Policy, Performance & Research Analyst

Clackamas County; Oregon City (OR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Clackamas County's Social Services Division seeks an experienced Policy, Performance and Research Analyst to analyze data, develop strategic plans, and support program evaluation. The role focuses on data collection, policy development, and coordinating outreach with stakeholders to improve services for vulnerable populations.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical abilities, excellent communication, and experience with grant requirements and reporting.

Qualifications

• Strong skills collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify issues and support program evaluation.
• Experience with strategic planning and development of outreach and project management plans.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with diverse audiences.
• Experience preparing clear reports and communicating findings.
• Familiarity with applying complex laws, regulations, and grant requirements.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and equity practices.
• Technical skills with data systems for reporting and dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Research and evaluation of policies and procedures to identify efficiency improvements.
• Support division initiatives through research, analysis, planning, and coordination.
• Provide information to leadership for strategic planning and decision-making.
• Write and maintain administrative documents and policy materials.
• Lead internal workgroups and coordinate with stakeholders on projects.

Skills

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Reporting

Policy interpretation

M365 / data systems

Education

Master's degree in public administration or related field

Tools

M365 tools

Job description

This Job Posting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Please Note: The application deadline may be extended to expand the pool of qualified candidates. Any recruitment timeline changes will be communicated to all who have initiated an application process or have submitted an application.

JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Clackamas County's Social Services Division is looking for an experienced individual with analytical skills and a focus on community service to join our division as a Policy, Performance and Research Analyst.

Clackamas County Social Services Division of the Health, Housing and Human Services Department provides direct services to vulnerable individuals and families, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities and low-income households to promote stability and allow everyone to remain in their homes and communities while meeting their essential needs. Social Services employs over 200 employees with an annual budget of over $65 million. We are the county's Community Action Agency, the Area Agency on Aging and provide comprehensive services for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities, veterans' services and transit programs.

Social Services is seeking a Policy, Performance and Research Analyst to help us obtain our strategic service objectives, meeting funder requirements and promote an environment of continual process improvement. The ideal candidate will bring experience with collecting and analyzing data, including research, planning, evaluating and monitoring Social Services programs and systems, as well as experience with creation and monitoring of strategic plans, community outreach and grant writing. We are looking for candidates with intellectual curiosity, a collaborative style, resilience and eagerness to learn. The most successful candidates will also bring experience with creating and maintaining administrative policies, special project coordination and identification of public relations opportunities, including writing press releases and coordinating legislative outreach.

Required Minimum Qualifications / Transferrable Skills

• Minimum of four (4) years of related experience that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position.
• Strong skills collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and research to identify issues, evaluate outcomes, and develop recommendations to support program evaluation, development and growth. Experience recommending improvements to policies, procedures and operations.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning, including development of outreach and project management plan, collecting and analyzing complex data and working with internal and external stakeholders to support strategic objectives and improved services to the public.
• Familiarity with interpreting and applying complex state and federal laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and legislative mandates. Experience ensuring that compliance is maintained with conditions and requirements associated with grant funders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with stakeholders and prioritize effectively in a complex and every changing environment. Experience establishing shared goals, develop action plans, and monitor progress toward deliverables.
• Experience preparing clear and concise reports and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences and in a variety of formats, including internal communications strategies
• A commitment to continuous learning and staying current with evolving equity practices.
• Strong technical skills related to the use of M365 tools and other data systems that support reporting requirements. Experience using data to create reports and dashboards to communicate critical information to internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Special Qualifications / Transferrable Skills

• Proven background in administrative analysis or program monitoring within a social service program or agency. Familiarity with programs that focus on alleviating poverty and provide short and long term support to keep county residents safe and healthy.
• Experience with public relations opportunities, including the development of press releases and other materials to support both planning projects and ongoing community outreach. Providing data and research to support the county's legislative outreach.
• Experience researching, preparing, and writing federal, state and local grant proposals.
• Master's degree in public administration, social work administration, business administration, or a related field preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.
• 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 Veteran's 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

Research, Data Collection & Analysis

• Conducts research and gathers qualitative and quantitative data related to Social Services Division programs, policies, services, and initiatives. Evaluates trends, program activities and provides support for informed decision-making. Identifies opportunity for program improvement with evaluation of existing practices and processes.
• Prepares research summaries, analytical reports, findings, and recommendations to support division planning and program development. Translates complex information and research findings into clear, concise materials for internal and external audiences.

Strategic Communications & Public Outreach

• Develops, implements, and coordinates strategic communication initiatives to increase awareness and understanding of Social Services Division programs, services, and priorities.
• Supports internal communication through creation, editing, and distribution of informational materials and outreach content across various communication channels. Communications are accurate, consistent, accessible and aligned with division messaging and organization priorities.
• Identifies communication and public outreach opportunities to improve public awareness, accessibility, and understanding of division services. Plans, develops, and coordinates public outreach activities, including legislative forums, community engagement opportunities, and service initiatives.

Policy, Program & Process Development

• Research and evaluation of policies, procedures, and administrative practices to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Supports the development and implementation of division initiatives through research, analysis, planning, and coordination.
• Provides information and recommendations to division leadership to support strategic planning and operational decision-making.

Administrative Documentation & Content Development

• Writes, edits, reviews, maintains, and updates Social Services Division administrative documents, policies, procedures, and related materials. Develops and revises written content to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and alignment with division standards.

Collaboration, Coordination & Continuous Improvement

• Leads and facilitates internal workgroups focused on communication strategies, administrative processes, and division-wide improvement initiatives. Coordinates with division leadership, program staff, and internal stakeholders to gather information, identify needs, and advance assigned projects. Tracks project activities, coordinates follow-up efforts, and communicates progress and outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Provides technical assistance, research, and analytical support to division staff on assigned projects, communications, and process improvement activities.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is included in the County's alternate workweek program, working 37.5 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 may be eligible for hybrid on-site/telework after six months of employment, based on the Department's business needs and requirements. Employees are expected to work on-site at least 50% of their time, in accordance with Department requirements. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during 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.