Director, Public & Government Affairs

Clackamas County seeks a strategic, politically astute, and highly collaborative executive to serve as its next Director of Public and Government Affairs (PGA).

This high-profile leadership role operates at the intersection of government, communications, public policy, and community engagement. As part of the county’s Executive Management Team, the director will guide public communications, community engagement, collaboration with elected officials and government partners, and advance legislative priorities.

Reporting directly to the County Administrator, the director serves as the county's executive leader for public and government affairs and works closely with the Board of County Commissioners, and county departments. The director will lead teams in Government Affairs, Communications, and Community Engagement. The role requires balancing long-term strategies with immediate needs, advising leaders on complex issues, building relationships across diverse interests, and clarifying sensitive or high-profile matters.

Our next director will have the opportunity to strengthen communications strategy, expand public engagement, modernize programs, and create new ways for residents to connect with county government.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished leader with a deep understanding of public-sector communications and engagement. They possess expertise in government relations, public policy, strategic communications, and community engagement, as well as the executive presence to advise senior leadership and elected officials.

You are a trusted advisor who distills complex legislative, policy, and operational issues into clear recommendations. You understand that effective government relations rely on credibility, strong relationships, thorough preparation, and identifying common interests.

As a strategic communications leader, you understand that effective public information involves more than delivering messages. You listen, anticipate concerns, reach diverse audiences, and create meaningful opportunities for dialogue.

As a people leader, you develop talent, foster collaboration, and clarify shared priorities. You lead effectively through ambiguity, balance competing demands, and maintain professionalism and sound judgment.

For an executive who views public affairs as both a strategic function and a relationship-driven discipline, this role offers the opportunity to shape how a large and complex county communicates, listens, collaborates, and engages.

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be Thursday, October 15, 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.