Assistant County Administrator

Washington County, Oregon; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 185,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County in Oregon seeks an Assistant County Administrator to guide a mission‑driven, community‑centered organization.

You will oversee public safety departments and coordinate with elected officials, directors, and staff, shaping major countywide initiatives and annual budgets while ensuring accountability and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public administration and local government operations.
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems and partnerships with public safety agencies.
• Ability to use data, research, and analytical reasoning to identify trends and support decisions.
• Ability to develop short and long‑term plans with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead and support teams with clear expectations and high performance.
• Ability to work with elected officials and department leaders across agencies.
• Ability to supervise and develop directors during transitions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio including Sheriff, District Attorney, Law Library, Justice Court, Community Corrections, and Juvenile Services.
• Lead budget discussions and provide outcome‑driven recommendations.
• Coordinate with government relations and departments on legislation affecting operations.
• Lead work on local option levy development for public safety funding.
• Represent the County Administrator and Board in community settings and cross‑agency partnerships.

Skills

Public administration

Criminal justice partnerships

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Communication

Team leadership

Stakeholder relations

Confidentiality

Job description

Note : This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Range:

$185,487.84 - $236,638.44 Salary

Department:

County Administrative Office (CAO)

FLSA Exemption Status:

Exempt

About the Opportunity:

This position will remain open until filled with the first review of applications beginning the week of November 16. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed as needed.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Washington County

Washington County is looking for a collaborative, forward thinking Assistant County Administrator who is passionate about public service and community impact. In this key leadership role, you will work closely with the County Administrator, fellow Assistant County Administrators, and Department Directors to help guide a mission driven, community centered organization. Our work is grounded in integrity, stewardship, accessibility, collaboration, and accountability. Through our One Washington County vision, we build a connected future that ensures all residents have access to essential resources and opportunities.

What You Will Lead

With delegated authority from the County Administrator, you will oversee a portfolio that includes primarily public safety related departments such as the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney's Office, Law Library, Justice Court, Community Corrections, and Juvenile Services. Some departments within this portfolio have directors who report directly to this position, while others are led by independently elected officials. In those cases, the Assistant County Administrator serves as a liaison to support coordination and shared priorities. The position also serves as a liaison to the County Auditor, and portfolio assignments may shift over time based on organizational needs.

In this role, you will help shape major countywide initiatives and decisions by:

• Playing a central role in the annual budget process and offering outcome focused recommendations
• Collaborating with government relations staff and County departments to analyze and advise on legislation that affects operations
• Taking a leadership role in work related to local option levy development that provides critical funding to public safety services
• Representing the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners in community settings, on boards and committees, and in cross agency partnerships

Key Projects You Will Champion

• The Jail and Community Corrections Center Expansion Project
• The Courthouse Replacement Project
• Community Corrections Contact Standards Implementation
• Oregon Public Safety Coordination Grant

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of Public administration and local government operations, including how budget and fiscal systems function in day‑to‑day practice.
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems and how to build productive partnerships with public safety agencies.
• Skill in using data, research, and analytical reasoning to identify trends, solve problems, and support informed decision‑making.
• Skill in developing short and long‑term plans with clear goals, actionable steps, and measurable outcomes.
• Skill in identifying challenges, weighing options, and implementing solutions that support organizational goals and keep work moving forward.
• Skill in communicating effectively, including explaining complex information, navigating difficult conversations, and keeping stakeholders informed during times of change.
• Ability to lead and support teams with various responsibilities 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 supervise and develop director‑level employees, particularly during periods of transition or organizational change.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and political awareness, anticipate the impacts of decisions, maintain confidentiality, and navigate sensitive issues thoughtfully.

About Washington County

Washington County is Oregon's second‑largest county, serving more than 620,000 residents with a workforce of over 2,400 employees who are committed to supporting health, safety, and strong, vibrant communities. As a mission‑driven, community‑centered organization, the County provides a wide range of services grounded in integrity, stewardship, accessibility, collaboration, and accountability. Through its "One Washington County" vision, employees and leaders work together to shape the future of the organization