Public Affairs & Communications Coordinator

Washington County, Oregon; Hillsboro (OR); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County’s Administrative Office (CAO) is seeking a Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator to support internal communications across departments and respond to media and constituent inquiries. This role partners with Human Resources, Finance, IT, Facilities, Fleet and Parks to ensure clear, equity‑minded messaging.

The position may qualify for a hybrid work schedule with some in-person and remote work determined by business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Communications, Journalism or related degree, and two years’ experience in public/governmental affairs.
• Graduate level training in a related field is preferred.
• Must possess a driver’s license valid in Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Assist with internal county communications and serve as liaison to departments.
• Support media and constituent inquiries to the Board and CAO.
• Develop and execute strategic communications plans for multiple audiences using written, verbal, video, earned media and social content.

Skills

Public information

Media relations

Strategic communication

Journalistic writing

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Public/Business Admin

Graduate-level training preferred

Job description

Job Type

Regular

Pay Range

$97,611.24 - $118,599.12 Salary

Department

County Administrative Office (CAO)

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

About the Opportunity

Washington County’s Administrative Office (CAO) is now seeking a Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator to assist with the county’s internal communication efforts. This position will be part of the overall communications function of the CAO and will work closely with and serve as a communications liaison to the departments providing services that are internal to the county organization, including Human Resources; Finance; Information Technology Services; Facilities, Fleet and Parks Services. This position will also help in responding to media and constituent inquiries to the Board and County Administrative Office.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with regular in-person time and some remote work determined by business needs.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of public information, media relations, public education and equity-centered communication practices.
• Skill in developing and executing strategic communication plans to reach multiple audiences with written, verbal, video, earned media and social media content.
• Skill in journalistic composition, including researching, analyzing, organizing and presenting complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships and manage communication projects in a team environment.

About the Department/Division

The County Administrative Office serves as Washington County’s central coordinating body, aligning the Board of Commissioners’ priorities with the work carried out across all departments. As the administrative arm of the Board, the office provides strategic direction, supports cross-departmental collaboration and ensures that County programs and services are delivered effectively, efficiently and accessibly. The department oversees four key program areas that advance countywide goals: County Administration, Intergovernmental Relations, the Office of Access and Opportunity and Communications.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Communications, Journalism or related degree; and two years experience related to public or governmental affairs.
• Graduate level training in a related field is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess a driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.

Selection Process

Standard selection process available.

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.