Staff Assistant to the Board

Washington County, Oregon•Hillsboro, OR

About The Position

Staff Assistants to the Board of County Commissioners provide professional support to full-time County Commissioners and serve on the County Administrative Office team. The role supports County programs and partnerships and has a direct impact on Washington County communities. Staff Assistants build and maintain relationships with elected officials at all levels of government, community partners, and stakeholders. They coordinate schedules and activities, draft talking points, speeches, and correspondence, represent Commissioners in interactions with the public and partner organizations, and conduct research and analysis to support policy priorities and informed decision-making. Staff Assistants are part of a team within the County Administrative Office, which focuses on implementing a One Washington County approach to services. The position serves as a connector among elected officials, staff, stakeholders, and the community. The County Administrative Office includes the County Administrator, Assistant County Administrators, the Office of Access and Opportunity, Government Relations, and Central Communications, and serves departments in advancing Board of Commissioners goals and policy direction. The position requires a bachelor's degree in public or business administration or a related field and three years of related policy analysis and development experience; or an associate degree in one of those fields and five years of related experience; or a high school diploma or GED and seven years of related experience. A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record must be maintained throughout employment, and a comprehensive background check is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public or business administration or a related field and three years of policy analysis and development experience related to the position within a public, private, or nonprofit entity; or an associate degree in one of those fields and five years of related experience; or a high school diploma or GED and seven years of related experience.
Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record throughout employment.
Completion of a comprehensive background check.
Knowledge of public administration principles; public, community, and government relations; government operations; County organization and functions; project management; research and problem-solving; and business communication and office administration.
Ability to communicate politically sensitive information effectively, orally and in writing, to varied audiences.
Ability to coordinate complex schedules and administrative activities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to compose clear, accurate, and effective written materials.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive issues.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, County leadership, staff, community partners, external organizations, and the public.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and competing priorities, and adapt to changing direction and policy goals.
Ability to exercise sound professional and political judgment, analyze issues from multiple perspectives, recommend solutions, and implement actions after goals and direction are established.
Ability to apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Provide professional support to full-time County Commissioners.
Coordinate schedules, activities, administrative work, and priorities for elected officials.
Draft talking points, speeches, correspondence, reports, and other written materials.
Represent Commissioners in interactions with the public and partner organizations.
Conduct research and analysis to support policy priorities and informed decision-making.
Research, collect, organize, analyze, and summarize information related to policy, operations, and constituent matters.
Maintain confidential records and information and use discretion when handling sensitive issues.
Communicate County and policy positions to varied audiences and build cooperative relationships with stakeholders.
Support the Board of Commissioners’ goals and implementation of its policy direction.