Job Description
County Policy Advisor
Clackamas County
Oregon City, OR 97045
Clackamas County seeks an experienced, highly-skilled, dynamic, and creative professional with experience working in a policy arena to serve as the County Policy Advisor. This new role will support the County Administrator by providing executive and administrative support and project coordination. The County Policy Advisor will serve as a policy advisor, policy analyst, and executive assistant to the County Administrator and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
Working with the County Administrator and the BCC, this position will facilitate effective service delivery in all county programs by researching issues, preparing summary reports, and responding to inquiries from citizens and county employees. The incumbent performs a mix of policy, professional and technical assignments and provides administrative support to the County Administrator.
With a broad knowledge of community, county, and legislative issues and activities, the County Policy Advisor will exercise independent judgment and discretion in frequent contact with public officials, government agencies, county department directors and employees, private organizations, and the public. The selected candidate will work with our Commission Policy Advisor team to facilitate this work within the Office of County Administration.
Competitive candidates will possess a working knowledge of public administration, community and government relations, research, and problem-solving methods. Knowledge of critical public policy areas such as public health and safety, land use, affordable housing, transportation, and economic development is preferred. Candidates must possess the skills to communicate sensitive information effectively, analyze issues from multiple perspectives, prepare analysis reports, speeches, and correspondence, and establish an environment of honesty, trust, and integrity.
This recruitment may also be used to establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill additional openings during the life of the eligibility list.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of everything we do. Clackamas County is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. In that spirit, we encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
At least 2 years of experience in public, community and government relations and/or familiarity with community issues and local government
Demonstrated experience effectively communicating sensitive information
Experience preparing policy analysis, reports, speeches and correspondence
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in frequent contact with public officials, government agencies, county department directors and employees, private organizations and the public
Demonstrated organization and project management skills & abilities
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. Learn more about the County's driving policy
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
At least 2 years of experience in local government working with an elected official, including experience in policy making arena
Experience analyzing issues from multiple perspectives
Experience with politically sensitive issues
Knowledge of public administration, community and government relations
Knowledge of key public policy areas such as public health and safety, land use, affordable housing, transportation, and economic development
Ability to critically analyze and understand policy issues and perspectives in order to make policy recommendations to elected officials and executive leadership
Knowledge of research and problem solving methods
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Researches, analyzes and develops program proposals, legislation and community issues; summarizes and documents findings and recommendations; prepares comprehensive reports, presentations and speeches.
Collaborates with department(s) on policy development and implementation related to Commission initiatives; advises Commissioners and the County Administrator on implementation alternatives, their impacts, and pros and cons.
Uses a strong understanding of County Administration and Board of County Commissioners’ goals, perspectives, and opinions to act as a resource for others concerning the interpretation of policy and objectives.
Maintains individual calendars of Commissioners and/or County Administrator; schedules and coordinates appointments and meetings; screens telephone and office callers; provides information, assistance and referral regarding county services and programs.
Reviews and responds to inquiries from citizens that may involve highly confidential and sensitive issues; works with staff to identify creative strategies to achieve solutions; prepares responses for Commissioner's and/or County Administrator’s review and signature; resolves problems and complaints.
Represents the Board of County Commissioners or County Administrator at designated public and county meetings; conveys concerns and opinions on issues to the Commissioners or County Administrator.
Coordinates and publicizes special events, public meetings and business gatherings; assists in preparing agendas and selecting participants; arranges facility and refreshments; may develop or assist in outreach plans to inform and involve citizens.
Builds and maintains relationships and communications with county staff; promotes cooperative team efforts among county departments; initiates, anticipates and responds to policy changes desired by internal county staff and citizens of the county; mediates and assists in resolving disputes.
Reviews and analyzes content of information packets related to study sessions, Board hearing agendas and community meetings; advises, edits and comments on internal and public communications; proofreads for sensitivities; discusses key elements/concerns, and community history and values with Commissioners, the County Administrator and department management prior to public meetings; staffs BCC formal briefings and discussions including scheduling, coordinating and monitoring internal and external contacts, press liaisons and public records requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Working knowledge of: Principles of public, community and government relations; communication and interpersonal techniques; principles and practices of public administration; research and problem solving methods and techniques; project management methods and techniques; Federal, state, regional and local government operations; organization and functions of county departments and agencies; English composition and grammar; basic math; office methods and procedures.
Skill to: Communicate politically sensitive information effectively, both orally and in writing; collect, organize and summarize data; analyze issues and problems from multiple perspectives; identify and resolve citizen complaints; research community issues and concerns; prepare and maintain reports, records and confidential information; compose speeches and correspondence; establish and maintain effective working relationships involving considerable tact and diplomacy with public officials, private organizations, county employees and the public; operate office equipment; establish an environment of honesty, trust and integrity.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position and all positions within the Commission Policy Advisor classification are employed "at will" under an employment contract with the County Administrator. Specific assignments can change at any time.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.
EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY
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 400,000 citizens.
Explore Clackamas County
Working for Clackamas County
Recreation, Arts & Heritage
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The County Administrator's Office works with the Board of County Commissioners to facilitate effective and quality service delivery in all County programs. The County Administrator serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the County and is responsible for providing overall direction to County Departments and programs consistent with policy established by the Board of County Commissioners.
Learn more about Clackamas County Administration
APPLICATION PROCESS
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help With Your Application:
Application Process
Help with the Application
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. 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
Request Veterans' Preference
Learn more about the County's Veterans' Preference
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
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.