Assistant County Administrator Jobs

The position is open until filled with the first review on July 17, 2023.

Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Assistant County Administrator strategically collaborates with the County Administrator, peer Assistant County Administrators, and Chief Officers to build a leading-edge, mission-focused organization that better serves the community now, and in the years ahead. The position contributes to building a human-centered organization that integrates equity into decision-making and supports the health, effectiveness, creativity and talent of all County employees.

The Assistant County Administrator is appointed with the delegated authority to make decisions on behalf of the County Administrator and serves as the Strategic Planning Officer. This position is responsible for leading the County’s strategic planning efforts and modernization in an anticipated portfolio of services that currently includes Land Use and Transportation, Economic Development, Westside Commons (formerly the Fair Complex) and Cooperative Library Services. This position may also serve as a liaison to one or more departments including Finance, Human Resources and the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement. The portfolio may adjust over time based on business needs.

The Assistant County Administrator collaborates with the County Administrator in establishing the strategic direction, mission and operations of the County and exercises professional judgment and applies this to complex, multi-disciplinary and sensitive issues. The Assistant creates a workplace that promotes and implements the organizational values of equity, diversity and inclusion and actively sponsors an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society. The position serves as a member of the Executive Leadership team, responsible for shaping and realizing the County's vision, mission and goals as established by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Assistant County Administrator actively participates in the annual countywide budget process and develops outcome-based recommendations for the County Administrator. The position works in partnership with the government relations staff and County departments to analyze and make recommendations on bills before the State Legislature affecting the operations of County departments. In addition, the Assistant County Administrator represents the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners before various boards, committees and community groups related to the portfolio and serves as a liaison to other agencies as needed.

The position supervises department directors and division managers and effectively advocates and supports department leadership regarding organizational change management initiatives. The Assistant County Administrator communicates short- and long-term goals and objectives and reviews annual departmental work plans, refining the objectives of departments within the goals of the County government. The position also collaborates with departments to develop performance measurement tools and monitor performance outcomes to planned actions.

The Priorities

• Actively embrace and support the ongoing implementation of the Design the Future initiative. Contribute to creating an organizational identity that promotes effectiveness, creativity and better support for employees and centers equity within the organization in service to the entire Washington County community.
• Encourage employee development, remove barriers to collaboration and build shared knowledge and deeper support for cross-departmental collaboration of systems, structures and expectations.
• Lead the County’s strategic planning process. The desired plan accounts for community needs and service priorities and effectively collaborating to identify service levels, performance metrics and community outcomes that connect the strategic plan to the County’s budget and performance reporting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to civil rights, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as a key organizational value. Support the County’s ongoing EDI initiative to deliver equitable outcomes throughout the County’s programs, budgets, decision-making and service delivery.

The Successful Candidate

Washington County seeks an experienced executive leader who is strategic and forward-thinking with a genuine passion for equitable and inclusive outcomes. The Assistant County Administrator brings their own set of diverse experiences that add value and perspective while complementing and supporting a highly effective and engaged Executive Leadership Team. With an entrepreneurial approach and a genuine interest in modernizing local government operations, the successful candidate embraces change and transformation in support of a shared vision.

Through highly effective leadership skills, the Assistant County Administrator successfully manages and empowers others in a complex, changing environment. The ideal candidate easily identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements best practices to drive necessary change. The successful candidate appreciates lean management, uses data and analytics to drive decisions and leverages technology and innovation in support of efficient operations. It is imperative for the successful candidate to engage in multi-disciplinary thinking and anticipate the consequences of policy decisions. The Assistant County Administrator easily navigates difficult conversations, communicates critical budget decisions and proposes necessary trade-offs to ensure the sustainability of the organization.

With sound emotional intelligence, the Assistant County Administrator values the diversity of thought and serves as a catalyst for broad countywide discussions. Known as a natural convener and collaborator, the successful candidate recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels. Balancing and respecting a variety of views and facilitating conflict resolution during the decision-making process while moving forward is essential. The Assistant County Administrator supports high-performing organizations, encourages cross-departmental collaboration and effortlessly partners with the County Administrator to provide sound advice and guidance in support of broader organizational alignment.

With a human-centered approach, this transformational leader builds trust through authenticity while leading and empowering staff and promoting a culture that embraces change for the better. The successful candidate is approachable and actively nurtures an open and welcoming environment that continues to advance the County’s EDI initiatives. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, believes in transparent communication and actively keeps others well informed. The Assistant County Administrator maintains effective working relationships and works to build a more responsive, equitable and strategically collaborative organization.

At least six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in government management, including at least three (3) years of experience supervising professional-level staff, is required. Prior experience driving change and transformation and lead responsibility for strategic planning, developing and coordinating complex inter-jurisdictional programs and projects, analysis of management problems, fiscal consideration and complex budget work is essential. A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, political science, economics, or a related field is required.

