CLACKAMAS COUNTY CORE VALUES

Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:
· Service · Professionalism · Integrity · Respect · Individual accountability · Trust
By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We’re always looking to improve. That’s the Clackamas County SPIRIT. Clackamas County Core Values

JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Clackamas County has an exciting opportunity for a skilled and proactive Policy Advisor to join our Office of the County Administrator. In this pivotal role, you’ll work closely with our County Administrator and the Board of County Commissioners to support decision-making, conduct research, and help drive initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of county residents. Your work will directly impact the policies and programs that shape our community, making this role not just a job but a chance to make a real difference.
As a Policy Advisor, you will serve as a vital connector between the County Administrator, the Board of County Commissioners, county departments, and the community. You will conduct in-depth research, analyze programs and policies, and develop thoughtful recommendations to guide decision-making. Whether managing constituent outreach, coordinating public meetings, or advising on legislative and strategic initiatives, your work will directly support the county’s mission of delivering responsive and effective services to all county residents. From managing commissioner schedules to facilitating collaborative partnerships and promoting cross-departmental alignment, you will play a hands-on role in ensuring county initiatives are thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful. Additionally, you will support special events and provide backup assistance within the Office of County Administration to help maintain smooth operations. Our Policy Advisors also support a variety of special events, from community forums to policy summits, providing an opportunity to engage with the community in a meaningful way while also managing the logistics behind the scenes, including maintaining commissioners’ individual calendars and coordinating their appointments and meetings.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong grasp of local government dynamics and a passion for community-focused work. You bring a mix of analytical skills and emotional intelligence, capable of diving into complex policy matters while remaining approachable and tactful in your communication. You are comfortable navigating sensitive or confidential issues and are skilled at building trust with diverse stakeholders. A successful Policy Advisor is someone who can balance multiple priorities, well organized, deliver clear and compelling written materials, and act with integrity and discretion. If you enjoy solving problems, fostering collaboration, and shaping policies that improve lives, this is a role where you will thrive.
Clackamas County is a place where your work directly supports those leading our community. As a Policy Advisor, you will play a key role in helping our elected county commissioners navigate complex issues, make informed decisions, and serve the public effectively. Your insights, research, and strategic guidance will empower our elected officials to lead with clarity, respond to community needs, and advance policies that reflect the values and priorities of Clackamas County.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/ TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS:*

• A minimum of three (3) years of related experience in public, community, and government relations or familiarity with community issues and local government that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position
• Experience preparing analysis reports, speeches, and correspondence
• Experience addressing and handling highly confidential and sensitive issues
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in frequent contact with public officials, government agencies, county leaders and employees, private organizations, and the public
• Ability to work occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours

PREFERRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS/ TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS:*

• Experience in local government working with an elected official(s), including experience in analyzing policy
• Experience analyzing issues from multiple perspectives
• Knowledge of public administration, community, and government relations
• Knowledge of key public policy areas such as but not limited to: human and social services, public safety, land use, housing, transportation, and economic development
• Knowledge of research and problem-solving methods

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. Learn more about the county’s driving policy
• 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.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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 constituent complaints; research community issues and concerns; prepare and maintain reports, records and confidential information; review 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.

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.
• 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 residents of the county; collaborates with department(s) on policy development and implementation related to Commission initiatives; advises
• Commissioners on implementation alternatives, their impacts, and pros and cons.
• Performs research and analysis and provides recommendations to the County Administrator and Board regarding proposed policy.
• Maintains commissioners’ individual calendars; schedules and coordinates appointments and meetings; screens calls, emails, and office visitors; and provides information, assistance, and referrals regarding county services and programs.
• Works with the County Administrator and assigned Commissioner(s) to understand their specific perspectives and needs.
• Reviews and responds to incoming BCC email, mail, and phone call inquiries; responds to inquiries from constituents that may involve highly confidential and sensitive issues; works with staff to identify creative strategies to achieve solutions; prepares responses for Commissioner’s review and signature; resolves problems and complaints.
• Coordinates and publicizes special events, public meetings, and business gatherings; assists in preparing agendas and inviting participants; arranges facilities and refreshments; may develop or assist in outreach plans to inform and involve residents.
• Proactively initiates and completes special research projects; provides materials regarding policy issues as needed and directed by the County Administrator.
• Ensures the County Administrator is kept apprised of assigned Commissioner’s areas of concern or interest; participates in formal briefings and meetings as requested by the County Administrator as needed.
• As needed, review and analyze the content of information in study session packets.
• Provides backup support to administrative positions within the Office of County Administration, including the Clerk to the Board and front office staff.