Manager …, Portland

Central Services Division Policy&Operations Manager

Are you interested in applying your operations leadership skills to protecting and enhancing Oregon's environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We celebrate and appreciate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity.We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, or physical or mental disability in the administration of our programs and activities. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a Central Services Division Policy&Operations Manager (Business Operations Manager 2). This position is based out of DEQ's Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. The Agency: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the primary regulatory agency of the government of the U.S. State of Oregon responsible for protecting and enhancing the state's natural resources. At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land, and water.The Central Services Division (CSD) is a collaborative, mission driven team that supports every part of the agency. We partner with DEQ programs across Oregon to make sure staff have the tools, systems, and guidance they need to serve communities effectively. Our work spans accounting and budgeting, information systems, human resources, health and safety, training, policy and organizational development, purchasing, and facilities management. Together, we support headquarters, regional offices, the Vehicle Inspection Program, and the Laboratory and Environmental Assessment Division. Our services touch more than 800 positions across the state and help ensure that DEQ can show up for local governments, sovereign Tribal Nations, community partners, and the people of Oregon we serve every day.What you will do! You will lead the Operations&Policy section within the Central Services Division. You will guide a team that supports essential agency functions, including data governance, public records management and coordination, facilities operations, fleet services, agency reception, emergency management and continuity of operations, and agency-wide policy management and development. Your leadership will bring clarity, coordination, and consistency to these services so staff across DEQ have what they need to do their work effectively and to serve communities well.You will set the vision and direction for Operations&Policy by developing goals and objectives, tracking progress, and helping staff prioritize work. You will coach and empower a diverse team of professional and technical staff, creating a supportive environment where people feel valued and are encouraged to grow. This includes hiring and onboarding, providing regular feedback, and helping staff build confidence and skills in their areas of responsibility. You will also help resolve complex operational or administrative challenges; support the development of clear and responsive statewide rules, procedures, and guidance; and ensure the division's work is timely, service oriented, and aligned with DEQ's commitments to equity, accessibility, and high-quality customer service.As a manager and people-centered leader, you will be expected to demonstrate, and model for others, the following competencies: proactive communication, innovation, intentional engagement, mentoring and developing others, stewardship, and business acumen. These competencies show up in your day-to-day work through:Supporting staff with the tools, resources, and information they need to succeed. Coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff through regular check-ins, thoughtful guidance, and opportunities for skill development and career growth. Setting clear work objectives, goals, and expectations, and addressing performance with timeliness, care, and accountability.Creating belonging by fostering team cohesion, encouraging collaboration, and helping ensure staff understand each other's roles and can step in to support one another when needed. Your leadership will help strengthen CSD's culture of service, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and ensure that our internal operations reflect the values of our Strategic Plan and DEI Plan: fairness, transparency, accessibility, trust, and a commitment to serving all communities in Oregon.Desired Attributes/Skills: If you have these qualities, let us know! Candidates who are most competitive will reflect the following: Demonstrated ability to apply equity and inclusion principles to policy, operations, and supervision. Proven skill in building healthy team culture through coaching, mentorship, accountability, and conflict navigation.Demonstrated ability to lead diverse operational functions by guiding subject-matter experts, making informed decisions without being the technical expert, and ensuring coordinated, customer-focused service delivery. Experience leading policy development, overseeing policy implementation and change management, and advising executives on operational or organizational impacts.Ability to manage complex operational functions with a focus on outcomes, metrics, and continuous improvement. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams, roles, and perspectives. Clear, effective communicator with demonstrated skill in written and verbal communication, especially when advising executives or explaining complex information.Minimum Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: 6 years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience or 3 years of related experience and a Bachelor's degree. What's in it for you! DEQ cares deeply about employee wellness and benefits. You will receive a comprehensive, competitive, and affordable benefits, leave, and wellness package, including:Medical, dental, and vision insurance 11 paid holidays 10 hours of vacation per month, eligible to be used as accrued 8 hours of sick leave per month, eligible to be used as accrued 24 hours of personal business leave per fiscal year, eligible to be used after 6 months of service Optional life insurance packagesFlexible spending accounts Membership in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Optional deferred compensation retirement program Opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Continuous growth and development opportunitiesOpportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work A healthy work/life balance, including flexible schedules and hybrid work options for many positions This is a full-time, management service supervisory position. Working Conditions: DEQ believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promotes a culture of inclusiveness.This position will be based out of DEQ's Portland office; however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs. DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. At DEQ sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees.Most work is performed in a professional office setting with multiple demands on time. There is frequent work under tight deadlines with changing priorities. This position requires occasional travel on official State business for meetings, conferences, trainings, and public hearings, some of which may involve evening work, weekend work, and/or overnight stays. There may be extended working hours during Legislative session, inclement weather events, and other emergency situations. This job involves the occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.