Assistant County Administrator

Washington County•Hillsboro, OR

1d•$185,488 - $236,638

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 Assistant County Administrator; independently elected officials lead other departments, for which the Assistant County Administrator acts as a liaison to support coordination and shared priorities. The position also serves as a liaison to the County Auditor, and portfolio assignments may change according to organizational needs. The Assistant County Administrator helps shape countywide initiatives and decisions, contributes to the annual budget process, advises on legislation affecting County operations, leads work on local-option levy development for public-safety services, and represents the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners in community settings and partnerships. Key initiatives include the Jail and Community Corrections Center Expansion Project, Courthouse Replacement Project, Community Corrections Contact Standards Implementation, and Oregon Public Safety Coordination Grant. 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 over 2,400 employees. The position remains open until filled, with the first application review beginning the week of November 16. The role requires the ability to arrange timely transportation for off-site appointments and meetings, complete a comprehensive background check, and serve on call and respond to emergencies except while on approved leave.

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 government management experience, 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 budget and fiscal systems.
Knowledge of criminal justice systems and how to build productive partnerships with public-safety agencies.
Ability to use data, research, and analytical reasoning to identify trends, solve problems, and support informed decisions.
Ability to develop short- and long-term plans with clear goals, actionable steps, and measurable outcomes.
Ability to identify challenges, weigh options, and implement solutions that support organizational goals and keep work moving forward.
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.
Sound judgment and political awareness, including anticipating decision impacts, maintaining confidentiality, and thoughtfully navigating sensitive issues.
Ability to arrange timely transportation to attend required appointments and meetings at off-site locations.
Successful completion of a comprehensive background check.
Ability to act on call 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 the County Auditor to support coordination and shared priorities.
Contribute centrally to the annual budget process and make outcome-focused recommendations.
Collaborate with government relations staff and County departments to analyze and advise on legislation affecting County operations.
Lead work related to developing local-option levies that provide funding for 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, including during transitions or organizational change.