CLOSE DATE

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.

COMPENSATION

Annual Pay Range: $89,257.65 - $120,499.22

Hourly Pay Range: $42.91 - $57.93

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on the candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position.

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.

As a Policy Advisor, you will connect the County Administrator, the Board of County Commissioners, county departments, and the community. You will conduct research, analyze programs and policies, and develop recommendations to guide decision-making. Whether managing constituent outreach, coordinating public meetings, or advising on legislative and strategic initiatives, your work will support the county's mission to deliver responsive and effective services to all residents. You will manage commissioner schedules, facilitate partnerships, and promote cross-departmental alignment to ensure initiatives are thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful. Additionally, you will support special events and provide backup assistance within the Office of County Administration to maintain smooth operations.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong grasp of local government dynamics and a passion for community-focused work. You bring analytical skills, administrative skills and emotional intelligence, allowing you to handle complex policy matters while remaining approachable and tactful. You are comfortable with sensitive or confidential issues and skilled at building trust with diverse stakeholders. A successful Policy Advisor balances multiple priorities, stays organized, delivers clear written materials, and acts with integrity and discretion. If you enjoy solving problems, fostering collaboration, and shaping policies that improve lives, you will thrive in this role.

Clackamas County is a place where your work directly supports those leading our community. As a Policy Advisor, you will help the elected county commissioners navigate complex issues, make informed decisions, and serve the public effectively. Your insights, research, and strategic guidance will help our elected officials 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 Qualifications/Transferrable Skills:*

• Experience in local government working with elected officials, 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, including 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.

*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.

TYPICAL TASKS

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 communication with county staff; promotes cooperative team efforts among departments; initiates, anticipates, and responds to policy changes requested by staff and residents; collaborates with departments 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 inquiries; handles constituent inquiries that may involve confidential and sensitive issues; works with staff to identify creative solutions; prepares responses for the 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.

KEY COMPETENCIES

In this role, you will serve as a trusted representative of the Office of the County Administrator, coordinating projects, supporting policy initiatives, managing constituent inquiries, preparing briefing materials, and facilitating communication between county leadership, departments, partner agencies, and the public. You will also monitor emerging issues, track legislative and strategic initiatives, coordinate meetings and special projects, and help move priorities forward efficiently.

You will thrive by balancing multiple priorities, anticipating needs, exercising sound judgment, and delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. Success requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, political awareness, adaptability, professionalism, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is included in the County's alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required to support operational needs and special events. Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position when an offer of employment is extended.

This position is designated as on-site/in-person. It is expected that the selected candidate will perform duties at the specified on-site work location.

BENEFITS INFORMATION

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.

We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective on the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.

Generous paid time off package, including:

• 16 hours of vacation accrual per month
  • Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals! This means you have access to vacation leave at the time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrual per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year

Other Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
  • Employer-paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.)
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see link below for additional information)

This is a full-time, Non-Represented Group 2 county position

Learn More About Benefits

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 the Application

If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources by calling 503-655-8459 or emails us at [email protected] . 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

• Requesting Veterans' Preference
• Learn more about Oregon's Veterans' Preference

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day .

RECRUITMENT CONTACT

James Callahan, Recruiter
Email: [email protected]