A master’s degree in business or public administration, public policy and administration, social science or a related field is preferred. International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) designation or other leadership certification is ideal.

Inside Washington County

Washington County is a home-rule municipality that operates under the council-manager form of government. The five non-partisan elected Commissioners appoint a County Administrator to serve as the Chief Executive of the organization. The Chair of the Board of County Commissioners is elected at large, while the four other Commissioners are elected from districts. All Commissioners are elected to serve four-year terms. The County’s Executive Leadership Team is comprised of the County Administrator, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer and four Assistant County Administrators.

Through a dedicated workforce of 2,391 FTEs, County services are provided through a number of departments, divisions and offices: Administrative Officer Operations; Assessment & Taxation; Community Corrections; Community Development; Cooperative Library Services; Economic Development; Emergency Management; Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement; Facilities, Parks and Fleet Services; Finance; Government Relations; Health & Human Services; Housing Services; Human Resources; Information Technology Services; Juvenile Services; Land Use & Transportation; Law Library; Public Affairs & Communications; Sustainability; Watermaster and Westside Commons/Fair Complex. There are two liaison positions that support the offices of County Counsel & Auditor and the offices of the Sheriff, District Attorney & the Courts. The County’s All Funds Budget for FY 2023-24 is $1.7 billion, of which $347 million is the General Fund Budget and $301.7 million is the Capital Budget. The remainder is part of various special funds for specifically designated purposes.

The County works cooperatively with the cities that are wholly or partially within the County’s boundaries, five fire districts, plus Clean Water Services and other service districts to serve the County’s shared residential, business and institutional constituents. The County provides classic county services in rural areas, including zoning and public safety/sheriff patrols. The rural acreage of Washington County far exceeds the size of the urban area of the County, which includes cities and urban unincorporated suburban neighborhoods.

Through the Design the Future initiative, Washington County continues to focus on building a more responsive, equitable and strategically collaborative organization and recognizes the need for a well-trained, well-resourced, diverse and inclusive workforce that can function across disciplines and organizational structures.

The Community

The area currently known as Washington County, Oregon, rests on land that was first inhabited by the Atfalati Kalapuyans, also called the Tualatin people, who flourished here for thousands of years. Settlers began arriving in what would become Washington County in the 1830s. Washington County is among the most culturally diverse counties in the State of Oregon.

Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, immigrants, refugees and people of all walks of life have rich histories and present-day experiences that encompass living, working, recreating and establishing businesses and faith communities in Washington County. In 2020, the Washington County Board of Commissioners publicly committed to creating an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and ensures all residents have equitable opportunities to lead healthy, peaceful, safe and sustainable lives.

Washington County is Oregon’s second-largest county with a population of 606,378. Residents have the unique privilege of engrossing themselves in some of the nation’s finest cultural amenities without forgoing access to picturesque natural landscapes. A beacon of originality, the Portland metropolitan area is home to one of the nation’s most vibrant music scenes, internationally famous street food, an iconic microbrew culture and a full calendar of events that is sure to provide year-round entertainment. Nicknamed the Silicon Forest, Washington County boasts Intel’s largest research and development location and share of employees and is the headquarters of Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Reser’s Fine Foods and Leupold & Stevens.

The County seat and largest city is Hillsboro, which is widely known for its concentration of high-tech companies and its minor-league baseball team – the Hillsboro Hops. Beaverton is the County’s second-largest city and with a population just shy of 100,000, it consistently ranks among the nation’s best places to live. Rural lands and forested areas surround the entire urban area of the County. Three small, rural cities on the outskirts of the County’s urban center account for approximately 1% of the population. While 56% of the County resides within the ten Metro area cities, another 38% live in unincorporated suburban neighborhoods. Over 30,000 residents live in Washington County’s large, rural areas of farm and forest land. The County’s vibrant agricultural economy is sustained through the growing of berries, grapes and grains.

From hiking through lush forests and nature parks to enjoying the serenity of a day at the lake, outdoor adventure is never far away in Washington County. The Tualatin Valley’s pristine rural wetlands and nature preserves are a haven for bird and wildlife-watching enthusiasts. The Northern and Western portions of the County are forested and sparsely populated but offer miles of trails and bike paths. Washington County enjoys the temperate year-round climate found throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the Assistant County Administrator is $167,631 - $ 213,857 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidates. Benefits offered to all employees include the following:

• Enrollment in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System
• Vacation, administrative, holiday and sick leave
• Monthly Vehicle Allowance
• Washington County Wellness Program
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free annual TriMet light rail/bus pass

How to Apply

Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives and life experiences. The organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony, offering job stability and an opportunity to serve and support the growing, diverse community. Washington County is an equal-opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with the first review on July 17, 2023.

Please direct questions to Heather Gantz at [email protected] or 513-221-0500.

Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salaried/exempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.