Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) seeks a skilled and motivated transportation program director to lead our work to transform Oregon’s transportation system into a non-polluting transportation system that supports clean air, climate stability, and healthy families living in economically vibrant neighborhoods. Transportation emissions are the single largest source of carbon emissions in Oregon and a major contributor of air pollution that harms Oregonians’ health. The transportation program director will focus on expediting transportation electrification and promoting shared use of and equitable access to emerging transportation technologies, while ensuring that OEC continues to play a value-added role in promoting transportation options and transportation demand management strategies.
The transportation program director will (1) advance zero-emission vehicle policies locally and statewide; (2) deepen utility commitment to investing in and accelerating transportation electrification; (2) secure commitments from public and private fleet operators to procure electric vehicles, including piloting e-cargo delivery systems; (4) explore innovative financing options that increase access to EVs for low-income people and communities of color; (5) raise awareness of the benefits of EVs, including electric bicycles; (6) engage with community-based organizations, unions and businesses to help them and their members/constituents/employees utilize the state EV rebates; and (7) monitor emerging transportation technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicles) and business models (e.g., app-based ride-hailing) and develop and advance a policy framework at the local level to ensure sustainable, equitable and transparent deployment.
This newly created position builds off of more than two decades of transportation policy work. Learn more about OEC’s current transportation vision and work. Based in Portland, the position requires some statewide travel, namely to Salem.
Description of Duties
Policy/Project Development and Implementation
Develops policy and project proposals to advance program goals; crafts and implements campaign plans to achieve these policies and project goals
Ensures that policies and projects are evaluated for equity implications
Determines and communicates the organization’s position on policy proposals that relate to our program goals
Investigates and analyzes issues germane to program; reviews relevant professional materials and communications on a continuing basis to serve as in-house subject matter expert
Advocacy and Coalition Building
Cultivates and maintains collaborative relationships with key interest groups and individuals, including policymakers and agency staff
Builds broad public support for program goals and project objectives
Fosters alliances; develops and manages diverse and influential stakeholder coalitions in support of policy goals
Engages authentically with community-of-color led organizations, organizations representing rural interests, and other organizations that bring a social and environmental justice perspective
Prepares and presents public comments and testimony; lobbies Oregon Legislature and other elected officials
Monitors and weighs in on administrative and regulatory processes that relate to program goals
Outreach and Education
Produces reports, fact sheets, opinion pieces, and other communication tools to support program objectives, with support from our marketing/communications team
Gives public presentations
Interacts with reporters, with support from our communications director
Serves as an ambassador for OEC, building our public presence
Educates and engages OEC members and supporters through website communications, electronic and written communications, and personal interactions
Occasionally develops and implements public education and “things you can do” campaigns
Fundraising
Writes/reviews program-related grant proposals and writes progress reports
Occasionally participates in fundraising meetings and events
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
Minimum five years of professional experience in public policy development and advocacy related to transportation
Proven ability to bring stakeholders together and work strategically to secure policy changes and other program objectives
Excellent interpersonal skills; flexible attitude, an eagerness to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias; experience incorporating the perspectives of communities of color in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process
A gift for writing and speaking in a clear and compelling fashion
Entrepreneurial approach, problem-solving skills; demonstrated self-motivation and initiative
Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects without losing sight of the “big picture”
Performance-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving goals
A passion for OEC’s mission
Desirable:
Experience promoting transportation electrification and/or sustainable application of emerging transportation technologies and business models
Understanding of state and local politics and experience in a legislative, agency and/or regulatory setting in Oregon
Experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board
Relevant bachelor’s or advanced degree
COMPENSATION AND AMENITIES
This is an exempt position, and the minimum salary is $65,000 with the potential for a higher salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks of paid vacation (three the first year) annually, and generous health insurance for employee and family. Learn more about OEC benefits here.
About Oregon Environmental Council
Founded in 1968, and celebrating its 50th anniversary, OEC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide organization governed by a 16-person board of directors from throughout Oregon. Our mission is to advance innovative, collaborative and equitable solutions to Oregon’s environmental challenges for today and future generations. OEC advocates for impactful, lasting solutions that get at the source of Oregon’s environmental problems and have real benefits for people’s health and quality of life. These challenges include toxic chemicals in our environment, water pollution and scarcity, and climate change. We find common ground with a diverse group of stakeholders to create collaborative solutions that support social equity and a sustainable economy. To learn more about OEC’s commitment to and progress on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, see A vision for justice on our website.
This is a responsible position in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. OEC offers a collaborative, team-oriented, family-friendly workplace that treats employees as the responsible professionals they are. You will learn a lot, laugh a lot, and feel great about helping Oregon communities become better, healthier places to live.
TO APPLY
The position will be open until filled, but we will begin reviewing applications January 2, 2019. Please email your cover letter and resume to our operations manager Karen Roberti at karenr@oeconline.org with subject line “Transportation Program Director-your name.”
OEC is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a disability, e-mail Karen Roberti at karenr@oeconline.org or call 503-222-1963 x100 to let us know the nature of your request.