THE POSITION

The Opportunity
The Washington County Administrative Office (CAO) is searching for an Assistant to the County Administrator. This position supports the County Administrator by providing logical and sound discretion, judgment, and responsive service which are vital to maintaining the needs of a dynamic and diverse community. This position is about knowing whom to talk to, where to find critical information, and how best to share key details - timeliness and accuracy are essential. The County Administrator sees this role as a direct pathway to grow future public leaders and community champions.

Our Ideal Candidate
Passion:
A passion for county government, interest in strategic planning, and navigating complex infrastructure and large-scale organizational needs are valued. Awareness and insight into community interests, political acumen, and professionalism will be essential to ensure projects are coordinated and communicated with a wide variety of stakeholders and community partners.

Coordination & Organization:
The perfect person for this position thrives on organizing and streamlining work systems for executives and their jam-packed calendars and agendas. Has the ability to navigate the political environment and work effectively with elected leaders, county leadership, constituents, and community-based organizations. They are familiar with the Microsoft Office 365 Suite of products and are experienced with other modern office programs or learn new software quickly.

Equity & Inclusion;
A proven track record of policy work that prioritizes belonging and inclusion resulting in equitable outcomes for all people will be a key focus of the hiring process. It is simply not enough to say Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are important – these values must be reflected in the work and progress of Washington County.

Innovation:
You see the future of our community and government working together and will have the opportunity to manage Washington County's community strategic planning efforts.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you're interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above. If you can see yourself in this position, so can we!

As Assistant to the County Administrator, on any given day you may find yourself:

• 
  Thoughtfully coordinating calendars, schedules, and events, and ensuring the cadence meets the goals of the County Administrator.
• Providing detailed and clear context for policies, laws, and regulations.
• Managing and tracking various projects related to County priorities and initiatives that flow from the County Administrative Office.
• Drafting memos, and a variety of communique for internal and external audiences.
• Communicating and collaborating with County Commissioners, County leadership, and CAO team members on key projects, strategic initiatives, and programs.

Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!
As one of Oregon's Healthiest Counties, we care about our employees and are actively exploring ways to improve everyone's work/life balance by considering alternate work schedules and some telecommuting options. Your total compensation package will be comprised of more than just your annual salary; it will also include a comprehensive benefits package with family and same-gender domestic partner health benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer-paid. Other benefits include Oregon PERS Retirement, a deferred compensation program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Click to learn more about Benefit Offerings and Wellness Programs at Washington County!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree with a focus in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, Communications, or other relevant areas of study related to the position; AND Seven (7) years of policy analysis and development experience related to the position. OR

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences, Communications, or other relevant areas of study related to the position; AND Five (5) years of policy analysis and development experience related to the position.

The following qualifications are preferred but not required to be successful in this position:

• Bilingual/Multilingual fluency
• Applicable Master's Degree

Next Steps

• Apply today! In lieu of a resume, you are required to complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Act.

• MQ Review: HR will screen applications for MQs after the posting closes - after April 23, 2023.

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Depending on the number of applicants that meet MQs, a SME panel may perform an in-depth evaluation of your application materials, including your responses to the supplemental questions.

• Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates who successfully pass the SME Review as soon as possible.

• Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate(s) and extend an offer of appointment.

• Post-Offer Check: The successful candidate will undergo a thorough background and driving record check.

• Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to request veterans' preference points for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
• Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: A 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 at 503-846-8606 or careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before the step(s) of the selection process for which you feel you need an accommodation.

Additional Resources

• Questions about this recruitment? Contact Carlton Babbidge at carlton_babbidge@washingtoncountyor.gov

• New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process. Need technical support? Call Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.

Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salaried/exempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.

For more information on the MAPPS policy, please review the specific document using this link:Click Here

This position is not represented under a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!
Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
• Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
• Alternative Care Coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
• Bike lockers and repair stations
• A charitable giving program
• Oregon College Savings Plan

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click here .

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.