Legislative Assistant

Initial Posting Date:
10/16/2026
Application Deadline:
10/30/2026
Agency:
Legislative Assembly
Salary Range:
$4,080 - $6,119
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Legislative Assistant
Job Description:
The office of Senator Jama is seeking a team-oriented individual to join our office as a Legislative Assistant. The Legislative Assistant will observe, learn and support the office by performing a variety of duties and participate in different activities during the 2026 Interim and the 2027 Legislative Session. The Legislative Assistant will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process, improve research and writing skills, participate in event coordination, strengthen communication, expand the network, and work to address the inequity and challenges in both our district and the state of Oregon.
Ideal applicants are compassionate and creative problem solvers with an interest in government, skilled writers and clear communicators, open and receptive to feedback, and bring a positive and collaborative approach to their work. The ideal candidates will thrive in a fast-paced, flexible work environment. This position will work under the supervision of the District Director.
Key responsibilities include:
Research, analyze and support Senator Jama’s legislation for the Long Session
Manage the Senator’s inbox and phone system
Draft one-pagers, talking points and memos on policy issues and legislation
Staff Senator Jama at town halls and different community events
Manage Senator Jama’s social media account and newsletter
Respond to constituent emails
To view the position description in its entirety, please click here.
This is a full-time, limited-duration position beginning in November 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. During Oregon legislative sessions, staff work in the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Oregon. Flexibility to work non-traditional office hours, including nights and weekends, and willingness to travel within Oregon will be required.
How to qualify:
Your application must demonstrate:
A Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of related experience.
*An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered.
Please attach a resume and cover letter that clearly states your experience and how it is applicable to this position
Preferred Qualifications:
Understanding of the needs of diverse communities within Senate District 24
Commitment to racial justice
Strong written and oral communication skills, with high attention to detail
Proficiency in a language other than English
Interest in public policy issues and the legislative process
Dynamic, positive, highly motivated, and responsible
A good sense of humor and perspective amid multiple deadlines and priorities
Lived experiences are often as equally valuable as educational or employment experience; please apply if you think you would be a good fit.
Senator Kayse Jama (he/him) is the first former refugee, Black Muslim and Somali-American to serve in the Oregon State Senate. In addition to serving as Senate Majority Leader, he proudly represents Senate District 24, which includes communities of East Portland, Damascus and Boring. Representing one of the most diverse districts in our state, Senator Jama comes to Salem with high hopes knowing that his lived experience and two decades of advocacy and organizing skills needed to be translated into real policy change, particularly for Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants and refugees, low-income Oregonians and rural communities. He is committed to bringing all his years of deep, on the ground relationships and the voices of our entire community with him and working to pass policies aimed at changing all our lives for the better.
Senator Jama was born into a nomad family in Somalia. Just as the civil war erupted, he graduated from high school and lived as a refugee for many years before arriving in the United States. In 1998, Senator Jama settled in Portland where he leveraged his passion for equity and justice to better the lives of immigrants and refugees throughout the Northwest region. In 2003, he co-founded the Center for Intercultural Organizing (now Unite Oregon) - a statewide nonprofit dedicated to uplifting all Oregonians.
During his time in the state legislature, Senator Jama has already had a proven track record of progress on democracy reform, immigrant and refugee rights, tenant protections, education equity, and criminal justice reform at the state and local levels. He currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules and as a member of the Senate Committee on Housing and Development.
WHY THE OREGON STATE LEGISLATURE?
Work/life balance - paid leave and a competitive benefits package.
We offer full medical, vision and dental with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year.
Collaborative work environment with a team of bright, hardworking, and fun individuals.
Opportunities for professional development to expand your breadth and depth of knowledge.
Support the creation of public policy and watch as history unfolds for the State of Oregon as ideas become crafted into policies and laws.
The Legislative Branch is made up of seven small-medium state agencies where y