Executive Support Specialist-Executive Support Specialist 2

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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is a State of Oregon agency with a mission to serve and honor veterans through leadership, advocacy and strong partnerships. The Department is entrusted to assist veterans, their dependents, and surviving family members in obtaining their earned Federal, State, and local benefits. 

At the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we value a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We stand by our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization, and recognize and celebrate our unique backgrounds and diverse experiences. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ+ community members. The strength of our agency lies in the diversity of our workforce and the perspectives our employees bring to their work at ODVA. 

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has (1) full-time opportunity available for an Executive Support Specialist 2 (Executive Support Specialist) located at ODVA Headquarters in Salem, Oregon in a hybrid (work from home/in-office work schedule)

This position is a permanent management service non-supervisory position located within the Office of the Director of Veterans’ Affairs.

About Us 

• We are a collective of individuals working toward a very noble mission, day in and day out. From direct client engagement to operational services that support day-to-day business, our teams work together to deliver on a promise made more than 80 years ago.

• ODVA works to deliver on an incredibly broad mission in serving all Oregon Veterans and their families aligning and partnering around a shared vision and of good stewardship of existing resources.

• ODVA unites government, private companies, nonprofits, and other veteran services organizations to address issues facing veterans and their families. We are building support around specific issues that affect veterans. And we maintain strong relationships with key partners that allow us to continue to be a leading voice on veteran’s issues.

• This is ODVA's cadence. Together with our veterans and our partners, we honor the past, build on our strengths, and chart a course worthy of the next 80 years.

What you will do! 

As an Executive Support Specialist, you will provide agency-wide support to the Deputy Director and the Chief Operating Officer in advancing ODVA’s mission: to recognize and honor Oregon’s veterans and their families by delivering the highest quality programs, services, and benefits.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provides high-level administrative support to the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, including managing complex scheduling, correspondence, and daily executive operations with accuracy and discretion
• Serves as the central communications liaison between executive leadership, agency divisions, legislators, partners, and the public to support agency goals and priorities
• Coordinates and facilitates cross-divisional projects and information flow, ensuring alignment with executive direction and organizational objectives
• Exercises independent judgment in handling confidential and sensitive matters, applying tact, diplomacy, and sound decision-making
• Interprets and applies agency administrative procedures and state government processes while providing guidance to staff on projects and work assignments
• Independently initiates and completes executive-level administrative work, preparing and managing correspondence and materials to streamline decision-making processes.

What’s in it for you! 

The opportunity to work with and learn from a great team that has a passion for serving veterans in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about serving Oregon's veterans, apply today! 

What are we looking for? 

Minimum Qualifications:
one year of experience performing administrative duties in support of agency projects or programs. Qualifying experience would involve data collection and analysis; project evaluation and/or analysis; interpretation and application of laws, rules, and regulations; or similar experience.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following requested skills: 

• Strategic Prioritization: Ability to identify and focus on high-impact work; quickly learns organizational priorities (e.g., strategic plans and key initiatives) and aligns tasks accordingly.

• Political & Organizational Awareness: Demonstrates professionalism and sound judgment when interacting with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders and external partners; understands how to navigate sensitive or high-visibility situations.
• Judgment, Confidentiality & Discretion: Proven ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality in fast-paced environments.
• Operational Excellence: Strong organizational skills with experience managing complex calendars, preparing briefings or correspondence, coordinating projects or events, and tracking follow-ups to ensure accountability.
• Mission Alignment & Adaptability: Ability to quickly learn a new organization’s mission, culture, and the populations it serves; demonstrates respect for and commitment to serving diverse communities.

Additional Requirements:  

This position requires successful completion of a fingerprint based criminal history background check through the Oregon (LEDS) and National (NCIC) law enforcement data systems.  A valid Oregon or Washington State driver’s license is required; must also undergo a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, with ongoing monitoring as a condition of continued employment. 

Working Conditions:  

ODVA 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 promoting a culture of inclusiveness.  

This position will be based out of ODVAs Salem Office; however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid (work from home/in office) work schedule. 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. Remote work is evaluated periodically to ensure business needs are being met and can be adjusted at any time.  ODVA will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. This position may require some travel to ODVA offices and sites on an as-needed basis. At ODVA sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees. 

 How to Apply: (complete the application in full) 

• External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.  

• Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account.  View this knowledge article for assistance. 

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• Be sure to attach a resume and cover letter.  

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• This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed. 

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• Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.  

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• Click here for Resources and a Job Support Page.  

Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, ODVA will use the requested skills and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your requested skills and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials. 

Veterans’ Preference Information: 

Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation. 

Pay Equity:  

As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate based on protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information. Please note: the salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes). Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details. 

Work Authorization: 

ODVA does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity.  

Questions/Need Help? 

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce.  Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application and selection process for applicants with disabilities who request assistance. 

If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Elissa Johnson, Human Resources Analyst, at [email protected] TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900. 

Additional Information  

Learn more about ODVA 
Understanding the State Application Process 
Online Employment Application Guide (Download PDF reader) 
Help & Support webpage 
Learn more about Oregon