Assistant County Administrator

Washington County, Oregon•Hillsboro, OR

12d

About The Position

Washington County is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking Assistant County Administrator to help lead a mission-driven, community-centered organization. With delegated authority from the County Administrator, this position oversees a portfolio primarily comprising public-safety-related departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Law Library, Justice Court, Community Corrections, and Juvenile Services. Some department directors report directly to the position; for independently elected officials, the Assistant County Administrator serves as a liaison supporting coordination and shared priorities. The position also liaises with the County Auditor. Portfolio assignments may change according to organizational needs. The Assistant County Administrator works closely with the County Administrator, fellow Assistant County Administrators, and Department Directors to shape countywide initiatives and decisions. The role contributes centrally to the annual budget process, provides outcome-focused recommendations, advises on legislation affecting County operations, leads work on local-option levies that fund public-safety services, and represents the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners in community settings, on boards and committees, and in cross-agency partnerships. The position will champion several high-visibility initiatives: the Jail and Community Corrections Center Expansion Project, the Courthouse Replacement Project, Community Corrections Contact Standards Implementation, and the Oregon Public Safety Coordination Grant. The role requires sound judgment, political awareness, effective communication, the ability to build relationships with elected officials and community partners, and the ability to lead and develop director-level employees. Washington County operates under a council-manager form of government. The five elected Commissioners appoint the County Administrator, who serves as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. The County serves more than 620,000 residents and has a workforce of over 2,400 employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, public policy, political or social science, economics, or a related field.
Six years of increasingly responsible experience in government management, including lead responsibility for developing and coordinating complex interjurisdictional programs and projects, analyzing management problems, fiscal analysis, and budget work.
At least three of the six years of experience must include supervision of professional-level staff.
Knowledge of public administration and local government operations, including day-to-day budget and fiscal systems.
Knowledge of criminal justice systems and partnership-building with public-safety agencies.
Ability to use data, research, and analytical reasoning to identify trends, solve problems, and support informed decision-making.
Ability to develop short- and long-term plans with clear goals, actionable steps, and measurable outcomes.
Ability to identify challenges, evaluate options, and implement solutions that support organizational goals and advance work.
Effective communication skills, including explaining complex information, navigating difficult conversations, and keeping stakeholders informed during change.
Ability to lead and support teams by setting clear expectations and fostering high performance.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department leaders, community partners, and staff at all levels.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and political awareness, anticipate decision impacts, maintain confidentiality, and navigate sensitive issues thoughtfully.
Ability to arrange timely transportation to attend required appointments and meetings at off-site locations.
Completion of a comprehensive background check.
Ability to act in an on-call capacity and respond to emergencies, except when on approved leave.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business or public administration, public policy and administration, or social science.
International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) designation, or eligibility for credentialing status.
Public Administration Certificate.

Responsibilities

Oversee an assigned portfolio of primarily public-safety-related departments, with delegated authority from the County Administrator.
Serve as a liaison to independently elected officials and support coordination and shared priorities across the portfolio.
Serve as a liaison to the County Auditor; portfolio assignments may shift based on organizational needs.
Play a central role in the annual budget process and provide outcome-focused recommendations.
Collaborate with government relations staff and County departments to analyze and advise on legislation affecting County operations.
Lead work related to local-option levy development to provide critical funding to public-safety services.
Represent the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners in community settings, on boards and committees, and in cross-agency partnerships.
Guide the Jail and Community Corrections Center Expansion Project.
Guide the Courthouse Replacement Project.
Guide Community Corrections Contact Standards Implementation.
Guide the Oregon Public Safety Coordination Grant.
Supervise and develop director-level employees, particularly during periods of transition or organizational change.
Act in an on-call capacity and respond to emergencies, except when on approved leave.