Assistant County Administrator

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

Job summary

Washington County is seeking a collaborative Assistant County Administrator who will guide a mission-driven, community-centered organization. You will work with the County Administrator, fellow assistants, and department directors to lead major county initiatives with integrity, accountability, and service to residents.

In this leadership role, you will oversee a portfolio including public safety-related departments and liaise with elected officials, while shaping state and local policy and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, public policy, political or social science, economics, or a related field; AND
• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in government management, including the lead responsibility for the development and coordination of complex interjurisdictional programs and projects, analysis of management problems, fiscal analysis, and budget work. Three (3) of the six (6) years of experience must include supervision of professional-level staff.

Responsibilities

• Play a central role in the annual budget process and offer outcome-focused recommendations.
• Collaborate with government relations staff and County departments to analyze and advise on legislation that affects operations.
• Lead work related to local option levy development that provides critical funding to public safety services.
• Represent the County Administrator and Board in community settings, on boards and committees, and in cross-agency partnerships.

Skills

Public administration

Local government

Budget process

Legislation analysis

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Communication

Leadership

Relationships management

Judgment & confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in public/public policy/related field

Six years government management experience

Master's degree preferred / ICMA-CM / Public Administration Certificate

Job description

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

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

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.

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Assistant County Administrator

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 and ensure residents have access to essential resources and opportunities.

Washington County operates under a council‑manager form of government. The five elected Commissioners appoint a County Administrator who serves as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. The Board Chair is elected countywide, while the remaining four Commissioners are elected by district, each serving four-year terms.

The County works closely with incorporated cities, five fire districts, Clean Water Services, and other service districts to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and community institutions. In rural areas, Washington County provides traditional county services such as zoning and sheriff patrols. Although the urban portion of the County includes several cities and suburban neighborhoods, the rural area accounts for the majority of the County’s land base.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, public policy, political or social science, economics, or a related field; AND
• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in government management, including the lead responsibility for the development and coordination of complex interjurisdictional programs and projects, analysis of management problems, fiscal analysis, and budget work. Three (3) of the six (6) years of experience must include supervision of professional-level staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 eligible for credentialing status.
• Public Administration Certificate.

Additional Requirements

• Must have the ability to arrange for timely transportation to attend required appointments and meetings at off‑site locations.
• Completion of a comprehensive background check.
• Must have the ability to act in an on-call capacity and respond to emergencies, except when on approved leave.

Selection Process

You can review our standard selection process here.

Our Commitment To You

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation Under The Americans With Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [e-mail] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status Of Your Application

You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

Notice:

Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.