Strategic Initiatives Manager - COO's Office

Multnomah County • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Multnomah County is seeking a Strategic Initiatives Manager to support the strategic priorities within the office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO oversees all County departments and key corporate functions. This position provides advice and support to the COO, Deputy COO’s, and other County leaders, managing a variety of complex, confidential, and often countywide or cross-jurisdictional projects. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and project management skills. They should be an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations. The role requires someone who is unflappable, solutions-oriented, collaborative, and adept at transforming challenges into opportunities while influencing others. As a motivated change agent, they lead with humility, inspire trust, and are dedicated to serving others.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field; experience may substitute for the degree.
• Three (3) to six (6) years of increasingly responsible leadership experience.
• At least two (2) years of senior level consulting experience or project management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of administration in the public sector, including methods used in project management, policy analysis, and strategic planning.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise working effectively with diverse groups and individuals at all organizational levels.
• Knowledge and understanding of equity and empowerment frameworks for policy, program, and organizational decision-making.
• Experience analyzing and making sound recommendations on highly complex and sensitive issues.
• Proficiency creating and presenting proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively in meetings and before internal and external groups.
• Competence exercising tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex situations.
• Capability working under tight deadlines and multiple competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and implementation, defining scope, goals, milestones, and deliverables.
• Manage budgets, resources, timelines, risks, and documentation.
• Develop and administer budgets for the Department of County Management (DCM), including presentations and forecasting.
• Troubleshoot urgent requests for the COO’s office, including emergencies and requests from the Chair and Board of Commissioners.
• Provide expert guidance, represent the county to the public and other agencies, and resolve confidential inquiries.
• Serve as the DCM legislative coordinator.
• Offer thought-partnership and project support to Central HR for workforce development initiatives.
• Provide operations policy analysis and strategic communications.
• Provide strategic analysis and support for policy and procedure implementation, ensuring compliance and best practices.
• Collaborate with various departments and agencies, assisting executive leadership in policy development.
• Recommend and oversee programs, policies, and regulations.
• Prepare reports and lead complex projects, including Countywide initiatives and organizational studies.
• Advocate for and support department directors with organizational change.
• Participate in the annual budget process.
• Administer contracts and oversee RFPs.
• Serve as a liaison to other agencies, boards, and committees.
• Communicate professionally with elected officials, directors, and staff.
• Prepare talking points, presentations, and other communications for the COO and Deputy COO’s.

Benefits

• Employer-funded retirement savings
• Health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Focus on work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior