Director, Public & Government Affairs

Clackamas County; Oregon City (OR); Hybrid; USD 177,000 - 239,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid on-site/telework

PERS retirement plan

Sick and vacation plan

Job summary

Clackamas County in Oregon is seeking a Director of Public and Government Affairs to lead Government Affairs, Communications, and Community Engagement. This executive role partners with elected officials and county leadership to drive legislative priorities and public engagement.

You will guide strategic communications, credibility-building, and cross-department collaboration while maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of nine years of relevant communications, government affairs, public involvement, or media relations experience, including at least three years in management with supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience developing strategic communications plans, key messages, and strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local government operating methods and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to travel long distances, including overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for Government Affairs, Communications, and Community Engagement and align the department’s work with countywide priorities.
• Advise the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, and executive leadership on legislative, intergovernmental, communications, and public engagement issues.
• Lead the development and advancement of the county’s state, regional, and federal legislative priorities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with legislators, elected officials, government leaders, community organizations, associations, media, and other key partners.
• Anticipate emerging issues and assess legislation, public policy, and external developments for potential implications for the county.
• Shape countywide communications strategies, key messages, editorial standards, and approaches to communicating complex or sensitive issues.
• Strengthen the county’s framework for meaningful, accessible, and inclusive public involvement.
• Oversee cable franchise relationships, public education and government resources, and video production services.
• Lead departmental budgeting, contracts, resource allocation, and organizational planning.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team while fostering collaboration across the county.

Skills

Nine years communications/government

Strategic communications

Written and verbal communication

Government operations familiarity

Analytical skills

Travel ability

Education

Master’s degree in Public Administration/Political Science/Communications

Job description

CLACKAMAS COUNTY

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.

Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.

Core Values

• SPIRIT: Our Core Values
• Explore Clackamas County
• Recreation, Arts & Heritage

CLOSE DATE

This position will remain open until filled. The next application review is Monday, October 19, 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $ 176,726 - $ 238,578 annually (plus 6.27% deferred compensation and 6% PERS retirement contribution). The actual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is employed "at will" under an employment contract with the County Administrator.

Job Details And Qualifications

Clackamas County seeks a strategic, politically astute, and highly collaborative executive to serve as its next Director of Public and Government Affairs (PGA). This high-profile leadership role operates at the intersection of government, communications, public policy, and community engagement. As part of the county’s Executive Management Team, the director will guide public communications, community engagement, collaboration with elected officials and government partners, and advance legislative priorities.

Reporting directly to the County Administrator, the director serves as the county's executive leader for public and government affairs and works closely with the Board of County Commissioners, and county departments. The director will lead teams in Government Affairs, Communications, and Community Engagement. The role requires balancing long-term strategies with immediate needs, advising leaders on complex issues, building relationships across diverse interests, and clarifying sensitive or high-profile matters.

Our next director will have the opportunity to strengthen communications strategy, expand public engagement, modernize programs, and create new ways for residents to connect with county government.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an accomplished leader with a deep understanding of public-sector communications and engagement. They possess expertise in government relations, public policy, strategic communications, and community engagement, as well as the executive presence to advise senior leadership and elected officials.

You are a trusted advisor who distills complex legislative, policy, and operational issues into clear recommendations. You understand that effective government relations rely on credibility, strong relationships, thorough preparation, and identifying common interests.

As a strategic communications leader, you understand that effective public information involves more than delivering messages. You listen, anticipate concerns, reach diverse audiences, and create meaningful opportunities for dialogue.

As a people leader, you develop talent, foster collaboration, and clarify shared priorities. You lead effectively through ambiguity, balance competing demands, and maintain professionalism and sound judgment.

For an executive who views public affairs as both a strategic function and a relationship-driven discipline, this role offers the opportunity to shape how a large and complex county communicates, listens, collaborates, and engages.

Required Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills

• A minimum of nine (9) years of relevant communications, government affairs, public involvement, or media relations department or program experience, of which three (3) years must include managerial experience including supervisory responsibilities, that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position.
• Experience developing strategic communications plans, key messages, and strategies
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and patience
• Familiarity with a broad range of federal, state, and local government operating methods and procedures
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to travel long distances, which includes overnight travel

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills

• A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
• Executive-level leadership experience directing a public affairs, government relations, communications, community engagement, or similarly broad portfolio within a public-sector organization
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing legislative or government affairs strategies at the local, regional, state, or federal level, including advocating on behalf of an organization’s policy priorities
• Demonstrated experience advising both elected officials and executive leadership while maintaining appropriate organizational roles, reporting relationships, and lines of accountability
• Experience leading an integrated communications function that includes strategic communications, media relations, public information, digital communications, and/or public engagement
• Experience leading communications, government affairs, or public engagement during high-profile, complex, or sensitive public issues that require coordination among elected officials, executive leadership, multiple departments, and external stakeholders

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Driving is required for county business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.
• For veterans qualified for Veterans' Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Set strategic direction for Government Affairs, Communications, and Community Engagement and align the department’s work with countywide priorities.
• Advise the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, and executive leadership on legislative, intergovernmental, communications, and public engagement issues.
• Lead the development and advancement of the county’s state, regional, and federal legislative priorities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with legislators, elected officials, government leaders, community organizations, associations, media, and other key partners.
• Anticipate emerging issues and assess legislation, public policy, and external developments for potential implications for the county.
• Shape countywide communications strategies, key messages, editorial standards, and approaches to communicating complex or sensitive issues.
• Strengthen the county’s framework for meaningful, accessible, and inclusive public involvement.
• Oversee cable franchise relationships, public education and government resources, and video production services.
• Lead departmental budgeting, contracts, resource allocation, and organizational planning.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team while fostering collaboration across the county.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership: Sets direction, anticipates emerging issues, and connects department priorities to countywide goals.
• Government Relations: Understands legislative processes and builds effective relationships across all levels of government.
• Executive Communication: Clearly communicates complex issues and provides credible advice to elected and executive leaders.
• Political Acumen: Navigates sensitive issues with sound judgment, discretion, and an understanding of varied perspectives.
• Public Engagement: Develops inclusive, accessible, and effective approaches to community involvement.
• Organizational Leadership: Builds high-performing teams, develops talent, and promotes collaboration across organizational boundaries.
• Strategic Communications: Translates complex information into clear, consistent, and audience-focused messages.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is included in the county’s alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.

This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework, based on the Department’s business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed at the time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is employed "at will" under an employment contract with the County Administrator.

This position requires long-distance and overnight travel.

This position is designated as essential and may be required to report to or remain at work during inclement weather, major emergencies, or disasters when other employees may be excused. Individuals in this role help ensure the continuity of vital county services and may be asked to remain on duty or report to work as directed by their supervisor. In emergency situations, employees may also be temporarily assigned related duties to support critical operations.

Benefits Information

Clackamas County offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular-status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.

Generous Paid Time Off Package, Including

• 16 hours of vacation accrual per month, Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to front-load their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation leave at the time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrual per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP): Employer-paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.)
• Executive-level employees receive a county-paid contribution of 6.27% of base salary into a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre- or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see link below for additional information)

This is a full-time, Non-Represented Group 1 county position.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Public and Government Affairs is the county’s central resource for connecting government with the people and organizations it serves. Its work spans Government Affairs, Communications, and Community Engagement, bringing together legislative strategy, public information, media relations, civic engagement, and strategic communications.

PGA works directly with the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, executive leadership, and departments throughout the organization. It also serves as a bridge between the County and legislators, government partners, community organizations, media, and residents.

The department is positioned for its next chapter. Key opportunities include developing a new strategic communications plan and community engagement framework, expanding youth engagement, launching a volunteer recognition program, refreshing established programs, and advancing digital accessibility.

Learn more about the Clackamas County PGA Department

APPLICATION PROCESS

Clackamas County only accepts online applications.

• Help with the Application.
• If you have any questions or issues, you may contact the Department of Human Resources by calling 503-655-8459 or emailing us at [e-mail] . Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).

How To Claim Veteran's Preference

Requesting Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they must complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States before their first day.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability, or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.